Can I use pre-made knafeh from the store?

Absolutely! The frozen knafeh pastry (kataifi) you find in Middle Eastern markets works perfectly—just thaw it overnight in the fridge first. My only warning? Avoid the pre-baked, syrupy knafeh desserts—they're too sweet and won't give us that crisp texture we want in these bars.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

If you prefer less sweetness, try these tweaks: Use 85% dark chocolate instead of 70% Reduce sugar to 120g (but don't go lower—the sugar helps set the texture) Skip the powdered sugar dusting at the end The floral waters actually help balance the sweetness too, don't cut those!

Why did my chocolate separate from the pastry?

This usually happens if the knafeh pastry was too wet (did you thaw it properly?) or if the mixture cooled too much before baking. Next time, work quickly after melting the chocolate and make sure your pastry is completely dry—spread it on a tray for 10 minutes if needed to air out.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try! Swap the butter for coconut oil (use refined unless you want coconut flavor) and use vegan dark chocolate. The texture will be slightly different—more fudgy than crisp—but still delicious. Just know traditional knafeh often contains butter, so check your pastry ingredients too.

How do I get clean cuts without crumbling?

Here's my bar-cutting ritual: Cool completely (patience is key!) Use a hot knife —dip it in boiling water and dry quickly between cuts Wipe the blade after each slice A little crumble at the edges is normal—consider it "quality control" sampling!

Dubai Chocolate Bar Pistachio Knafeh Recipe

Name: 10-Min Dubai Chocolate Bar Pistachio Knafeh Recipe - Rich & Crunchy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 100g unsalted butter; 150g sugar; 100g crushed pistachios; 200g knafeh pastry (kataifi); 1 tsp rose water; 1 tsp orange blossom water; Pinch of salt

Description

A rich and indulgent dessert combining the flavors of chocolate, pistachio, and knafeh for a Middle Eastern twist on a classic treat.

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate, chopped
100g unsalted butter
150g sugar
100g crushed pistachios
200g knafeh pastry (kataifi)
1 tsp rose water
1 tsp orange blossom water
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
Mix in the sugar, rose water, and orange blossom water.
Add the crushed pistachios and knafeh pastry, folding gently to combine.
Press the mixture into a lined baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.

Notes

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
Toast the pistachios lightly for extra crunch.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern