Copycat Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites Recipe

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Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites are a perfect example of this – a luxurious blend of velvety pistachio, crispy kataifi, and rich chocolate, all wrapped up in one irresistible dessert.

How to make Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites

Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites are bite-sized chocolate pastries inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend, featuring a chocolate shortbread base filled with pistachio cream and crispy shredded pastry, then topped with chocolate drizzle and pistachio pieces.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Shortbread Base:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of salt

For the Pistachio Filling:

• 1 cup (150g) shelled pistachios, unsalted
• 1/3 cup (75ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for a Middle Eastern twist)

For the Kataifi Topping:

• 1 cup kataifi dough (Greek shredded pastry available at specialty stores)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios (for garnish)
• 2 ounces (55g) dark chocolate, melted (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Shortbread Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square or rectangular baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking tray to form a thin crust. Use the bottom of a glass or a spatula to smooth it out.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes until firm to the touch. Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Filling

1. In a food processor, blend the pistachios until they form a fine, crumbly texture.
2. Add the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cardamom powder to the processor. Blitz until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You want a spreadable consistency — if it’s too thick, add a little extra cream.
3. Spread the pistachio filling evenly over the cooled chocolate base using a spoon or offset spatula. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Kataifi Topping

1. Preheat the oven again to 350°F (175°C).
2. Separate the kataifi dough strands gently with your fingers to loosen them. Place them in a mixing bowl and toss with melted butter and sugar until lightly coated.
3. Spread the kataifi mixture onto a baking tray and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
4. Once cooled, sprinkle the crispy kataifi over the pistachio layer. Add a dusting of chopped pistachios for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4: Final Touch

1. Optional: Drizzle melted dark chocolate in thin lines over the kataifi topping for a visually dramatic finish.
2. Chill the entire dessert in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bite-sized squares or rectangles.

Tips for Success

• Kataifi Handling: Kataifi dough dries quickly once exposed to air, so work fast and cover unused portions with a damp towel if needed.
• Texture Balance: The pistachio filling should be creamy, while the kataifi topping should be light and crispy — achieving this contrast is key.
• Make Ahead: These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for prepping the night before a gathering.
• Experiment with Flavors: Add orange zest, rose water, or saffron to highlight the Middle Eastern flavors further.

What to serve with

Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites are rich, luxurious, and bursting with indulgent flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and crispy kataifi. To complement these delightful bites, you’ll want accompaniments that balance their sweetness and elevate the overall experience.

1. Coffee Pairings

Given the Starbucks inspiration, coffee is naturally one of the best beverages to serve alongside Dubai Chocolate Bites. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Rich Espresso: The deep, intense flavors of espresso contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate bites. Serve it neat for coffee enthusiasts or add a hint of cardamom to mirror the Middle Eastern notes in the dessert.
• Latte or Cappuccino: These creamy coffee options pair wonderfully with the nutty pistachio filling and chocolate layers. Consider offering a pistachio latte or a mocha cappuccino for a complementary flavor experience.
• Arabic Coffee (Qahwa): To match the regionally-inspired nature of the bites, serve traditional Arabic coffee. Its fragrant notes of cardamom and rose water make it an excellent pairing, enhancing the Middle Eastern vibe.

2. Tea Pairings

For those who prefer tea, a warm cup can be the perfect accompaniment.

• Mint Tea: Fresh mint tea is soothing and refreshing, balancing the richness of the chocolate. This pairing is a common favorite in Middle Eastern and North African cultures. Serve it hot in elegant glass tea cups.
• Green Tea: A light and earthy green tea can help cleanse the palate between bites, keeping the dessert from feeling overly decadent.
• Chai or Spiced Tea: If you want a bold option, chai tea’s blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pairs seamlessly with the pistachio filling and kataifi topping.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites at home should feel exciting and flexible, even if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand.

1. All-Purpose Flour

If you’re out of all-purpose flour or require a gluten-free option, try these substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Baking Flour: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix to maintain the original texture.
• Almond Flour: For a nutty twist, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour. Note that your base will be softer and slightly crumbly.
• Whole Wheat Flour: This can be used for a heartier flavor, though it will slightly alter the texture of the shortbread.

2. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

If cocoa powder isn’t available, consider the following replacements:

• Carob Powder: Carob powder is naturally sweeter and can be used as a substitute in equal amounts.
• Dark Chocolate (Melted): Replace cocoa powder with dark chocolate. Melt 2-3 tablespoons and mix it into the dough for a deeper, fudgier base.

3. Granulated Sugar

Alternatives for granulated sugar include:

• Powdered Sugar: It dissolves faster and provides a smoother shortbread base.
• Brown Sugar: This will give the base a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
• Coconut Sugar: Use this as a natural option for a slightly earthy flavor.

4. Butter

If butter isn’t suitable for your dietary needs or you’ve run out, try:

• Vegan Butter or Margarine: This works perfectly for a non-dairy alternative, maintaining the crumbly texture.
• Coconut Oil: In its solid form, coconut oil can substitute butter. It will add a subtle coconut flavor.

Final Thoughts

Bring a taste of Dubai to your kitchen with this delectable Starbucks Dubai Chocolate Bites recipe! These Starbucks-inspired Dubai Chocolate Bites are sure to impress your friends and family — and might just become your new favorite homemade dessert.

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