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Close-up of Dubai chocolate truffles coated in dark chocolate and topped with crushed pistachios and flaky sea salt, one truffle cut open to show the creamy pistachio kataifi filling.
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Dubai Chocolate Truffles

Easily make Dubai chocolate truffles at home with crunchy shredded kataifi, creamy pistachio butter, tahini, and rich dark chocolate. This decadent treat feels luxurious but is totally doable in your own kitchen.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Chill Time30 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Dubai Chocolate Truffles
Servings: 18 truffles

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 cups Kataifi (kadayif), chopped into small pieces
  • ⅓-½ cup pistachio butter
  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips
  • 1½ tbsp coconut oil
  • ¼ cup ground pistachios
  • 1 tbsp flaky sea salt

Instructions

  • In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once bubbly, add in the chopped kataifi. Cook until it becomes a golden brown color, stirring frequently (once it looks like toasted coconut, it's ready.)
  • Transfer the kataifi to a bowl and combine it with ⅓ cup pistachio butter, tahini, and a pinch of salt until incorporated. If it doesn't feel wet enough, stir in the additional pistachio butter.
  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll into balls. Transfer to the freezer for 30-40 minutes to harden a bit.
  • Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a heat-safe bowl or cup. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until smooth, shiny, and pourable. (You can also use a double boiler on the stove over low heat.)
  • Place a kataifi ball on a fork and lower it into the melted chocolate, using a spoon to pour the chocolate all over until well-covered.
  • Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately garnish with just a hit of pistachio dust and flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets.
  • Allow to dry and set. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Links provided in the article to purchase kataifi and/or pistachio butter. Note that regular phyllo can be used, but it needs to be shredded and toasted until crisp. It’s more work, and Kataifi gives the best authentic texture. Shredded wheat works too, though the flavor and crunch will differ.
  • Milk chocolate can be used instead of dark, but dark chocolate provides a richer, less sweet contrast to the pistachio and tahini filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1truffle | Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 466mg | Potassium: 180mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 85IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg