introduction
This Dubai Chocolate Bar is a rich, fudgy traybake that’s delightfully simple to make and perfect for sharing. The glossy chocolate top, sweetened condensed milk base, and crunchy mixed nuts create a candy-bar experience right from your oven.
Why you’ll want to pin this: it’s fuss-free, family-friendly, and ideal for gifts or potlucks. If you love easy chocolate treats, you might also enjoy a twist on cookies like the blueberry chocolate chip cookies for another crowd-pleasing bake.
Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Bar:
- Fudgy, chocolate-forward flavor that feels indulgent without complicated steps.
- Fast to prepare — mostly melting and mixing, then bake.
- Great for meal prep: stores well and slices neatly for snacks.
- Nutty crunch adds texture and contrast to the smooth chocolate.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for holiday cookie swaps or bake sales.
Ingredients Needed :
Chocolate base
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter
Sweetened binder
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- 1 cup mixed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pistachios), roughly chopped
Pan prep
- Butter or nonstick spray to grease the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined.
- Pour half of the chocolate mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle mixed nuts over the first layer in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining chocolate mixture on top and spread evenly.
- Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
Serving Suggestions Dubai Chocolate Bar
Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent dessert. For a themed dessert board, pair these squares with fresh berries and shortbread cookies for contrast. If you’re creating a gift box, wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine for charming presentation — this pairs well with other sweet bites like chocolate-and-raisin nibbles found in recipes for chocolate and raisin treats.
Tips for Success Dubai Chocolate Bar
- Chop nuts uniformly so each square gets a consistent crunch.
- Use low heat when melting chocolate and butter to avoid seizing.
- Let the tray cool fully before slicing for clean edges.
- Press the nut layer gently into the first chocolate layer so it adheres.
- For a faster set, chill the pan briefly after baking, but don’t freeze.
For a salty-sweet contrast, try sprinkling a few crushed chocolate-covered potato chips on top after baking, inspired by chocolate-covered potato chip flavor combos.
variation (if any)
- Nut-free: replace mixed nuts with toasted coconut flakes or crushed pretzels for texture.
- Extra fudgy: swap half the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips.
- Spiced: add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to the melted chocolate for a warm twist.
- Layered: swirl in a caramel ribbon before the final bake for a salted caramel version.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes — store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate up to 1 week.
Q: Can I use evaporated milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?
A: No — evaporated milk is unsweetened and will change texture and sweetness. Sweetened condensed milk is key for the fudgy, sticky binder.
Q: Can I freeze Dubai Chocolate Bars?
A: Absolutely. Wrap squares individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Q: What pan size is best?
A: An 8×8-inch baking dish works well for a thicker bar; a 9×9-inch will yield slightly thinner pieces.
