Dubai Chocolate Pistachio French Toast Bake
This Dubai chocolate French toast bake is rich, layered with pistachio, and basically everything brunch dreams are made of. It’s inspired by the bold flavors of Middle Eastern sweets, think creamy pistachio, buttery filo, and dark chocolate, all wrapped in a custardy challah base. Just like the viral Dubai chocolate bar, every bite of this Dubai chocolate French toast is creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey at the same time, so it’s pistachio French toast and dessert all in one pan. It’s a showstopper but still easy enough to prep the night before and pop into the oven when your crew wakes up hungry.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or just need something sweet and satisfying to start your day, this one-pan dish delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate French Toast Bake
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning.
- Crunchy and custardy: Soft, custard-soaked challah meets a crispy toasted kataifi layer.
- Big Dubai chocolate flavor: Pistachio cream and dark chocolate give you that viral candy bar taste.
- Feeds a crowd: One pan is perfect for holidays, birthdays, and weekend brunch.
Before You Get Started
Give your challah a quick cube and let it sit out for a bit to dry, since slightly stale bread soaks up custard better. If you’re using frozen kataifi or shredded filo, thaw it ahead of time. The pistachio cream brings the flavor, so grab a good-quality jar or use your favorite brand. You can prep everything the night before for an easy bake-and-serve brunch.
Ingredients Needed to Make Dubai Chocolate Pistachio French Toast Bake
You’ll find exact measurements in the recipe card, but here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Challah bread: A whole loaf, cubed. Its rich, eggy crumb soaks up the custard beautifully.
- Eggs, almond milk, and heavy cream: The base of the custard.
- Sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt: For a cozy, warm flavor.
- Pistachio cream: Used in the filling, between the layers, and on top after baking.
- Kataifi pastry or shredded filo dough: Toasted in butter for that signature Dubai chocolate crunch.
- Dark chocolate chips: Melted into the toasted kataifi for the filling layer.
- Butter: For toasting the filo layers.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate French Toast Bake
Step 1: Toast the Kataifi
Start by toasting 1 cup of kataifi pastry with 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a pan until it’s golden and crisp.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pistachio Filling
Stir in pistachio cream and chocolate chips, then set aside. This makes your crunchy filling layer.
Step 1: Start by toasting 1 cup of kataifi pastry with butter in a pan until it’s golden and crisp.
Step 2: Stir in pistachio cream and chocolate chips, then set aside. This makes your crunchy filling layer.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard
Make your custard by whisking together eggs, almond milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 4: Layer the Bake
Layer half the cubed challah into a greased baking dish. Spread on a thin layer of pistachio cream, then add your chocolate pistachio filo mix.
Step 3: make your custard by whisking together eggs, almond milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 4: Layer half the cubed challah into a greased baking dish. Spread on a thin layer of pistachio cream, then add your chocolate pistachio filo mix.
Step 5: Add the Custard and Soak
Top with the rest of the challah cubes and pour the custard evenly over everything. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak it up. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight if prepping ahead.
Step 6: Bake and Top
Bake at 350°F for about 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. While it bakes, toast an extra 1/2 cup of kataifi in butter.
When the bake is done, spread more pistachio cream on top and sprinkle with the crispy toasted filo. Serve warm and prepare for the compliments.
Step 5: Top with the rest of the challah cubes and pour the custard evenly over everything. Press down gently with a spatula to help the bread soak it up. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight if prepping ahead.
Step 6: Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and the custard is set. While it bakes, toast an extra 1/2 cup of kataifi in butter.
What to Serve With Dubai Chocolate French Toast
This pistachio French toast is rich, so it pairs well with something light and fresh. Serve it with a bowl of berries, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, and a coconut matcha latte or hot coffee. If you love a make-ahead brunch, my strawberry almond French toast casserole is another crowd favorite.
What People Ask About Dubai Chocolate French Toast
What is kataifi pastry?
Kataifi is a shredded filo dough used in a lot of Middle Eastern desserts. You can find it in the frozen section near phyllo dough or international foods.
Can I use regular filo instead?
Yes, if you can’t find kataifi, just shred regular filo sheets into small strips and toast them in butter. It’ll still give you that crunchy topping.
Can I make Dubai chocolate French toast ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything the night before and bake it in the morning. Just keep it covered in the fridge overnight.
What kind of pistachio cream should I use?
Use a smooth, sweet pistachio spread that you’d enjoy on toast. Some brands are thicker or more savory, so pick one that leans dessert-y.
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Absolutely. Whole milk, oat milk, or any other type you like will work just fine here.
Dubai Chocolate Pistachio French Toast Bake
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast 1 cup kataifi with 2 tbsp butter until golden. Mix in 4 tbsp pistachio cream and 1/2 cup chocolate. Set aside.
- Whisk eggs, almond milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Layer half the challah, spread pistachio cream, add chocolate-pistachio filo mixture, top with remaining challah. Pour custard over, press gently, and let soak (15–30 min or overnight).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, until set and golden.
- Toast another 1/2 cup kataifi in butter. Spread 1/3 cup pistachio cream over baked casserole, then sprinkle with toasted kataifi.
- Serve warm
Nutrition
Notes
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This looks so good! What a great combination of flavors!
Thanks so much! It’s a go to when having guests, everyone loves it!