Can I substitute pistachio cream in Dubai chocolate?

Yes, pistachio cream can be substituted, though it will change the character of the final product. The most popular alternatives include Nutella or other hazelnut spreads, almond butter, cashew butter, lotus (Biscoff) spread, and peanut butter. Each brings a different flavor profile while maintaining the creamy filling that contrasts with the crunchy knafeh layer. Some bakers even use cookie butter or dulce de leche for a completely different but equally indulgent result.

If you want to stay closer to the original flavor profile, try mixing tahini with a small amount of honey and crushed pistachios. This provides a similar nutty, Middle Eastern-inspired taste at a fraction of the cost of pure pistachio paste. Another option is to blend pistachio butter (which is more affordable than pistachio cream) with a tablespoon of melted white chocolate to achieve a creamier consistency.

Keep in mind that pure pistachio cream or paste is the defining ingredient of authentic Dubai chocolate, and substitutions will produce a different product. If cost is the main concern, consider using a smaller amount of real pistachio cream mixed with a more affordable nut butter to stretch the ingredient while retaining some authentic pistachio flavor. Sicilian and Bronte pistachio creams are the gold standard, but Turkish and Iranian pistachio pastes offer good quality at lower prices.