Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Halva Bars — rich, exotic, and nutty with layers of silky chocolate and sweet sesame halva in every indulgent bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique fusion of Middle Eastern and classic chocolate flavors
- No baking required — just melt, mix, and chill
- Creamy, nutty texture from tahini and halva
- Infused with aromatic cardamom for a luxurious twist
- Eye-catching presentation with pistachio and sesame topping
- Easy to make ahead for entertaining
- Naturally gluten-free
- Stores well in the fridge for longer freshness
- Small-batch friendly and perfect for gifting
- A sophisticated treat that’s still simple to make
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup crumbled halva
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Directions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in tahini, cardamom, and sea salt until fully incorporated.
- Fold in crumbled halva gently, reserving a few pieces for topping.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved halva, chopped pistachios, and sesame seeds on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Once firm, lift out of the pan and slice into bars. Store in the fridge for best texture.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 10 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: 270 kcal
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Omit pistachios or use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne for extra complexity
- Dark Chocolate Version: Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper, less sweet flavor
- Orange Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the mix for a citrusy note
- Crunchy Base: Add crushed graham crackers or biscuits to the bottom of the pan before pouring the mixture
Storage/Reheating
Storage:
Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezing:
Individually wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating:
These bars are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. Do not heat.
FAQs
What Is Halva And Where Can I Find It?
Halva is a dense, sweet confection made from sesame paste (tahini). It’s commonly available in Middle Eastern or international grocery stores.
Can I Use White Chocolate Instead Of Semisweet?
Yes, but white chocolate will make the bars significantly sweeter. Adjust the tahini to balance the flavors.
What Kind Of Tahini Works Best?
Use a smooth, runny tahini made from hulled sesame seeds. Avoid overly thick or bitter varieties.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes, use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure your halva is plant-based.
Do These Bars Melt At Room Temperature?
They can soften, especially in warm environments. Best served straight from the fridge.
How Do I Prevent The Chocolate From Seizing When Melting?
Make sure no water comes into contact with the chocolate and melt slowly in 30-second increments.
Can I Use Ghee Or Butter Instead Of Coconut Oil?
Yes, either will work, though coconut oil gives a slightly more neutral flavor.
What Is The Texture Of These Bars Like?
Silky and firm from the chocolate, with a nutty, creamy bite from the tahini and a crumbly touch from the halva.
Can I Make These In A Larger Pan?
Yes, double the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan. Adjust the chilling time as needed.
How Can I Make The Topping Stick Better?
Press the toppings lightly into the surface before chilling to help them adhere.
Conclusion
Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Halva Bars offer a luxurious twist on traditional chocolate treats. With their rich tahini base, warm cardamom notes, and crunchy halva and pistachio topping, these bars are a celebration of texture and taste. Whether served as a sophisticated dessert or given as a unique edible gift, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Explore More Global-Inspired Sweet Treats
If you were intrigued by the rich, nutty elegance of our Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Halva Bars, these globally-inspired desserts will satisfy your cravings for unique flavors and textures:
- Indulge in the nutty crunch of Pistachio Pudding Cookies, a soft-baked treat perfect for fans of Middle Eastern flavors.
- For a buttery, fruit-forward finish, try the Peach Buttermilk Pound Cake Delight, which pairs beautifully with rich coffees or teas.
- Discover the vibrant sweetness of Raspberry Crumble Cookies, where fruit and texture combine in every bite.
- Satisfy your chocolate cravings with the decadent Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Chip Cookies, perfect for layering dessert experiences.
- Embrace the regional richness of Coconut Chocolate Almond Bark, an ideal match for the tahini and halva notes in this recipe.
Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Halva Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and luxurious chocolate bars infused with tahini, halva, and warm Middle Eastern spices — a decadent fusion treat inspired by the vibrant flavors of Dubai.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3/4 cup crumbled halva
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in tahini, cardamom, and sea salt until fully incorporated.
- Fold in crumbled halva gently, reserving a few pieces for topping.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and spread into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the reserved halva, chopped pistachios, and sesame seeds on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully set.
- Once firm, lift out of the pan and slice into bars. Store in the fridge for best texture.
Notes
- Use high-quality tahini for the best flavor and texture.
- Cardamom can be adjusted or swapped with cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Bars can be frozen for longer storage.
- Add a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra elegance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg