Dubai Chocolate Shortbread (Trillionaire's Shortbread)
This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. The combination of textures—from the tender shortbread to the crunchy kataifi and velvety chocolate—creates a sensory delight that’s unmatched. Plus, the balance of sweet, salty, nutty, and spiced flavors ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser.
Ryan Nordheimer•
October 27, 2025
When it comes to decadent desserts, few treats compare to the rich allure of the Millionaire’s Shortbread. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your dessert game to extraordinary? Enter the Trillionaire’s Shortbread — a luxurious twist inspired by Dubai’s opulence and culinary innovation. This show-stopping creation is perfect for those who crave something uniquely indulgent yet sophisticated.
What Makes Trillionaire’s Shortbread Irresistible?
The foundation of this dessert is a buttery, cinnamon-scented shortbread crust. This fragrant and flavorful base is a modern upgrade from the traditional shortbread, infusing every bite with a subtle warmth and spice. But the true centerpiece of this dessert is the pistachio kataifi layer. Kataifi, a fine, shredded pastry often used in Middle Eastern sweets, adds a delightful crunch and textural complexity. Combined with the nutty richness of pistachios, this layer introduces a burst of flavor that’s both surprising and satisfying.
Topping it all off is a glossy layer of rich dark chocolate, perfectly tempered for that satisfying snap. To balance the sweetness, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adorns the chocolate, creating a harmony of flavors that keeps you reaching for more. This is not your average dessert; this is indulgence redefined.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a luxurious dinner party, celebrating a special event, or simply treating yourself to a moment of decadence, Trillionaire’s Shortbread is the perfect choice. Its striking layers and gourmet appeal make it an Instagram-worthy centerpiece that’s sure to impress. Pair it with a rich cup of Arabic coffee or a fragrant chai tea for the ultimate flavor experience.
A Dubai-Inspired Culinary Adventure
Drawing inspiration from the opulent flavors and textures of Middle Eastern cuisine, this dessert is a celebration of global culinary fusion. The pistachio kataifi layer pays homage to beloved regional pastries like baklava, while the cinnamon shortbread nods to the spice-laden traditions of the East. The result? A dessert that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
How to Make Trillionaire’s Shortbread
Creating this luxurious treat at home is easier than you might think. Start by preparing a cinnamon shortbread crust and baking it to golden perfection. Next, layer the crust with a mixture of pistachios and lightly sweetened kataifi pastry, then bake until crisp and aromatic. Once cooled, pour a silky layer of dark chocolate over the top, spreading it evenly. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that final touch of elegance. Allow the dessert to set before slicing into squares that reveal its stunning layers.
Why You Need to Try Trillionaire’s Shortbread
This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. The combination of textures—from the tender shortbread to the crunchy kataifi and velvety chocolate—creates a sensory delight that’s unmatched. Plus, the balance of sweet, salty, nutty, and spiced flavors ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser.
Step into the world of indulgence with Trillionaire’s Shortbread, where every bite feels like a taste of luxury. Whether you’re in Dubai or simply dreaming of it, this dessert will transport your taste buds to new heights.
Equipment
- 1 8 in. square pan
Hey! My name is Ryan Nordheimer. Welcome to my cooking and baking site. I’m a 25-year old home cook living in the East Village in New York City. Hopefully you enjoy my food through my own, tried-and-true recipes.
Ingredients (14)
Ingredients (14)
Shortbread
Pistachio Filling
Chocolate
Instructions
Shortbread
Preheat oven to 350 °F. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour (1 ½ cups), sugar (¼ cup), salt (1 tsp), and cinnamon (½ tsp). Drizzle in the butter and stir to combine completely.
Grease the cake pan with some oil. Line it with two pieces of parchment or foil in an X to create 4 overhangs. Press the shortbread into the base. Dock it all over with a fork. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden across the top. When it comes out of the oven, use a measuring cup to press/compact the shortbread into the cake pan to ensure it doesn't crumble later.
Pistachio Filling
Meanwhile, melt the butter (1 stick) over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan. Shred the kataifi dough (10 oz) over the butter. Stir until the dough turns golden brown and is crunchy, about 15 minutes.
Dump into a large bowl. Add the pistachio creme (2 cups), tahini (¾ cup), powdered sugar (¾ cup), and salt (1 tsp). Taste for seasoning (if it's not sweet enough add more sugar). And if you'd like add a drop or two of green food dye for a brighter color.
Add filling to the cake pan, level it out, and stick in the freezer.
Chocolate
Melt the chocolate (6 oz) in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds, until melted, about 1-2 minutes. Dump over the pistachio filing and quickly smooth it out. Use a fork if you wish to create a pattern on top. Stick in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to harden the chocolate. Then cut into 24 rectangles and garnish with flaky salt. This is best starred in the fridge and will last for a week.
Subscribe to get my new recipes delivered to your inbox
Comments
Sign in to comment
