Crumbl Dubai Brownie is Inspired by the rich, decadent flavors of Dubai, this dessert brings together chocolatey goodness, a hint of luxury, and the kind of bold flavors that make every bite unforgettable.
Table of Contents
How to make Crumbl Dubai Brownie
The Crumbl Dubai Chocolate Brownie (often shorthand “Dubai Brownie”) is a limited‑time, viral‑inspired dessert recently tested by Crumbl—a spin on the social media sensation known as Dubai Chocolate.
Ingredients
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 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) cocoa powder – unsweetened
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling/Layer:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips – melted and smooth
- 1/2 cup pistachio butter (or finely ground pistachios blended into butter)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream – for added richness
For Toppings:
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios – roasted
- Edible gold leaf (optional, for a touch of Dubai-inspired luxury)
- Extra melted chocolate – for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and clean edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Create the Filling
- In a heat-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Blend pistachio butter and heavy cream into the melted chocolate to form a creamy filling. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Reserve about 1/3 cup of the filling for topping later. Pour the remaining filling over the brownie batter—you can swirl it slightly for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edges comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking—this ensures a fudgy texture!
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely before adding toppings.
Step 4: Add the Dubai-Inspired Toppings
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the reserved pistachio filling over the surface for an added layer of flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top for crunch and a pop of color.
- Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate, and for that Dubai luxury vibe, place a small strip of edible gold leaf onto a portion of the brownies.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the Butter is Melted but Not Hot: Overly hot butter can scramble your eggs. Let it cool slightly before mixing.
- Use High-Quality Pistachios and Chocolate: The richness of the Dubai Brownie depends on these two key ingredients. Choose premium brands whenever possible.
- Don’t Overbake: The brownie texture should remain fudgy, not dry. Keep an eye on the oven toward the end of the bake time.
- Roast Pistachios: Roasting the pistachios enhances their natural flavor, making your brownies even more aromatic.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Cutting while they’re still warm can result in a messy presentation. Patience pays off!
- Add Personal Flair: Swap pistachios for another Middle Eastern-inspired nut like almonds or hazelnuts, and experiment with layering flavors.
What to serve with
Crumbl Dubai Brownies are the epitome of luxury—a rich, fudgy chocolate base infused with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors like pistachio and dark chocolate.
- Middle Eastern Coffee (Qahwa): Traditional Arabic coffee brewed with cardamom can enhance the nuttiness of the Crumbl Dubai Brownies. The subtly bitter and aromatic coffee cuts through the richness, adding an authentic regional flair. Serve hot in small cups for an elegant touch.
- Masala Chai: A spiced Indian tea made with milk, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves pairs beautifully with the sweetness and chocolate depth of the Crumbl Dubai Brownie. Its warm, cozy profile complements the luxurious pistachio filling.
- Espresso or Cappuccino: The bold flavor of espresso or the creaminess of cappuccino perfectly balances the sweetness of the brownies. Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a tiny dash of cinnamon on the coffee foam to align the flavors.
- Iced Rose Water Drink: This refreshing yet floral beverage, made with rose syrup, water, and ice, offers a cool contrast to the warm, decadent dessert. It’s an ideal pairing for enhancing Middle Eastern-inspired flavors.
Ingredients Substitutes
The Crumbl Dubai Brownie is a rich, decadent dessert with layers of chocolate and unique flavors that make it special. If you are looking to make this brownie but need ingredients substitutes due to dietary restrictions, availability, or preferences, here’s a detailed explanation of workable options for each component.
Butter
Typically, butter is used in brownie recipes to add richness and moisture.
Substitutes:
- Coconut Oil: Use in equal amounts to butter for a mild coconut flavor. It works especially well for dairy-free baking.
- Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and a neutral flavor, but may make the brownie slightly denser.
- Applesauce: Replace butter with unsweetened applesauce at a 1:1 ratio for a healthier option, but note it may make the brownie less rich.
- Margarine: Choose a dairy-free or plant-based margarine for an effective buttery substitute.
Flour
All-purpose flour is often used for the dry structure and texture of brownies.
Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the best substitute for a gluten-free version of the brownie.
- Almond Flour: Adds a nutty flavor and lower carb content, but the brownies may become more crumbly.
- Oat Flour: A wholesome alternative that imparts a slightly chewy texture and mild oat flavor.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Works as a healthier option but may make the brownie denser.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used for sweetness and structure in the original recipe.
Substitutes:
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper molasses flavor while maintaining sweetness.
- Coconut Sugar: A natural sweetener with a subtle caramel undertone, making it an ideal refined-sugar-free option.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Substitute in a 3/4 cup ratio for every 1 cup of sugar, although this will make the batter slightly wetter.
- Stevia/Erythritol: Use low-calorie sweeteners for sugar-free brownies, although this may slightly affect the texture.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is essential for the deep chocolate flavor in brownies.
Substitutes:
- Carob Powder: Offers a similar texture and mild chocolate flavor for those avoiding caffeine and chocolate.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (Melted): This can be used as a substitute for cocoa powder; however, adjust the sugar as the chocolate chips are already sweetened.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure, leavening, binding, and moisture to the brownies.
Substitutes:
- Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg and let it sit until gelatinous—a great vegan option.
- Unsweetened Yogurt: Use 1/4 cup of yogurt per egg for a moist and dense brownie.
- Mashed Banana: Use 1/4 cup per egg. It may add a hint of banana flavor.
- Applesauce: Replace 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg to provide binding, similar to banana, but with a more neutral flavour.
Chocolate Chips
This ingredient is used for gooey, melty pockets of chocolate throughout the brownie.
Substitutes:
- Dark Chocolate Blocks (Chopped): Provides the same rich chocolate flavor.
- White Chocolate Chips: Offers a sweeter alternative and a different visual appeal.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips: Use dairy-free chips for a plant-based alternative.
- Carob Chips: Works as a caffeine-free and non-chocolate alternative.
Milk
Milk is added for moisture and creaminess in the Dubai Brownie recipe.
Substitutes:
- Almond Milk: A neutral choice that is dairy-free.
- Oat Milk: Adds creaminess and works well in baked goods.
- Coconut Milk: It imparts a subtle coconut flavour while being rich and creamy.
- Soy Milk: A protein-rich dairy-free alternative that works well in baking.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
Substitutes:
- Almond Extract: Adds a slightly nutty and aromatic flavor profile.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that has mild vanilla undertones.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: Rich and flavorful substitute with similar intensity.
- Rum Extract: Provides a subtle spiced flavor if you want a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
By using these substitutes, you can still create your version of the Crumbl Dubai Brownie that accommodates your needs while staying close to the original flavors!
More Crumbl Recipes:

Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (120g) cocoa powder – unsweetened
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling/Layer:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup pistachio butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For Toppings:
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios – roasted
- Edible gold leaf
- Extra melted chocolate
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and clean edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and well-blended.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Create the Filling
- In a heat-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
- Blend pistachio butter and heavy cream into the melted chocolate to form a creamy filling. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Reserve about 1/3 cup of the filling for topping later. Pour the remaining filling over the brownie batter—you can swirl it slightly for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edges comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Avoid overbaking—this ensures a fudgy texture!
- Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely before adding toppings.
Step 4: Add the Dubai-Inspired Toppings
- Once the brownies have cooled, spread the reserved pistachio filling over the surface for an added layer of flavor.
- Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top for crunch and a pop of color.
- Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate, and for that Dubai luxury vibe, place a small strip of edible gold leaf onto a portion of the brownies.