Healthy Homemade Dubai Chocolate (5-Minute Freezer Treat | No Refined Sugar)

If you know me, you know how much I adore chocolate. So when I discovered the iconic Dubai chocolate, I couldn’t wait to try a healthier version at home – one that still feels indulgent but uses your own sourced ingredients. After experimenting with a few variations, this is my absolute favourite. It’s got that chewy, sweet date base, a creamy pistachio-tahini layer, rich dark chocolate, and a hint of toasted coconut crunch. You can also make them into beautiful handmade chocolates, perfect for gifting or for a special treat. I sometimes garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a few edible rose petals—so pretty and delicious! I also made my own pistachio butter which you can also try.

Recipe by Caroline Cary

Homemade Dubai chocolate squares topped with pistachios on a tray — refined sugar free.
Yields1 Serving
 20 large Medjool dates, pitted (make sure they’re soft, plump, and ethically sourced)
 140 g Shredded unsweetened coconut (longer shreds toast better)
 225 g Pistachio butter
 2 tbsp Tahini
  tbsp Chopped pistachios, for garnish
 Pinch of flaky sea salt
 Cocinunt to
 A few edible rose petals, for garnish (optional but so beautiful)
1

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Open and flatten the Medjool dates, pressing them firmly into an even, sticky base. Use a second piece of parchment and a rolling pin to flatten even more—this step is key to getting that perfect bark texture. 

2

In a dry pan over medium-low heat, toast the shredded coconut until golden and fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning, then remove from heat.

3

Combine the pistachio butter and tahini, then mix in the toasted coconut. It should form a thick, spreadable paste.

4

Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the date base.

5

Melt the dark chocolate gently (double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals), then pour and smooth over the pistachio layer.

6

Sprinkle over flaky sea salt, chopped pistachios, and a few edible rose petals for a delicate floral finish.

7

Refrigerate for 2/3 hours until set. Slice and enjoy 

8

If you want to make chocolates - divide the mixture into even size balls, refrigerate until firm and then dip into the melted chocolate. Place on parchment paper and decorate with your choice of -  pistachios, rose petals, sea salt or coconut.  

Dubai chocolates

9

Keep in the fridge for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

10

Homemade Pistachio Butter

Making your own pistachio butter is surprisingly easy! All you need are shelled green pistachios and a food processor or high-powered blender.

250 gm ( shelled pistachios) I double this so I have some extra if I need it and have some in the fridge

1 teaspoon toasted pistachio oil or coconut oil (optional)

Fine sea salt (optional, to taste)

 

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Spread the shelled or slivered pistachios in an even layer on a cookie sheet.

 

Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned (slivered pistachios will need less time, while blanched or whole pistachios may require a few additional minutes).

 

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

 

Transfer the toasted pistachios to the bowl of a food processor or blender. Process until the pistachios break down into a fine powder.

If using a blender give it a break so it does not over heat. 

 

Continue processing for 5 to 10 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until smooth and creamy.

 

If desired, add 1 teaspoon of pistachio oil to assist in achieving a smoother butter consistency.

 

Once the butter reaches your desired texture, add a pinch of salt (if desired) and pulse once or twice to combine.

 

Transfer the pistachio butter to a jar or an airtight container. While refrigeration isn't necessary, it is recommended.

 

Stored in an airtight container, it will last about a month in the fridge. You can also freeze it for a longer shelf life.

 

11

Q: Is this chocolate refined sugar free?
A: Yes  it’s made without refined sugar and uses natural sweetness to create a rich, satisfying taste.

Q: How long does the chocolate take to set?
A: Just a few minutes in the freezer. The texture becomes smooth, firm, and glossy.

Q: Can I customise the toppings?
A: Absolutely pistachios, sea salt, orange zest, rose petals, or crushed almonds all work beautifully.

Q: Does it need tempering?
A: No tempering required this recipe is intentionally simple and effortless.

Ingredients

 20 large Medjool dates, pitted (make sure they’re soft, plump, and ethically sourced)
 140 g Shredded unsweetened coconut (longer shreds toast better)
 225 g Pistachio butter
 2 tbsp Tahini
  tbsp Chopped pistachios, for garnish
 Pinch of flaky sea salt
 Cocinunt to
 A few edible rose petals, for garnish (optional but so beautiful)
Healthy Homemade Dubai Chocolate (5-Minute Freezer Treat | No Refined Sugar)

Recipe by

Caroline Cary

@Healthy Homemade Dubai Chocolate (5-Minute Freezer Treat | No Refined Sugar)

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