Total Time:2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield:12 bars
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:Middle Eastern
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Base
Dark chocolate: 300g (70% cocoa or higher, chopped)
Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g)
Honey: 2 tablespoons (for a touch of natural sweetness)
For the Filling
Medjool dates: 1 cup (pitted and finely chopped)
Pistachios: 1/2 cup (shelled and roughly chopped)
Almonds: 1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
Dried rose petals: 1 tablespoon (for a floral touch)
Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon (for a hint of spice)
For the Topping
Gold leaf or edible gold dust: Optional, for a luxurious finish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Base
Chop the Chocolate: Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream and butter over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Add Honey: Stir in the honey until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Chop the Dates and Nuts: Finely chop the Medjool dates, pistachios, and almonds.
Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped dates, pistachios, almonds, dried rose petals, and cardamom powder. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Assemble the Chocolate Bars
Layer the Chocolate: Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture into a lined 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Add the Filling: Sprinkle the date and nut mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
Top with Chocolate: Pour the remaining chocolate mixture over the filling, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle Rose Petals: Lightly sprinkle dried rose petals over the top for a fragrant, decorative touch.
Add Gold Accents: For a luxurious finish, gently press gold leaf or dust edible gold powder onto the surface.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Refrigerate: Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely set.
Cut into Bars: Once set, remove the chocolate slab from the dish and cut it into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The quality of the chocolate will make or break this recipe. Opt for premium dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
Toast the Nuts: For extra flavor, toast the pistachios and almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before chopping.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bar, add an extra tablespoon of honey or use semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark.
Work Quickly: Chocolate sets fast, so have all your ingredients ready before you start melting the chocolate.