Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet)

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup shelled pistachios (chopped)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for drizzling)

Extra chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the dark chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pistachios, salt, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 3: Pour the chocolate-pistachio filling over the cooled base, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Step 4: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Meanwhile, melt the additional dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled bars and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios.

Step 5: Once the chocolate drizzle has set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy your delicious Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Bars.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with toasted coconut flakes or seeds of your choice.

Using good quality dark chocolate enhances the richness and flavor of the bars.

Press the base mixture firmly into the pan to ensure it holds together when sliced.

Allow the bars to chill thoroughly before slicing to prevent crumbling.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor. Keep in mind this will change the overall richness of the bars.

How do I prevent the base from becoming soggy?

Make sure to bake the base thoroughly before adding the filling. Allow the base to cool slightly to help it set, which creates a barrier to keep it from becoming soggy once the filling is poured on.