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Dubai Chocolate on a Budget

Dubai chocolate on a budget with kataifi pastry and date filling.

Dubai Chocolate on a Budget – Luxurious Flavour Without the Cost

If you love the rich taste of Dubai chocolate but want a budget-friendly alternative, this Dubai Chocolate on a Budget recipe is perfect for you! Traditional Dubai chocolates often use pistachios, which can be quite pricey. Instead, we’re swapping them for naturally sweet dates, paired with crispy kataifi pastry and a rich chocolate coating. The result? A decadent treat with an irresistible crunch and a chewy, caramel-like centre—without the luxury price tag!

Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, gifting them to loved ones, or simply craving a homemade sweet, this recipe brings the indulgence of Middle Eastern-inspired chocolate to your kitchen without breaking the bank.
 Scroll down or tap the ‘Jump to Recipe’ button to view the full recipe with exact measurements.

Dubai chocolate on a budget with kataifi pastry and date filling.
A budget-friendly version of Dubai chocolate, featuring crispy kataifi pastry, sweet dates, and rich chocolate.

Why You’ll Love This Budget-Friendly Dubai Chocolate

  • Affordable Yet Delicious – Pistachios can be expensive, but dates offer a naturally sweet and satisfying alternative.
  • Perfectly Crunchy & Creamy – The combination of crispy kataifi pastry and soft date filling creates a delightful contrast.
  • Easy to Make – No complicated techniques or silicone moulds required — just simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Customisable – Use dark, milk, or white chocolate, add spices, or switch up the fillings to suit your taste.
  • Great for Gifting – These chocolates look stunning and make the perfect homemade treat for family and friends.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavour

This recipe is proof that a few simple ingredients can create something truly special:

  • Kataifi Pastry – Light, crisp strands of pastry, toasted to golden perfection.
  • Dates – Naturally sweet and chewy, offering a rich caramel-like flavour. I recommend using Medjool dates for the best taste and texture.
  • Toasted Almonds – A crunchy surprise inside each chocolate.
  • Chocolate – Choose your favourite—dark, milk, or white chocolate for a luscious coating.
  • Butter & Oil – Used to toast the kataifi and help the chocolate achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
  • Rose Petals – An optional garnish for a delicate aroma and an elegant touch.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate on a Budget

Toast the Kataifi Pastry – Chop the kataifi pastry into small pieces and toast it in butter until golden and crispy. Let it cool completely.

    Frying kataifi pastry in a pan until golden and crispy.
    Watch as kataifi pastry transforms into a golden, crispy base for our budget-friendly Dubai chocolate treat.

    Prepare the Filling – Blend dates with a little milk until smooth, then shape into small rounds. Press a toasted almond into the centre of each one.

    Adding toasted almond to the date mixture for a delicious crunch.
    Toasted almonds add a crunchy texture to the sweet date mixture.

    Coat with Kataifi – Roll each date ball in the crispy kataifi, pressing gently so it sticks well.

    Rolling date mixture in crispy kataifi pastry.
    Roll the date mixture in crispy kataifi for a golden, crunchy coating.

    Freeze Briefly – Insert a toothpick into each ball and freeze for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.

    Inserting a toothpick into the rolled date mixture and freezing briefly.
    Insert a toothpick into each piece and freeze briefly to help the chocolate set quickly.

    Dip in Chocolate – Melt the chocolate, then dip each ball, ensuring it's fully coated. Repeat for a thicker chocolate shell if desired.

    Dipping the rolled date mixture into melted chocolate.
    Coat each piece in rich melted chocolate for a smooth, indulgent finish.

    Finish and Set – Remove the toothpicks, sprinkle with crushed rose petals, and refrigerate until firm.

    Sprinkling rose petals on chocolate-coated treats.
    Add a delicate touch of rose petals for a beautiful and fragrant garnish.

      Where to Buy Kataifi Pastry

      Kataifi pastry is widely available in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and speciality food stores. It can also be found in larger supermarkets with international sections or online retailers. While some brands sell it frozen, fresh kataifi is also available, usually in vacuum-sealed packaging. If you’re buying frozen kataifi, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

      Serving & Storage Tips

      • Best Enjoyed Fresh – These chocolates are most delicious when eaten within a few days.
      • Store in an Airtight Container – Keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      What type of chocolate works best?

      Dark chocolate offers a rich contrast, while milk chocolate provides a creamier sweetness. White chocolate is also a great option for a milder flavour.

      Can I make this vegan?

      Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate.

      How do I prevent my chocolate from seizing?

      Melt chocolate slowly using a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, stirring frequently.

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      Cooking Method
      Cuisine
      Courses ,
      Difficulty Beginner
      Time
      Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Rest Time: 20 mins Total Time: 45 mins
      Servings 14
      Best Season Suitable throughout the year
      Description

      Crunchy, chocolatey, and budget-friendly—Dubai Chocolate on a Budget gives you the same indulgence as the original but at a fraction of the cost! While traditional Dubai chocolate uses pistachios, this version swaps them for naturally sweet dates, offering a rich, caramel-like flavour without the premium price tag. Combined with crispy kataifi, toasted almonds, and a luscious chocolate coating, these bite-sized treats are just as delicious, proving that luxury can be affordable!

      Ingredients
        For the filling:
      • 100 g kataifi pastry
      • 15 g unsalted butter
      • 200 g dates (pitted)
      • 40 ml milk
      • 14 almonds (toasted)
        • For the chocolate glaze:
      • 200 g chocolate (milk, dark, or white)
      • 30 ml natural oil (plus extra for greasing hands)
        • For garnish:
      • Dried rose petals
      Instructions
      1. Finely chop the kataifi pastry using scissors. Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat, then add the kataifi and fry, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess butter and let it cool.
      2. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second intervals, stirring after each round, until fully melted. Add the oil and mix until smooth.
      3. Blend the pitted dates and milk in a food processor until a sticky, smooth mixture forms. Lightly grease your hands with oil, take a small amount of the date mixture, flatten it, and place a toasted almond in the centre. Roll into a ball, ensuring the almond is fully enclosed.
      4. Roll each date ball in the crispy kataifi, pressing gently to coat it completely. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and insert a toothpick into each one. Freeze for 20 minutes to help the chocolate set quickly.
      5. Dip each chilled kataifi-covered ball into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip off. Once the first coat sets slightly, dip again for a thicker layer. Transfer to parchment paper, carefully twist and remove the toothpick before the chocolate fully hardens, and sprinkle with dried rose petals while the chocolate is still slightly soft. Refrigerate until fully set, then enjoy!

      Nutrition Facts

      Servings: 14 ServingCalories:181.38kcalTotal Fat:10.56gSaturated Fat: 4.01gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol:2.59mgSodium:20.89mgPotassium:168.87mgTotal Carbohydrate:23.46gDietary Fiber: 2.05gSugars: 17.54gProtein:1.73gVitamin A: 9.68IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 21.24mgIron: 0.8mgVitamin D: 0.03IUVitamin E: 0.75IUVitamin K: 3.82mcgThiamin: 0.04mgRiboflavin: 0.06mgNiacin: 0.63mgVitamin B6: 0.04mgFolate: 5.63mcgVitamin B12: 0.01mcgPhosphorus: 40.5mgMagnesium: 28.84mgZinc: 0.38mg

      Note
      • Where to Buy Kataifi Pastry: Kataifi pastry is available in Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Greek grocery stores, as well as online. It can be sold fresh or frozen—if using frozen, thaw it before cooking.
      • Choosing the Right Dates: Medjool dates work best due to their soft, caramel-like texture, but other soft date varieties will work too. If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending.
      • Chocolate Options: Dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the dates, while milk or white chocolate creates a sweeter treat—use whichever you prefer.
      • Customisation: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or orange zest to the date mixture for extra flavour. You can also drizzle the finished chocolates with extra melted chocolate for decoration.
      • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
      Read it online: https://shicocooks.com/recipe/dubai-chocolate-on-a-budget/