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A layered Dubai chocolate cheesecake bar topped with glossy chocolate ganache and crushed pistachios on a white plate.
Daniel

Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars

Creamy no-bake cheesecake bars swirled with pistachio cream and crispy kataifi, topped with rich chocolate ganache in the viral Dubai chocolate style.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 full crackers
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted, 1 stick
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese room temperature, 2 packages
  • 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream cold, divided
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup pistachio cream such as Al Rifai or homemade
For the Crispy Kataifi Layer
  • 4 oz kataifi dough thawed if frozen, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Chocolate Ganache
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup or honey for shine, optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Electric Mixer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowls

Method
 

Make the Crust
  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9x13 inch pan. Freeze for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
  1. Beat 1 cup cold heavy cream in a large bowl until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside in the refrigerator.
  2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and remaining 1/2 cup unwhipped cream, beat until incorporated.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until no streaks remain. Spread half the filling over the chilled crust. Dollop pistachio cream in spoonfuls over the surface, then swirl lightly with a knife. Spread remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth the surface. Refrigerate while you make the kataifi.
Make the Crispy Kataifi
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Toss chopped kataifi with melted butter until coated. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until deeply golden and crispy. Cool completely. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer and press gently to adhere.
Make the Ganache and Finish
  1. Heat 3/4 cup cream until steaming but not boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate, let stand 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Stir in corn syrup if using. Pour over the kataifi layer, tilting the pan to create an even coating. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set. Lift out using parchment overhang and cut into bars with a hot, dry knife.

Notes

For cleanest cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each slice - the chocolate layer cracks less this way. If you cannot find kataifi, substitute with crushed butter cookies mixed with 1/4 cup chopped toasted pistachios for a similar crunch. These bars keep beautifully for up to 5 days refrigerated, or freeze individual bars wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.