dubai chocolate brownies;
Dubai chocolate brownies are two rich, dense, fudgy brownie layers sandwiching a crunchy pistachio cream layer. The pistachio layer is inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend, where pistachio cream is mixed with toasted kataifi dough.
If you’ve never had it, kataifi dough is spun dough into these really fine shreds. It’s crunchy, think crispy chow mein noodles only really, really fine. The strands themselves can be rather bland on their own, but it adds a satisfying crunch in the sweet pistachio filling. The texture is really satisfying in every bite, and pairs so well with dark chocolate. That’s where the brownies come in!
We start Dubai chocolate brownies with my classic crinkle top brownie recipe, adapted from halfbaked harvest. But instead of one 9″x13″ pan, we separate the dubai chocolate brownies into two 8″x8″ pans to form the two layers. We need to adjust the baking time for smaller volumes, and you can always check the center of your brownies with a toothpick. They’re ready when they come out clean or the batter just barely tugs at the toothpick if you like extra fudgy brownies.
Dubai chocolate brownies uses my classic crinkle top brownie recipe, but we adjust the baking times to make two 8″ x8″ layers. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
secret to success
Once the brownies are baking, mix together your Dubai chocolate filling. It’s really about as simple as you can get–two ingredients! Pistachio cream and toasted kataifi dough. As I mentioned before kataifi dough is a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern pastry, spun into incredibly thin strands. You’ll often find the raw dough in the freezer section of ethnic markets that carry Middle Eastern or Mediterranean products, but these days Dubai chocolate is so popular you can find other varieties at some less specialty retailers as well. I simply got mine off amazon for convenience, already toasted too.
If you get frozen kataifi dough, you’ll need a few extra steps of prep. Thaw the dough from frozen in the refrigerator ~4 hours or as package instructions indicate. Refrigerator is best to avoid the dough from becoming mushy. Once thawed, you’ll want to chop it up finely into 1 – 1/2″ pieces and then toast in butter over medium heat until golden brown (5-10 minutes). Make sure the kataifi is completely cool before mixing with the pistachio butter.
If you get frozen kataifi dough, you’ll need a couple extra steps to toast it up.
secret to success
The way that the Dubai chocolate brownies’ filling remains crisp is the fact that neither ingredient has moisture in it. Pistachio cream is fat and sugar, and the toasted kataifi is crisp and doesn’t retain moisture. But that’s why it’s important to let both brownies and toasted kataifi cool down. Steam from hot brownies or dough can give off moisture and therefore affect the final texture.
Steam from hot brownies or toasted kataifi can give off moisture and affect the final texture, so make sure everything is fully cooled before assembling.
secret to success
Make sure that everything is room temperature and fully cooled before assembling so the dubai chocolate filling stays crisp and crunchy. You’ll also need to be delicate with cutting the brownies, since the brownies are thick, and filling can smoosh out a little. I also recommend cutting small squares. Both to make it last, and because they’re so rich, a little goes a long way!
secrets to success;
Want all the best tips and tricks to make this recipe a success? Check out the blog post above to find out more!
more recipes;
Love all things brownie and chocolate? Well, you’re in the right place! Check out these fan favorites:
- These decadent tiramisu brownies have a coffee marscapone whipped topping that make them truly scrumptious!
- Do you remember those classic Little Debbie cosmic brownies? Well now you can make them at home–both the classic chocolate and a white chocolate version! Get the recipe for cosmic brownies here.
- Double up on chocolate! French silk brownies up the ante on your traditional brownies and look extra adorable with chocolate curls.
- Everything but the kitchen sink brownies are a fun take where you dump in all sorts of goodies. Pretzels, toffee bits, oreos–whatever your heart desires!
- Love dubai chocolate? You can also make these chocolate coated dubai pistachio truffles. A great way to use up more kataifi dough if you have some left over from you dubai chocolate brownies.
dubai chocolate brownies;
Ingredients
brownie layers;
- 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2½ teaspoons instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
dubai chocolate filling;
- 1 cup kataifi dough toasted (I buy pre-toasted)
- ½ cup pistachio cream
Instructions
brownie layers;
- Line two 8×8" pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, add 2 cups of semisweet chocolate chips and 2 sticks (1 cup) of butter. Microwave in 30 second increments until the butter is melted and the chocolate chips begin to melt. Stir together until melted and smooth.
- Add 1½ cups sugar, 1 Tbsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, and 2½ tsp coffee granules to the melted chocolate. Mix together to combine.
- In a small bowl, add 4 eggs and whisk together until frothy and bubbly. Fold the scrambled eggs to the chocolate mixture.
- Add ½ cup flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, and 1 tsp baking powder. Stir to combine. Do not overmix.
- Evenly split the mixture between the two 8"x8" prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the brownies are just set. Test the center with a toothpick, it should come out clean when they're ready. Allow to cool
dubai chocolate filling;
- While cooling, in a medium bowl, add 1 cup toasted kataifi and ½ cup pistachio cream. Mix together gently until evenly coated.
- Once the brownies have cooled, add the dubai chocolate filling on top of one layer of brownie. Spread out evenly with a spatula. Add the second layer on top, and cut the brownies. They're very rich, I recommend small brownies!
1 Comments
Laura
February 10, 2026 at 10:37 pm
Best take on the Dubai chocolate trend! The combination of the filling with the brownies is simple and so good.