Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Dubai chocolate ice cream recipe with pistachio kataifi cream. Create this viral luxury dessert at home with our step-by-step guide.
Hey there, sweet-toothed adventurers! Picture this: a determined baker standing in her kitchen at midnight, surrounded by chocolate-splattered counters and the lingering aroma of toasted kataifi. That baker was me, Rebeccah Ellene, and honestly? I was having one of those “what have I gotten myself into” moments.
It all started when my youngest daughter came home raving about this viral dubai chocolate ice cream she’d seen online. Furthermore, she insisted we needed to recreate the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai immediately. You know how kids are – they see something amazing and suddenly it becomes their entire world. However, I wasn’t about to spend hundreds of dollars importing luxury chocolate ice cream Dubai treats.
Instead, I rolled up my sleeves and channeled that same determination I had as a little girl in grandma’s kitchen. Back then, I’d stand on a wobbly step stool, wooden spoon in hand, convinced I could conquer any recipe. Now, decades later, that same spirit pushed me to crack the code of this luxurious dubai chocolate ice cream.
After three attempts (and one spectacular kitchen disaster involving flying kataifi), I finally nailed it. Moreover, the result was absolutely divine – a rich dubai chocolate ice cream swirled with crunchy pistachio kataifi cream that rivals any artisan chocolate ice cream Dubai shop. Today, I’m sharing this revolutionary recipe so you can create this viral sensation right at home.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Special
This isn’t your ordinary chocolate ice cream, folks. Additionally, it’s a sophisticated dessert that combines the richness of premium dark chocolate with the unique texture of toasted kataifi pastry and the nutty luxury of pistachio butter. When you taste this dubai chocolate ice cream, you’ll understand why it’s considered the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai.
The secret lies in the dual-texture experience. First, you get that smooth, velvety dubai chocolate ice cream base. Then, surprisingly, you encounter pockets of crunchy, buttery kataifi mixed with creamy pistachio goodness. It’s like finding treasure in every spoonful of this luxury chocolate ice cream Dubai masterpiece.
What sets this recipe apart from store-bought versions is the quality control. Furthermore, you can adjust the sweetness, control the chocolate intensity, and ensure every ingredient meets artisan chocolate ice cream Dubai standards. Many commercial versions use artificial flavors, but we’re using real vanilla extract and high-quality dark chocolate to create the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai experience.

Ingredients Table
Chocolate Ice Cream Base | Amount | Metric | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Heavy cream | 1¾ cups | 420ml | 35% fat content preferred |
Whole milk | 1¼ cups | 300ml | Don’t substitute with low-fat |
Cocoa powder | 3 tbsp | 30g | Dutch-processed works best |
Egg yolks | 3 large | 3 large | Room temperature |
Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 100g | Fine granules dissolve easier |
Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 2.5ml | Pure extract only |
Salt | ¼ tsp | 1.25ml | Enhances chocolate flavor |
Dark chocolate | 8 oz | 225g | 70% cocoa or higher |
Pistachio Kataifi Cream | Amount | Metric | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | 30g | European-style preferred |
Kataifi pastry | 2 oz | 55g | Found in Mediterranean stores |
Pistachio butter | 4 oz | 115g | [Link to homemade recipe] |
Tahini | 1 tbsp | 15ml | Pure sesame paste |
Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores
Most ingredients for this dubai chocolate ice cream are available at standard supermarkets. However, you’ll need to visit a Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery store for kataifi pastry. Alternatively, you can buy kataifi pastry online here to create your own luxury chocolate ice cream Dubai experience.
For pistachio butter, check the natural foods section of Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. If unavailable, you can easily make your own pistachio butter at home. This ensures your dubai chocolate ice cream meets artisan chocolate ice cream Dubai standards.
Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai flavor profile. Brands like Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Valrhona work beautifully. Additionally, avoid chocolate chips for this recipe – they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting.
Quality Indicators
Heavy Cream: Look for cream with 35-40% fat content for authentic dubai chocolate ice cream texture. The higher fat content creates a richer, more luxurious experience that matches luxury chocolate ice cream Dubai establishments. Moreover, avoid ultra-pasteurized cream if possible, as it doesn’t whip or set as well.
Egg Yolks: Choose organic, free-range eggs when possible for the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai results. Fresh eggs have firmer yolks that create better custard bases. Furthermore, room-temperature eggs blend more easily with other ingredients in your dubai chocolate ice cream.
Dark Chocolate: Quality chocolate should have a glossy appearance and snap cleanly when broken for authentic artisan chocolate ice cream Dubai flavor. Additionally, it should smell rich and complex, not artificial or overly sweet.
Essential Equipment and Setup
You’ll need an ice cream maker for this dubai chocolate ice cream recipe. If you don’t own one, consider it an investment in your dessert future. However, you can use the freezer method – though it requires more attention and stirring every hour to achieve luxury chocolate ice cream Dubai quality.
Essential Equipment:
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer (crucial for smooth dubai chocolate ice cream texture)
- Ice cream maker
- Digital thermometer
- Whisk and mixing bowls
- Freezer-safe container
DIY Alternatives: No ice cream maker? Pour the chilled base into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring vigorously every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours. It won’t be as smooth as the best chocolate ice cream in Dubai, but it’ll still taste amazing.
No digital thermometer? Watch for the custard to coat the back of a spoon. When you can draw a line through it with your finger, your dubai chocolate ice cream base is ready.
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Chocolate Cream Base
Start by combining heavy cream, whole milk, and cocoa powder in your saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the cocoa from clumping. The key here is patience – rushing this step creates lumpy ice cream.
Watch for steam rising from the surface. Once you see wisps of steam, immediately remove from heat. Overheating scorches the cream and creates an unpleasant burnt flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Custard
Meanwhile, whisk egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and creamy. This process, called ribboning, incorporates air and creates a lighter texture. Additionally, it takes about 3-4 minutes of vigorous whisking.
Here’s where technique matters: slowly drizzle ¼ cup of hot cream into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling. Furthermore, work slowly – rushing creates lumpy custard.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Return the mixture to your saucepan and add vanilla extract and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 170°F. At this temperature, the custard thickens enough to coat a spoon.
I learned this the hard way during my second attempt – exceeding 180°F creates scrambled eggs floating in cream. Not appetizing! Therefore, use a thermometer for foolproof results.
Step 4: Melt and Strain
Place chopped dark chocolate in a large bowl. Pour the hot custard through a fine mesh strainer directly over the chocolate. The straining removes any lumps or cooked egg bits, ensuring silky smoothness.
Whisk until the chocolate completely melts and incorporates. The mixture should be glossy and uniform. Strain once more for ultimate smoothness – this extra step makes restaurant-quality ice cream.
Step 5: Cool Completely
Allow the base to cool at room temperature for one hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours. I prefer overnight chilling – it allows flavors to meld and ensures proper churning temperature.
Cold bases churn faster and create smaller ice crystals. Room-temperature bases take forever to freeze and often result in icy textures.
Step 6: Create the Pistachio Kataifi Cream
While your base chills, prepare the signature filling. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add kataifi pastry and toast until golden brown and fragrant. This takes about 3-4 minutes with constant stirring.
The toasted kataifi should smell nutty and look crispy. Remove from heat and stir in pistachio butter and tahini until combined. The mixture will look rustic – that’s perfect!
Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour your chilled base into the ice cream maker. Churn for 10-15 minutes until it reaches soft-serve consistency. Different machines vary, so watch for the right texture rather than relying solely on time.
Properly churned ice cream should coat a spoon but still be soft enough to layer easily.
Step 8: Layer for Perfection
Here comes the fun part! Spoon one-third of the chocolate ice cream into your freezer-safe container. Add half of the pistachio kataifi cream, spreading gently to avoid mixing completely.
Repeat with another third of ice cream, remaining pistachio cream, then finish with the final third of ice cream. This creates beautiful swirls when scooped.
Step 9: Final Freeze
Cover tightly and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving. Overnight is even better – it allows the flavors to develop fully and the texture to firm up properly.
Expert Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Control: Keep everything cold. Warm bowls and utensils create icy textures. I chill my mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before use.
Churning Time: Over-churning creates butter-like textures. Stop when the ice cream pulls away from the sides but still looks soft and creamy.
Storage Secret: Press plastic wrap directly onto the ice cream surface before covering. This prevents ice crystals from forming on top.
Creative Variations
Spiced Dubai Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom and a pinch of cinnamon to the custard base. These warm spices complement the pistachio beautifully.
Luxury Gold Edition: Fold in edible gold flakes with the final ice cream layer. It’s dramatic and perfect for special occasions.
Vegan Alternative: Replace dairy with full-fat coconut milk and use aquafaba instead of egg yolks. The texture differs slightly, but the flavor remains incredible.
Holiday Twist: Add chopped candied orange peel to the pistachio mixture for a festive touch during winter months.
Nutella Variation: Substitute pistachio butter with Nutella for a more familiar flavor profile that kids absolutely love.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Method | Duration | Quality | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Refrigerator (base only) | 3 days | Excellent | Strain before churning |
Freezer (finished) | 1 month | Very Good | Cover well to prevent crystals |
Deep freeze | 3 months | Good | Thaw slightly before serving |
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the custard base up to three days in advance. Make pistachio cream the day before churning. This spreads the work across multiple days.
Freezing Tips: Let ice cream soften for 5-10 minutes at room temperature before scooping. Additionally, warm your ice cream scoop in hot water between servings for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This luxurious ice cream deserves equally impressive accompaniments. Serve in chilled bowls with a drizzle of honey or date syrup. Furthermore, a sprinkle of chopped pistachios adds extra crunch and visual appeal.
Perfect Pairings:
- Turkish coffee or espresso
- Baklava or other phyllo pastries
- Fresh figs or dates
- Rose water cookies
- [Link to complementary dessert recipes]
Presentation Ideas: Serve in small bowls with gold spoons for an authentic Dubai experience. Additionally, garnish with a single candied pistachio and a mint sprig for color contrast.
For special occasions, serve alongside to create a themed dessert table that transports guests straight to Dubai’s finest restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous chocolate dessert in Dubai?
The famous chocolate dessert in Dubai is Dubai chocolate, which features a crispy kataifi filling with pistachio cream covered in premium milk or dark chocolate. This viral sensation became popular on social media for its unique texture combination and luxurious taste.
What is the name of the popular Dubai chocolate?
The popular Dubai chocolate is simply called “Dubai chocolate” or “viral Dubai chocolate.” Various chocolatiers in Dubai create their own versions, with Fix Dessert Chocolatier being one of the most famous creators of this trending treat.
How expensive is the real Dubai chocolate?
Real Dubai chocolate typically costs between $15-25 per bar when imported to the US. The high price reflects premium ingredients like Belgian chocolate, pure pistachio butter, and hand-shredded kataifi pastry, plus international shipping costs.
What is the famous Dubai chocolate bar made of?
The famous Dubai chocolate bar consists of premium milk or dark chocolate filled with toasted kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough) mixed with pistachio butter or cream. Some versions include tahini for added richness and complexity.
Why is kunafa chocolate so famous?
Kunafa chocolate became famous because it combines familiar chocolate with the unexpected crunch and flavor of Middle Eastern kunafa (kataifi) pastry. The texture contrast creates a unique eating experience that went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Instagram.
Conclusion
Creating this Dubai chocolate ice cream at home transforms an expensive viral treat into an accessible family dessert. Moreover, the process itself becomes a delightful kitchen adventure that fills your home with incredible aromas.
This recipe bridges cultures, bringing the luxury of Dubai’s finest dessert shops to your American kitchen. Furthermore, it’s proof that with quality ingredients and proper technique, homemade always surpasses store-bought.
I encourage you to experiment with the pistachio cream ratios and find your perfect balance. Additionally, don’t forget to share photos of your creations – I love seeing how this recipe brings joy to families worldwide.
Pair this ice cream with strong Arabic coffee or for the complete Dubai experience. The contrast between hot, bitter coffee and cold, sweet ice cream creates the perfect ending to any meal.
Remember that little girl in grandma’s kitchen who believed she could conquer any recipe? She was right – and so are you. Happy churning!

Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine cream, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan and heat until steaming.
- Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale, then temper with hot cream mixture.
- Cook custard gently until it reaches 170°F, then add vanilla and salt.
- Strain custard over chopped chocolate and whisk until smooth.
- Cool base to room temperature, then chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Toast kataifi pastry in butter until golden, then mix with pistachio butter and tahini.
- Churn the chilled ice cream base until soft-serve consistency.
- Layer ice cream with pistachio kataifi cream in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.