Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

I love dessert mashups, and these Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies treats might be the best one yet. Inspired by the trendy Dubai chocolate bar and the many desserts made with the same combination of pistachio, chocolate and crunchy kataifi, these Rice Krispies treats are a fun spin on the classic.

You’ll need only seven ingredients and one hour to make these no-bake dessert bars. The recipe starts with two layers of cocoa Rice Krispies treats as the base. In between, there’s a layer of Dubai chocolate filling featuring pistachio cream and toasted kaitaifi along with even more mini marshmallows for pops of gooey texture in every bite. Cut the layered squares and dish them up for a special snack, or take them along to a potluck or backyard barbecue.

What is Dubai chocolate?

The Dubai chocolate trend took off after Fix Dessert Chocolatier, a chocolate shop in Dubai, created a chocolate bar with a filling made of pistachio cream and kataifi. Since then, the confection has become a sensation, inspiring many other chocolate desserts. Recipes from Dubai chocolate lattes to Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars have been circulating online, combining nutty pistachios, sweet chocolate and an ideal crunchy texture from golden, toasted shreds of phyllo dough.

Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

• Butter: Unsalted butter is used in two steps of this recipe: It melts the marshmallows and it toasts the kataifi until golden.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are melted in butter to add sweetness and to act as the glue holding the Rice Krispies treats together. They’re also stirred into the filling to bind the Dubai chocolate mixture together better, while also incorporating additional gooey marshmallow texture.
• Cocoa Krispies cereal: For the chocolate component, use Cocoa Krispies cereal instead of the classic kind in this Rice Krispies recipe.
• Mini chocolate chips: To amp up the chocolate flavor of these treats, we stir mini chocolate chips into the Cocoa Krispies mixture.
• Kataifi: In between two layers of Cocoa Krispies cereal, we add a crunchy pistachio filling just like the Dubai chocolate bar. Kataifi is finely shredded phyllo dough, which is cooked and toasted in melted butter for this recipe. You can order kataifi online or find it at specialty food stores.
• Pistachio cream: Pistachio cream is the base of the filling, adding a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Pistachio cream is made from ground pistachios, sugar and oil and can be found at specialty stores or ordered online. It’s not the same as pistachio butter, so don’t use that.
• Pistachios: Stir chopped pistachios into the filling for added crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If desired, you can choose to omit these.

Directions

Step 1: Toast the kataifi

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Toast the kataifi in the butter for six to eight minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool.

Step 2: Make the kataifi filling

In a large bowl, stir together the toasted kataifi, pistachio cream, chopped pistachios and mini marshmallows. Set aside while making the Cocoa Krispies layer.

Step 3: Make the Cocoa Krispies layer

In a Dutch oven over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows, and cook and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and stir in the cereal. Cool for five minutes before stirring in the mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Layer the treats

Press half the Cocoa Krispies in a greased 13×9-inch pan. Spread the kataifi filling layer over the top.

Top with the remaining Cocoa Krispies mixture, gently pressing down.

Step 5: Garnish and set

Top the Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies with a drizzle of pistachio cream and mini chocolate chips, if desired. Let set for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Variations

• Add more chocolate: While chocolate is incorporated into these treats with Cocoa Krispies cereal and mini chocolate chips, you can certainly add more. Drizzle the top of the finished Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies treats with melted chocolate. Or, sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate on top.
• Top with pistachios: Chopped pistachios are mixed into the filling, but feel free to incorporate even more in this pistachio recipe. Sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top of the Dubai Rice Krispies treats if desired.
• Use regular Rice Krispies: Can’t find Cocoa Krispies cereal? Use regular Rice Krispies instead. Make the recipe as is, and incorporate a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top.
• Skip the additional mini marshmallows: If you’d like to draw more attention to the crunchy toasted kataifi in the filling, skip adding the mini marshmallows.
• Try using marshmallow fluff: If you want even more creaminess from this recipe, try adding a dollop or two of marshmallow fluff to the kataifi filling instead of mini marshmallows.

How to Store Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats

As with any type of Rice Krispies treat, these Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies should be stored in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This storage method will help keep the Rice Krispies treats both soft and crispy.

How long do Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies treats last?

Stored in an airtight container, these Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies treats will keep at room temperature for up to three days.

Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Tips

What’s the best way to melt marshmallows?

Rice Krispies treats are made with a base of melted marshmallows. The best option for proper texture is to melt the marshmallows in melted butter on the stovetop. This will allow for better heat control and more gradual melting than the microwave.

How do you keep Rice Krispies treats from sticking?

Making Rice Krispies treats can be a sticky task. To help prevent the melted marshmallows from sticking to the pot or spoon—or to your hands while assembling the layers—coat everything with cooking spray.

How do you get clean slices of Dubai chocolate Rice Krispies treats?

It’s easiest to cut Rice Krispies treats once they have fully cooled. Use a large, sharp knife or a serrated knife for the cleanest slices.