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Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Viral Dubai chocolate bar flavors in bar form! Creamy pistachio cheesecake on a graham crust, crunchy kataifi-pistachio layer, and rich ganache topping. Nutty, crunchy, creamy perfection.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • cups graham cracker crumbs about 12 full sheets
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz 3 blocks cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup pistachio cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
For the Crunchy Kataifi Layer
  • 8 oz kataifi shredded phyllo, thawed if frozen
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup pistachio cream
  • 2 Tbsp tahini
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Offset spatula
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter with a fork until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into pan bottom using the back of a measuring cup. Bake 10 minutes until set. Cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated after each. Mix in pistachio cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Pour over cooled crust. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
  3. Bake at 325°F for 40-45 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle (like Jell-O). Turn off oven, crack door, let cool inside 1 hour. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight until firm.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread kataifi on a baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and toss to coat. Bake 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, stirring halfway. Cool slightly. In a bowl, mix toasted kataifi with pistachio cream and tahini using a spatula until evenly coated.
  5. Spread half the kataifi mixture over chilled cheesecake, pressing lightly. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Pour ganache over kataifi layer, spreading evenly with offset spatula. Chill 1 hour until set. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

  • Use pistachio cream (spreadable, not butter) for best texture and flavor.
  • Kataifi stays crispy in fridge for days-cover tightly.
  • For no-bake version, skip baking cheesecake; use no-bake filling and set in fridge overnight.
  • Store in fridge up to 5 days.
  • Garnish with chopped pistachios for extra crunch.