Dubai Chocolate Dates

Name: Dubai Chocolate Dates
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 20 Medjool dates (Pitted); 2 cups kataifi (shredded phyllo dough, finely chopped); 2 tbsp butter or ghee; ¾ cup pistachio cream; 2 cups dark or milk chocolate (melted); ¼ cups crushed pistachios ((for topping))

March 1, 2025
by Iman

Cuisine: Middle-Eastern
Difficulty: Easy

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Prep Time

30 mins.
Serving

20

A new recipe that combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with the latest Dubai chocolate trend—Dubai Chocolate Dates. These indulgent treats feature naturally sweet Medjool dates stuffed with a crispy, buttery pistachio kataifi filling, then dipped in smooth, melted chocolate and topped with crushed pistachios.

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Ramadan is a special time filled with reflection, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. This year, I’m excited to share a new recipe that combines traditional Middle Eastern flavors with the latest Dubai chocolate trend—Dubai Chocolate Dates. These indulgent treats feature naturally sweet Medjool dates stuffed with a crispy, buttery pistachio kataifi filling, then dipped in smooth, melted chocolate and topped with crushed pistachios. They’re perfect for serving after iftar or gifting to friends and family!

Why Break Your Fast with Dates?

Dates have long been a staple in Ramadan traditions, as it is Sunnah to break your fast with them—just as the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did. Their natural sugars provide an instant energy boost, making them a perfect choice after a day of fasting. If you’re not a fan of plain dates, these chocolate-covered variations are a delicious way to enjoy them while still following this beautiful tradition.

Stuffed dates are a great way to enjoy this naturally sweet fruit in a fun and delicious way. If you’re looking for other variations, try a Snickers-inspired date—stuffed with peanut butter, dipped in chocolate, and topped with chopped peanuts. Or keep it simple and traditional by filling dates with walnuts, a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations.

Choosing Your Dates Wisely

When buying dates, be mindful of where they are grown. Opt for locally sourced dates from California or choose ones from Palestine or Saudi Arabia. Supporting ethical and sustainable sources ensures that your food aligns with values of justice and fairness.

What’s in Dubai Chocolate Dates?

Dubai Chocolate Dates are made with a few simple ingredients that elevate their flavor and texture. The key component is kataifi, a shredded, wheat-based pastry dough used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. It crisps up beautifully when baked or fried, making it perfect for Palestinian-style Kunafa, where it’s layered with sweet cheese and soaked in syrup. It’s also used in nut-filled pastries and kataifi nests. You can find it in the freezer section of Middle Eastern, Turkish, or Indian grocery stores.

Medjool dates work best because they’re large enough to hold plenty of the pistachio kataifi filling. I bought the pistachio cream from Costco but it is also available on Amazon.

These Dubai Chocolate Dates are simple to make yet look and taste like a gourmet dessert. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram! Ramadan Kareem!

Serving & Storage Tips

Enjoy these chocolate-covered dates with coffee or tea for the perfect sweet treat.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

STEP 1

Use a knife to gently slit each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pits.

STEP 2

Remove the kataifi from the freezer and let come to room temperature for at least an hour before using. Finely chop into ½ inch in size.

STEP 3

In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter or ghee.

Add the chopped kataifi and sauté, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy.

Turn off the heat and mix in the pistachio cream.

STEP 4

Fill each date with about a teaspoon of the crispy pistachio kataifi mixture, pressing it in gently.

STEP 5

Place a toothpick inside each stuffed date, leaving enough to hold on to and keep the date sturdy while dipping.

STEP 6

Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth

Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Place on a parchment-lined tray.

STEP 7

Sprinkle the tops with crushed pistachios while the chocolate is still wet.

Freeze the Dubai Chocolate dates until the chocolate hardens (about 2 hours).

Dubai Chocolate Dates

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Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle-Eastern

Keyword: Chocolate Dates, Dates, Dubai Chocolate Dates

Prep Time: 30

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 271kcal

Author: Iman

Ingredients

▢ 20 Medjool dates Pitted
▢ 2 cups kataifi shredded phyllo dough, finely chopped
▢ 2 tbsp butter or ghee
▢ ¾ cup pistachio cream
▢ 2 cups dark or milk chocolate melted
▢ ¼ cups crushed pistachios (for topping)

Instructions

Use a knife to gently slit each Medjool date lengthwise and remove the pits.
Remove the kataifi from the freezer and let come to room temperature for at least an hour before using. Finely chop into ½ inch in size.
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter or ghee. Add the chopped kataifi and sauté, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy.
Turn off the heat and mix in the pistachio cream.
Fill each date with about a teaspoon of the crispy pistachio kataifi mixture, pressing it in gently.
Place a toothpick inside each stuffed date, leaving enough to hold on to and keep the date sturdy while dipping.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Dip each stuffed date into the melted chocolate, coating it evenly. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
Sprinkle the tops with crushed pistachios while the chocolate is still wet. Freeze the Dubai Chocolate dates until the chocolate hardens (about 2 hours).

Nutrition

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