Dubai Chocolate Brownies
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If you’ve been curious about the Dubai chocolate trend but don’t know where to start these Dubai Chocolate Brownies are the answer. They’re easy to make, give you the taste of Dubai chocolate, and a stellar dessert everyone loves. Or will, once they try it!
They start with a box mix brownie base, get topped with a crispy pistachio filling, and finish with a thick layer of chocolate frosting. Every bite is loaded with chocolate, pistachio, and crunch.
These brownies are also a conversation starter. If you’ve seen Dubai chocolate all over social media, this is a fun way to try those flavors without tracking down expensive specialty candy bars.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
The ingredient list is surprisingly short but you do need to have a few special items, I talk about the two special ingredients below. I’ve linked to ones I used if you want to get the exact versions of them that I used.
- Betty Crocker Brownie Mix
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Kadayif
- Pistachio Cream
- Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Frosting
Notes On Ingredients
This recipe and most Dubai chocolate recipes call for Kadayif and Pistachio Cream. I found both of these ingredients on Amazon but the first Pistachio Cream I picked up from Amazon was not good. It was very bitter and gritty. I was looking for smooth and lightly sweet. I found the one I linked to below at my local Business Costco. But it’s also and Amazon and linked below.
What Is Kadayif?
If you’ve never worked with kadayif before, don’t worry it’s easy. It’s simply shredded phyllo dough that’s commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts. It looks a little pale when you first open the package, and kind of like tiny egg noodles, but once it’s toasted it becomes wonderfully crisp and crunchy. And it’s definitely not pasta!
For these Dubai Chocolate Brownies, the kadayif is toasted until golden brown and mixed with pistachio cream. That crunchy layer is one of the things that makes Dubai chocolate so popular. Without it, you’d have a delicious brownie, but you’d miss the texture that makes this dessert stand out.
What Is Pistachio Cream?
Pistachio Cream is a smooth, sweet spread made from pistachios. It has a sweet nutty flavor and a creamy texture that’s similar to other nut butters like peanut butter or nutella. There seems to be a lot of variety in pistachio creams and butters, so be sure to taste test the pistachio cream before you make something from it. If you’ve never tried it before, this recipe is a great introduction.
How to Change It Up
You can make a simple ganache for the top of the brownies instead of using the frosting. I just like the frosting hack because it’s such and easy way to make a smooth top. Also, have you seen the price of chocolate these days?
Store Leftovers
Store leftover brownies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. I say keep them in a single layer because the weight of them stacked on top of each makes them susceptible to sticking together.
Chilling or even freezing helps keep the layers firm and makes the brownies easier to slice. I serve them chilled from the fridge.
Dubai Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 box Betty Crocker brownie mix
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
Pistachio Layer
- 1 1/2 cups kadayif shredded phyllo dough, toasted
- 2 cups pistachio cream
Chocolate Topping
- 16 oz chocolate fudge frosting
Instructions
Make the Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal
- Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly
- In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, and milk until combined
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan
- Bake for 33-36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean
- Cool the brownies completely
Toast the Kadayif
- Spread the kadayif in a small baking pan
- Toast for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown
- Allow the kadayif to cool completely
Assemble the Brownies
- Place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water
- Add the chocolate frosting to the bowl and warm gently, stirring occasionally, until smooth and pourable
- In a medium bowl, combine the toasted kadayif and pistachio cream until well mixed
- Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the cooled brownies using an offset spatula
- Pour the warmed frosting over the pistachio layer
- Gently spread the frosting to cover the entire surface
- Refrigerate until fully set
- Lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment overhang
- Slice into 16 squares and serve
Video
Notes
- Toast the kadayif while the brownies bake to save time.
- Chilling the brownies makes them easier to slice cleanly.
- For extra texture and presentation, sprinkle chopped pistachios over the frosting before chilling.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
