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A luxurious twist on the classic brownie — these Dubai Chocolate Brownies are inspired by the iconic Dubai Chocolate Bar from FIX Dessert Chocolatier, featuring layers of fudgy brown butter brownie, pistachio kataifi cream, and a glossy tahini chocolate top.

If you’ve heard of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, you know they’re famous for creating the indulgent Dubai Chocolate Bar— a pistachio cream and kataifi–filled chocolate bar that quickly went viral and is often simply called Dubai Chocolate. As of now, you can only purchase the original bar in Dubai, which makes it even more coveted. In response, dupes have popped up all over the world.

I’ve tried a few of those dupes — one in Paris and a couple in the States — and honestly, I wasn’t impressed. Most tasted like a simple chocolate bar, with barely any pistachio cream or kataifi crunch compared to the thick, luscious layers I’d seen in FIX’s viral videos. That’s why, when I developed this brownie version, I wanted the pistachio kataifi layer to be the star.

The base is my signature brown butter brownie — fudgy, nutty, and deeply chocolatey. The middle is a generous layer of pistachio kataifi cream for authentic crunch and flavor. And the top is a rich chocolate-tahini shell that sets in the fridge and cracks beautifully with every bite.

While this recipe may take more time (and yes, the pistachios and kataifi make it a bit of a splurge), the payoff is absolutely worth it. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate, nutty pistachio cream, and crunchy kataifi, finished with a rich chocolate shell that cracks beautifully when chilled. It’s not an everyday dessert — it’s a special occasion showstopper.

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Why You’ll Love These Dubai Chocolate Brownies

• Inspired by FIX Dessert Chocolatier: A brownie take on Dubai’s most talked-about chocolate bar.
• Layers of Texture: Fudgy brownie, creamy pistachio kataifi, and a snappy chocolate shell.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: A true showstopper dessert for gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Best served chilled, so you can prep them in advance.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownie Base

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, browned
• 4 oz (113 g) baking chocolate (56%)
• ¼ cup (50 g) white sugar
• ¾ cup (160 g) packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp (44 g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (25 g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• ¼ cup (44 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pistachio Kataifi Layer

• 3 cups (65 g) shredded kataifi (torn into small pieces)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups (375 g) pistachio cream
• Pinch of salt

Chocolate Tahini Topping

• 2 cups (350 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp tahini paste
• Pinch of salt

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Dubai Brownies with Brown Butter

Step 1: Make the Brownie Base

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma—about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove butter from heat and pour melted brown butter along with the brown leftover bits in the pan into the bowl with the 4 oz baking chocolate. Quickly whisk until smooth. Add Dutech-process cocoa powder and vanilla extract until combined. Let it cool slightly for 5 minutes.
4. Whisk in the sugars untill glossy. Then add the eggs one at a time whisking well after each egg until combined.
5. Add in flour and salt till combined. THen gently add in chocolate chips.
6. Spread brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Kataifi Filling

1. While the brownies are baking in the same saucepan that was used to brown the butter. Melt the 3 TBSP of butter. Then toss the shredded kataifi with melted butter until evenly coated and the shredded katafi begins to turn golden brown.
2. Remove from heat and pour into a medium mixing bowl.
3. Stir in pistachio cream and a pinch of salt.
4. Spread evenly over the cooled brownie base, pressing gently into place.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Tahini Top

1. After adding the pistachio katafi filling on top of the cooled brownies is when you want to start making the chocolate tahini, as you don't want the chocolate to harden. Melt chocolate with tahini in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler (or in 20-second microwave bursts).
2. Stir until glossy and smooth.
3. Pour over the pistachio kataifi layer, tilting the pan for full coverage.
4. OPTIONAL: Lightly swirl in 1 TBSP pistachio cream on top of the chocolate filling for a design or sprinkle with chopped pistachios, edible rose petals, or sea salt if desired.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the top layer is set and crisp.
2. Slice with a sharp, warm knife for clean edges.

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Tips for Perfect Dubai Chocolate Brownies

• Use quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the shinier and snappier the top layer.
• Don’t skimp on the filling: The kataifi-pistachio layer should be thick and generous.
• For extra flavor: Add a drop of rosewater or orange blossom to the pistachio cream.
• Best served chilled: They hold their shape and have the best crunch straight from the fridge.
• Plan ahead: This recipe takes some time to assemble, and the high‑quality pistachios and chocolate can be pricey. But trust me — the result is worth every minute and every penny.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with Turkish coffee or cardamom-spiced tea.
• Cut into mini squares and serve on a dessert platter.
• Add a touch of edible gold leaf for a true Dubai-inspired luxury finish.

Storage Notes

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze slices (without the topping) for up to 2 months, then add the chocolate topping fresh before serving.

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More Brown Butter Desserts to Try

• Brown Butter Toffee Blondies
• Brown Butter Peanut Butter Brownies
• Brown Butter Peach Blondies