Desserts · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Dubai Chocolate Croissant Bake with Pistachio Cream

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 6
This Dubai chocolate croissant bake takes the viral Dubai chocolate bar and turns it into a warm, spoonable dessert. Buttery croissants are split and filled with a lush pistachio tahini cream, then crowned with a dark chocolate ganache that pools and drips over the flaky layers.
A final shower of crushed pistachios and chocolate curls adds crunch and elegance. It’s a showstopper for brunch, dessert, or any moment that calls for something extraordinary.
Inspired by the famous Dubai chocolate bar, this bake brings together the same irresistible combination: crisp croissants, a creamy pistachio tahini filling, and a blanket of dark chocolate. The croissants soak up just enough ganache to stay tender, while the pistachio cream provides a nutty, sweet contrast.
This recipe is surprisingly simple—no complicated pastry work—just assembly and a quick bake. Serve it warm for the ultimate experience, with the chocolate still glossy and the croissants slightly crisp at the edges.
Ingredients
- 6 large butter croissants
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
- 6 oz 70% dark chocolate, grated
- 1 cup pistachio tahini cream (katai fi)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chocolate curls
Why this recipe works
The magic of this dish lies in the contrast of textures. The croissants are sliced and filled, then topped with ganache that seeps into the layers as it bakes. The pistachio tahini cream adds a rich, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the dark chocolate. The result is a dessert that’s both decadent and balanced, with every bite offering a mix of flaky pastry, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate.
Using high-quality dark chocolate and real pistachio cream makes a difference. The 70% cocoa provides a deep, slightly bitter note that cuts through the sweetness of the cream. The ganache, made with just cream and chocolate, sets into a fudgy layer while still staying soft enough to spoon.
This recipe is forgiving—you can adjust the amount of ganache to your liking, and the croissants toast beautifully in the oven, making the whole dish come together in under an hour.
Notes and substitutions
For the best results, choose large, day-old butter croissants—they hold up better to the filling and ganache. If you can’t find pistachio tahini cream, look for pistachio butter or a pistachio spread; you can also make a quick version by blending roasted pistachios with a little tahini and honey.
The dark chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for the right balance; a milk chocolate would make it overly sweet.
The ganache is simply melted chocolate and warm cream, so use a good-quality chocolate that you enjoy eating. If you prefer a thicker ganache, use less cream; for a thinner, more pourable one, add a bit more. Chocolate curls can be store-bought or made by running a vegetable peeler along a chocolate bar. This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- pistachio tahini cream: Use store-bought pistachio cream or make a quick blend of pistachio butter and tahini.
- 70% dark chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be used, but reduce sugar elsewhere if needed.
- heavy cream: Use half-and-half for a lighter ganache, but it will be less rich.
Equipment
- Box grater
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan
- Baking dish
- Spatula
Up next · Part 2 of 3
5 steps · 15 min of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)