Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache

Name: Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 large avocado (peeled and pitted); ⅓ cup coconut sugar (or light brown sugar); ¼ cup maple syrup; ¾ cup oat milk; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 3 tablespoons tahini; ½ cup cocoa powder; ½ cup almond flour; 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional but boosts the chocolate flavor!); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher); Crushed pistachios (for topping (optional)); 2½ cups kataifi (thawed overnight in the fridge if frozen); 3 tablespoons tahini; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; 1 7oz jar pistachio cream (I used Pisti—see notes below!); 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher); ½ cup coconut cream or heavy whipping cream

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I’ve had kataifi sitting in my freezer for a while, waiting for the perfect moment to try making a dessert with it. This weekend, with family visiting, I figured it was finally time. I wanted to make something that would taste delicious for everyone but also cut back on calories and sugar.

I went with a rich, gooey avocado brownie base (yes, avocado!) naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and maple syrup. On top, there’s a crispy, golden kataifi layer mixed with pistachio cream and tahini for a nice nutty crunch. And then a thick layer of melted dark chocolate ganache to give it that classic Dubai chocolate finish. I love that these brownies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients but still feel like a real treat and my family loved them too.

If you love chocolate Dubai-inspired desserts, you gotta try my Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Protein Energy Balls they’re naturally sweetened with dates and packed with protein; they make the perfect meal prep snack. If you want a single-serve, super easy ready in under 10 minute high protein snack, try my Easy Dubai Chocolate Protein Brownie Mug Cake. I literally cannot stop making it!

Why You’ll Love These Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies

Wholesome ingredients, indulgent taste sweetened with coconut sugar & maple syrup & packed with feel-good fats like avocado, tahini, & pistachios
Inspired by viral Dubai chocolate – Layered with pistachio cream, kataifi, and chocolate ganache, it’s a healthier twist on the trending Dubai pistachio chocolate everyone’s talking about.
Easy to customize – Keep it as-is or make it dairy-free or vegan with a few simple swaps—great for different diets and occasions.
Perfect for sharing (or not!) – Whether you cut them into 9 big squares or 16 bite-sized ones, these healthy-ish brownies are crowd-pleasers for family, friends, or late-night cravings.

Key Ingredients Notes & Substitutions

ingredients for avocado brownies — Ingredients for Avocado Brownies

ingredients for dubai chocolate kataifi layer and chocolate ganache — Ingredients for Avocado Brownies

For the Avocado Brownies:

1 large avocado, peeled and pitted
⅓ cup coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
¼ cup maple syrup
¾ cup oat milk
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons tahini
½ cup cocoa powder
½ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional but boosts the chocolate flavor!)
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
Crushed pistachios, for topping (optional)

For the Kataifi Layer:

2½ cups kataifi (thawed overnight in the fridge if frozen)
3 tablespoons tahini
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 (7oz) jar pistachio cream (I used Pisti—see notes below!)

For the Ganache:

1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% or higher)
½ cup coconut cream or heavy whipping cream

Step by Step Instructions to Make Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache

Time needed: 50 minutes

MAKE THE AVOCADO BROWNIES:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick cooking oil or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mash your avocado with a fork.
Add in the dry ingredients first, then the wet, and mix everything together.
Fold in the chocolate chips and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool on a wire rack. TIP: It’s better to underbake brownies than to overbake them to keep that fudgy brownie gooeyness.
Chop the kataifi into 1-inch strands and toss with coconut oil.
Bake for 5–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Stir in pistachio cream and tahini. Pop it back into the oven for 1–2 minutes to warm up.
Mix it all together and spread over the cooled brownies.
MAKE THE GANACHE
Heat coconut cream until bubbling (about 30 seconds in the microwave or warm in a medium pan over medium heat).
Pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Pour over the kataifi layer and spread to cover.
Sprinkle with crushed pistachios if using. Chill or let set before cutting.

Storage & Freezer Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The ganache will firm up beautifully!
To freeze: Slice into squares and wrap individually, or layer with parchment in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit at room temp for 30–60 minutes before enjoying.

Trish’s Recipe Tips & Variations for the Best Dubai Brownies

For the fudgiest avocado brownies, make sure your avocado is fully ripe and blend it really smooth before mixing.
Slightly underbake the brownies and let them set as they cool for that rich, fudgy center.
To make this vegan: Use a dairy-free pistachio cream (most store-bought options like Pisti contain milk powder) or make your own by blending roasted pistachios, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Also, check that your chocolate chips are dairy free.
No almond flour? Try hazelnut flour or oat flour for a similar texture.
Oat milk substitute: Any plant-based milk works.
No tahini? Swap with smooth sunflower seed butter or cashew butter.

overhead image of dubai chocolate avocado brownies cut into squares

Nutrition Info Per Square (1 of 16):

Calories: 287
Protein: 4.4g
Fat: 21g
Carbohydrates: 24.2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is kataifi?

Kataifi is a Middle Eastern pastry dough that looks like fine vermicelli or shredded phyllo. It crisps up when baked and adds a crunchy texture to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s often used in Middle-Eastern desserts like kunafa.

Where can I buy kataifi?

You can find kataifi in the freezer section of most Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or international grocery stores. Look for brands like Apollo, Cedar’s Mediterranean, or Krinos. Some health food stores and online retailers also carry gluten-free versions. You can also buy a premade one on Amazon.

Do these brownies taste like avocado?

Nope! The avocado melts right into the batter, so you don’t taste it at all. Instead, it makes the brownies super moist and fudgy without needing extra butter or oil. So even if you’re not usually an avocado fan, you’ll love how rich and chocolatey these brownies are.

What does pistachio cream taste like?

Pistachio cream is rich, nutty, slightly sweet, and smooth. It’s often made with pistachios, oil, sugar, and sometimes milk powder—like Nutella but with pistachios instead of hazelnuts. You can also make your own for a cleaner version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the brownies and kataifi layer a day ahead and store them separately. Assemble and top with ganache the next day if you want them super fresh. Or make the whole thing and chill—it cuts even cleaner once set!

Can I use something else instead of kataifi?

The kataifi gives this dessert a special crunchy texture, but if you can’t find it, you could try crushed phyllo or toasted shredded coconut mixed with tahini and pistachio cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but still tasty!

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Pin Recipe

Dubai Chocolate Avocado Brownies with Pistachio Kataifi & Ganache

These gooey avocado brownies are layered with crisp pistachio kataifi and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. A wholesome dessert inspired by Dubai’s viral chocolate trend—decadent, healthy-ish and full of rich flavor!

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Serving Size 16 Squares

Calories: 287kcal