Dubai Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of indulgence. This rich, moist cake features layers of buttery kataifi-pistachio filling and is elegantly finished with a silky ganache. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy dessert at home, this cake offers a taste of the luxurious chocolate desserts inspired by Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor – The blend of chocolate and pistachio creates an irresistible combination that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make – With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can bake this luxurious dessert at home.
- Versatile Dessert – Ideal for parties, family gatherings, or just a special treat for yourself, this cake suits any occasion.
- Stunning Presentation – The layered look and garnishes make it visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
- Rich Texture – The moist chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the crunchy kataifi and creamy ganache for a delightful texture contrast.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment can significantly improve your results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking pan (9’’ square or round)
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls – A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine ingredients smoothly without spilling.
- Whisk – Using a whisk ensures that your batter is well-mixed and airy, leading to a lighter cake.
- Baking pan – A quality baking pan helps distribute heat evenly, preventing over-baking or under-baking.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Dubai Chocolate Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch processed)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup hot coffee
For the Filling and Ganache
- 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup pistachio cream
- 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar
- ½ cup heavy cream or table cream
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil. Whisk until everything is smooth.
3. Gradually pour in the hot coffee while mixing until you achieve a smooth batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
1. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely for at least 10–15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Kataifi Filling
In a large pan:
1. Toast chopped kataifi with butter over medium heat until golden brown and crisp.
2. Transfer toasted kataifi to a bowl and mix in pistachio cream gently until combined.
Step 5: Make the Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Chop chocolate and add it with heavy cream.
2. Microwave for 45 seconds; let it sit for 3–5 minutes before whisking until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Pour ganache over the top.
- Optionally drizzle more pistachio cream or top with toasted kataifi and crushed pistachios.
Step 7: Serve Your Dubai Chocolate Cake
Serve warm for a gooey bite or chill slightly for firmer slices—enjoy this luxurious dessert!
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Cake
Serving Dubai Chocolate Cake can elevate any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a tart contrast that balances the rich chocolate flavor.
Add Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy texture and lightens the overall experience of this indulgent dessert.
Drizzle with Additional Pistachio Cream
- For a richer taste, drizzle extra pistachio cream over each slice before serving. This adds an elegant touch and enhances the nutty flavor.
Serve Warm with Ice Cream
- Heat individual slices slightly in the microwave and serve alongside vanilla or pistachio ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Garnish with Toasted Nuts
- Sprinkle toasted pistachios on top for added crunch and visual appeal, making every slice look as good as it tastes.
How to Perfect Dubai Chocolate Cake
To ensure your Dubai Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use quality ingredients: Selecting high-quality cocoa powder and fresh eggs can significantly enhance the cake’s flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can make it dense.
Check oven temperature: Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly. An oven thermometer can help you achieve accurate baking temperatures.
Let it cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before adding layers and ganache helps maintain structure and prevents melting.
Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Dubai Chocolate Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Dubai Chocolate Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its richness beautifully:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the dense cake.
- Mint Tea: The soothing flavors of mint tea offer a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying the rich chocolate.
- Cheese Platter: Including mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese adds an interesting savory note that balances sweetness.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Enhance the chocolate experience by serving strawberries dipped in chocolate on the side.
- Baklava: This sweet pastry filled with nuts complements the Middle Eastern flavors in the cake perfectly.
- Spiced Nuts: Crunchy, spiced nuts provide texture and a hint of saltiness that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Coconut Macaroons: These chewy delights are perfect for adding an exotic twist alongside your chocolate indulgence.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A light, creamy chia pudding topped with fruits offers a healthful balance to this rich dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Dubai Chocolate Cake can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Ignoring ingredient temperature: Using cold ingredients like eggs and milk can lead to uneven mixing. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Combine ingredients until just mixed to keep it light and fluffy.
Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into the cake too soon can result in a messy slice. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving for better texture.
Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so improper measurements can ruin your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise amounts.
Using low-quality chocolate: The chocolate ganache significantly affects flavor. Opt for good-quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Dubai Chocolate Cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.
Freezing Dubai Chocolate Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Dubai Chocolate Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the cake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Watch closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Dubai Chocolate Cake.
How do I make the ganache for Dubai Chocolate Cake?
To make ganache, chop quality chocolate and heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the cream over chocolate, let it sit briefly, then whisk until smooth.
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Yes! You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds if you prefer different flavors or textures in your Dubai Chocolate Cake.
What should I serve with Dubai Chocolate Cake?
Pair this rich dessert with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the chocolate flavor.
How long will my Dubai Chocolate Cake last?
Stored properly in the fridge, it will last up to 3 days, while frozen slices remain fresh for about 2 months.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or espresso powder, or swap out the pistachio filling with other nut butters based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Chocolate Cake is not only rich and indulgent but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. You can customize it with different fillings or toppings according to your taste. Try this recipe today and impress your friends and family with this luxurious treat!
Dubai Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the luxurious delight of Dubai Chocolate Cake, a rich and moist dessert that beautifully combines layers of buttery kataifi-pistachio filling with a silky chocolate ganache. This elegant cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself to something sweet at home. With its decadent flavors and stunning presentation, this Dubai-inspired dessert will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup hot coffee
- 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup pistachio cream
- 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square or round baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil; mix until smooth. Gradually stir in hot coffee.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for at least 10–15 minutes before removing from the pan.
- In a pan, toast chopped kataifi with butter until golden brown. Mix with pistachio cream.
- For ganache, heat chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until melted; whisk until smooth.
- Spread the pistachio mixture over the cooled cake, pour ganache on top, and garnish as desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer flavor. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. Experiment with different fillings like almond cream or hazelnut spread for variety.
