Crumbl’s Dubai Chocolate Brownie
If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've probably seen those impossibly decadent Dubai chocolate brownies from Crumbl taking over your feed. Those thick, fudgy squares topped with pistachios, gold leaf, and that signature glossy chocolate finish? Yeah, they're absolutely gorgeous AND they taste like pure luxury in every bite.
But here's the thing – you don't need to wait for Crumbl's rotating menu to bring them back, and you definitely don't need to pay those premium prices every time you're craving that rich, chocolatey goodness. With this copycat recipe, you can whip up these Instagram-worthy treats right in your own kitchen, and honestly? They might just taste even better than the originals.
What Makes Crumbl's Dubai Chocolate Brownie So Special?
Let's talk about what sets these brownies apart from your typical chocolate square. First, there's that incredible fudgy texture that's somehow both dense and tender at the same time. Then you've got layers of flavor – rich dark chocolate, creamy pistachio filling, and those crunchy roasted pistachios on top that add the perfect textural contrast.
The "Dubai" inspiration comes from the Middle Eastern influence of pistachios and that luxurious presentation with edible gold leaf. It's like taking a regular brownie and giving it a five-star makeover. The result? A dessert that looks like it belongs in a fancy patisserie but tastes like your favorite childhood comfort food.
Why Make These at Home?
Beyond the obvious money-saving benefits (because let's be real, Crumbl cookies aren't cheap!), making these at home gives you total control over the quality and quantity. You can make them exactly as rich and chocolatey as you like, adjust the pistachio level to your preference, and cut them into whatever size your heart desires.
Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about pulling a pan of these beauties out of your own oven. The smell alone will have your whole house smelling like a chocolate wonderland, and trust me, your friends and family are going to think you're some kind of baking genius.
This recipe is inspired by Crumbl and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that most of the ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Here's what you'll need to create these show-stopping brownies:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pistachio Filling:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup pistachio butter (or finely ground pistachios blended with a bit of neutral oil)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Toppings:
- 1/3 cup chopped roasted pistachios
- Edible gold leaf (optional, but totally worth it for the wow factor!)
- Extra melted chocolate for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial – you want that oven nice and hot before your brownies go in. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang so you can easily lift the brownies out later. Trust me on this one – it makes cutting clean squares so much easier!
Step 2: Create the Brownie Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter (make sure it's cooled slightly so it doesn't scramble your eggs), granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This is where the magic starts happening – that sugar and butter combo is the foundation of that perfect fudgy texture.
Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, so don't rush this step.
In a separate bowl, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Sifting might seem like an extra step, but it prevents lumps and ensures your brownies have that smooth, even texture that makes them look professional.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. You want to stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined – overmixing leads to tough brownies, and we're going for fudgy perfection here.
Step 3: Make the Pistachio Filling
While your brownie batter rests, let's create that gorgeous pistachio layer. Melt your dark chocolate chips either in the microwave (30-second intervals, stirring between) or using a double boiler. Once smooth and silky, stir in the pistachio butter and heavy cream until you have a luscious, spreadable mixture.
The pistachio butter is what gives these brownies their signature flavor, but if you can't find it at your local store, you can easily make your own by blending roasted pistachios with a tiny bit of neutral oil until smooth.
Step 4: Assembly Time
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Now comes the fun part – reserve about 1/3 cup of your pistachio filling for the final topping, then dollop the rest over the brownie batter. Use a knife to create beautiful swirls, but don't go crazy – you want distinct layers, not a completely mixed mess.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Here's the key to perfect brownies – you want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with just a few moist crumbs. Completely clean means overbaked, and we're definitely not going for that!
The edges should look set while the center still has a slight jiggle to it. Remember, they'll continue cooking from residual heat even after you remove them from the oven.
Step 6: The Grand Finale
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan – this is torture, I know, but it's essential for clean cuts. Once cooled, use your parchment paper overhang to lift them out onto a cutting board.
Now for the showstopper finish: drizzle that reserved pistachio mixture over the top, sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios, and if you're feeling fancy (and you should!), add some edible gold leaf. Finish with extra melted chocolate drizzled artistically on top.
Pro Tips for Brownie Success
Use room temperature eggs: They'll incorporate much more easily into your batter, giving you that smooth, even texture.
Don't skip the cooling time: I know it's tempting to cut into these beauties while they're still warm, but letting them cool completely ensures clean cuts and the perfect texture.
Quality chocolate matters: Since chocolate is the star of this show, use the best you can afford. Your taste buds will thank you.
Make it your own: Want to amp up the pistachio flavor? Add a few drops of pistachio extract to your filling. Prefer a different nut? Try almond butter instead!
Storage and Serving
These brownies will keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (though they probably won't last that long!). For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Serve them at room temperature for the perfect fudgy texture, or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if you want that just-baked experience all over again. They're absolutely divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.
The Final Verdict
Making these Crumbl-inspired Dubai chocolate brownies at home is honestly one of the most rewarding baking projects you can tackle. They look incredibly impressive, taste absolutely divine, and cost a fraction of what you'd pay at the store. Plus, you get to enjoy that amazing chocolate aroma filling your kitchen – something you just can't get from a takeout order.
So go ahead, treat yourself to a little kitchen magic. Your taste buds (and your Instagram followers) will definitely thank you for these gorgeous, decadent squares of chocolate heaven. And the best part? You can make them whenever that craving hits, no waiting for Crumbl's rotating menu required!