🎉 Introduction
Every once in a while, a dessert takes over the internet and becomes a global sensation. Recently, the world fell in love with the Dubai Chocolate trend, which combines pistachios, shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi), and chocolate into an unforgettable treat. Bakers across social media quickly turned this concept into brownies, and the Dubai Chocolate Brownie was born.
This dessert is luxurious, fudgy, nutty, and crunchy all in one bite. Imagine a rich chocolate brownie base layered with buttery pistachio-kataifi, then topped with glossy chocolate ganache. It’s indulgence at its finest and a true feast for both the eyes and taste buds.
The best part? You don’t need to be a professional pastry chef to make these brownies. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step process, you can recreate this viral Dubai dessert at home and impress everyone at your table.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- 2 mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
🛒 Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Pistachio Kataifi Layer:
- 1 ½ cups kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry)
- ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter (for shine)
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the brownie base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, remove from heat, and whisk in sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until just set.
Step 2: Prepare the pistachio kataifi layer
- While brownies cool slightly, preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine kataifi, pistachios, melted butter, and sugar.
- Spread mixture on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then gently press over brownie base.
Step 3: Make the ganache
- Heat heavy cream until simmering.
- Pour over chocolate chips and butter in a bowl.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Assemble
- Pour ganache over brownies topped with pistachio kataifi.
- Spread evenly with spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 5: Serve
Cut into neat squares with a sharp knife. Each piece will reveal the fudgy brownie, crunchy pistachio-kataifi, and silky ganache.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12–16 squares
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours (mostly chilling)
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Not recommended—these brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace pistachios with toasted coconut flakes.
- White Chocolate Ganache: Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter topping.
- Extra Pistachio Cream: Drizzle pistachio paste or butter on top of ganache before setting.
- Coffee Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Layered Elegance: Make two thinner brownie layers and sandwich the pistachio-kataifi between them with ganache on top.
❓ 10 FAQs
- What makes Dubai brownies unique?
The pistachio-kataifi layer paired with chocolate ganache makes them stand out. - Can I skip the kataifi?
Yes, but you’ll lose the signature crunch. Substitute crushed graham crackers or wafer cookies. - What is kataifi?
A shredded phyllo pastry used in Middle Eastern desserts. - Do I need to toast the kataifi first?
Yes, it ensures crispiness. - Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely—saves time and still tastes amazing. - Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day. - How do I cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wiped dry before each cut. - Are these overly sweet?
No, the dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the layers. - Can I add more toppings?
Yes, drizzle extra chocolate or sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. - What occasions are these best for?
Parties, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress.
🏁 Conclusion
These Viral Dubai Chocolate Brownies are more than just dessert—they’re an experience. Each bite delivers the fudgy richness of brownies, the nutty crunch of pistachio-kataifi, and the silky smoothness of chocolate ganache. It’s a layered masterpiece that feels luxurious yet approachable.
Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, these brownies capture the viral dessert trend and bring it straight into your kitchen. With their striking appearance and unforgettable taste, they’re bound to disappear quickly—so you might want to make a double batch.

Viral Dubai Chocolate Brownie Recipe – Rich, Fudgy & Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, remove from heat, and whisk in sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, whisk until smooth.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until just set.
- While brownies cool slightly, preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, combine kataifi, pistachios, melted butter, and sugar.
- Spread mixture on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then gently press over brownie base.
- Heat heavy cream until simmering.
- Pour over chocolate chips and butter in a bowl.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Pour ganache over brownies topped with pistachio kataifi.
- Spread evenly with spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Cut into neat squares with a sharp knife. Each piece will reveal the fudgy brownie, crunchy pistachio-kataifi, and silky ganache.
Notes
The pistachio-kataifi layer paired with chocolate ganache makes them stand out. Can I skip the kataifi?
Yes, but you’ll lose the signature crunch. Substitute crushed graham crackers or wafer cookies. What is kataifi?
A shredded phyllo pastry used in Middle Eastern desserts. Do I need to toast the kataifi first?
Yes, it ensures crispiness. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely—saves time and still tastes amazing. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they taste even better the next day. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wiped dry before each cut. Are these overly sweet?
No, the dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the layers. Can I add more toppings?
Yes, drizzle extra chocolate or sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. What occasions are these best for?
Parties, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress. 🏁 Conclusion These Viral Dubai Chocolate Brownies are more than just dessert—they’re an experience. Each bite delivers the fudgy richness of brownies, the nutty crunch of pistachio-kataifi, and the silky smoothness of chocolate ganache. It’s a layered masterpiece that feels luxurious yet approachable. Perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself, these brownies capture the viral dessert trend and bring it straight into your kitchen. With their striking appearance and unforgettable taste, they’re bound to disappear quickly—so you might want to make a double batch.