Dubai Chocolate Rice Krispie Squares with Pistachio

After recently making the viral Dubai pistachio chocolate bar from scratch, I wanted to make a Rice Krispie and white chocolate version of this delicious snack. This recipe combines melted white chocolate, nutty pistachio butter, Rice Krispies, and crunchy toasted kataifi pastry for the perfect sweet treat. Topped with a thick layer of dark & milk chocolate, and a sprinkle of pistachios and sea salt, these Rice Krispie squares are next-level indulgent.

I toasted the kataifi pastry in my air fryer, just like I did in my chocolate bar and pistachio croissant recipes. It adds the perfect crunch and stays crisp for ages. If you want an extra crispy texture, you can use more kataifi and less rice crispies. Either way, this is an easy, no-bake treat that’s ready in no time.

What You Will Need to Make This Recipe

To make these Dubai-inspired rice crispy squares, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:

• White chocolate forms the base, and you can use an affordable option such as MilkyBar.
• Pistachio nut butter – For a rich, nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with white chocolate.
• Rice crispies – Add that classic light, crispy texture.
• Toasted kataifi pastry – Provides extra crunch and mimics the texture of the original chocolate bar.
• Dark & milk chocolate – Creates a rich, chocolatey topping.
• Pistachios – A final sprinkle for extra flavour and a bit of crunch.
• Sea salt flakes – Enhances the flavours and balances the sweetness.

How to Make This Dubai Chocolate Rice Crispy Squares Recipe

• Melt the white chocolate – Break it into pieces and melt it using a double boiler or microwave.

• Mix in the pistachio butter – Stir until smooth and well combined.

• Add the dry ingredients – Fold in the rice crispies and toasted kataifi pastry.

• Press into a tin – Line a 20cm x 20cm (8 inch x 8 inch) square baking tin and evenly press in the mixture.
• Let it set – Allow the mixture to cool and firm up. You can speed this up by placing it in the fridge or freezer.

• Melt the dark and milk chocolate – Use the same double boiler or microwave method.
• Pour over the topping – Spread the melted chocolate over the set crispy base.

• Sprinkle with pistachios and salt – Finish with chopped pistachios and a touch of sea salt.
• Set again before slicing – Let the chocolate topping firm up, then cut into squares.

FAQ’s for This Recipe

Can I make this without kataifi pastry?
Yes! You can replace it with extra rice crispies or crushed wafer cookies for a similar texture.

Where can I buy pistachio nut butter?
Most speciality food stores carry it, or you can make your own by blending roasted pistachios until smooth. Alternatively, take a look at my recipe for the chocolate bar above and make it yourself (you will need a powerful blender for this though).

Can I use only one type of chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use all dark, all milk, or even white chocolate for the topping.

How do I cut these cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and warm it slightly under hot water before slicing it into smooth, neat squares.

Substitutions & Variations

• Swap white chocolate for caramelized white chocolate for extra depth of flavour.
• Use almond or hazelnut butter instead of pistachio butter for a different nutty twist.
• Add Tahini if you want to give it a more Middle Eastern, Dubai chocolate bar flavour.
• Add crushed biscuits or wafer pieces for extra crunch.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative finish.
• Mix in freeze-dried raspberries for a fruity contrast.
• Replace the white chocolate with marshmallows as I did with this recipe for a more traditional Rice Krispies treat.

Storage Instructions

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• In the fridge: It is not necessary to store these Rice Krispie treats in the fridge as they could lose their crunch.

How are these different from Rice Krispie treats?

The main difference between traditional Rice Krispies treats and this Dubai-inspired chocolate Rice Krispies recipe comes down to ingredients and texture.

1. No Marshmallows

Classic Rice Krispie treats use melted marshmallows and butter to bind everything together. This recipe skips marshmallows entirely and uses melted white chocolate and pistachio nut butter instead.

2. More Complex Flavours

Traditional Rice Krispie treats are sweet and simple. This version has a rich, nutty taste from pistachio butter and a luxurious chocolate topping made with both milk and dark chocolate. The sprinkle of sea salt also enhances the flavours.

3. Crispier Texture

Instead of just rice crispies, this recipe includes toasted kataifi pastry. This ultra-thin, shredded dough adds extra crunch and mimics the texture of the viral Dubai pistachio chocolate bar.

4. A Chocolate Coating

Classic Rice Krispie treats don’t usually have a chocolate layer on top. Here, the milk and dark chocolate coating creates a thicker, more indulgent bite.

5. Middle Eastern Influence

The use of pistachios, white chocolate, and kataifi pastry gives this recipe a unique Dubai-inspired twist, making it a more sophisticated take on a childhood favourite.

A few of my other chocolate recipes you might like:

The best chocolate malva pudding

Gooey oat, fruit and nut bars with dark chocolate

White chocolate, cranberry and macadamia nut cookies

Chocolate marshmallow sweetie pies

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