What is a Dubai chocolate cake?

Dubai Chocolate Cake is a rich and luxurious dessert inspired by the indulgent dessert culture of Dubai. It starts with a super moist chocolate cake as the base, layered with a crunchy kataifi and pistachio cream filling, then topped with a silky chocolate ganache. The cake is known for its texture contrast and its bold, elegant presentation. It draws on Middle Eastern ingredients and combines them with classic baking techniques to create a dessert that is both comforting and upscale. This cake went viral for good reason. It is delicious, eye-catching, and full of flavor in every bite.

What is so special about Dubai chocolate?

Dubai chocolate refers more to the style of chocolate-based desserts popular in the city rather than a specific type of chocolate. These desserts often feature high-end ingredients, luxurious textures, and unique flavor pairings. What makes Dubai chocolate special is the way it is elevated. You will find it paired with pistachios, saffron, rose, or even gold leaf in some recipes. It’s not only about flavor, but also about the overall experience. From ganache to filling, everything is crafted to create indulgence with every layer.

How much is the real Dubai chocolate?

The cost of chocolate desserts in Dubai can vary widely depending on the brand, ingredients, and presentation. A high-quality chocolate bar or pastry from a luxury bakery may range from $8 to $25 or more per serving. Some desserts even feature edible gold or imported ingredients, driving the price up further. However, you can find Dubai-inspired chocolate cakes in home bakeries or cafés for more reasonable prices. Making it at home with the right ingredients allows you to enjoy the luxury without the high cost.

Why is Dubai-style chocolate so expensive?

Dubai-style chocolate is often expensive because of the premium ingredients used and the detailed presentation. These treats commonly showcase high-end ingredients like imported chocolate, rich table cream, pistachio paste, and artisanal toppings such as toasted kataifi. Many of these cakes are thoughtfully assembled with precision, frequently finished with elegant touches like edible gold, gourmet nuts, or intricate chocolate embellishments. The time and skill involved in crafting these desserts also contribute to the price. When you buy one, you are not just paying for the ingredients, but for the artistry and experience behind it.

Dubai Chocolate Cake – The Viral Dessert You Need to Try

Name: Dubai Chocolate Cake – The Viral Dessert You Need to Try
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 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; 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), finely chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup pistachio cream; 4 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped; ½ cup heavy cream or 1 can of table cream

Description

Dubai Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert perfect for anyone who loves rich, moist chocolate cake with a luxurious twist. Inspired by the indulgent flavors of viral Dubai chocolate bars, this cake combines velvety chocolate sponge, creamy pistachio filling, and a luscious ganache topping for a showstopping treat.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

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 Pistachio Filling:

2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), finely chopped
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pistachio cream

For the Chocolate Ganache Layer:

4 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
½ cup heavy cream or 1 can of table cream

Prep your layers with these fresh staples

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉. Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and set it aside.
Prepare the chocolate cake batter by whisking together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Pour in the hot coffee and whisk again until the batter is silky and well blended.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the pistachio filling, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the finely chopped kataifi dough and stir frequently until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the toasted kataifi to a bowl and mix in the pistachio cream until evenly combined.
Prepare the chocolate ganache by combining the chopped chocolate and heavy cream or table cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until the cream is warm.
Let the mixture sit for 3 to 5 minutes, then whisk gently until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
Assemble the cake by spreading the pistachio filling evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or spoon.
Pour the ganache over the pistachio layer and spread it evenly across the top. Garnish with pistachio cream, crushed pistachios, or toasted kataifi if desired.
Serve the cake warm for a gooey texture or refrigerate it for a firmer slice. Enjoy your homemade Dubai Chocolate Cake.

Notes

Chocolate: Ghirardelli, Milka, Cadbury, or European-style baking chocolate bars melt best. Chocolate chips may not melt as smoothly due to stabilizers.
Cream Substitute: Table cream is a traditional alternative to heavy cream in Middle Eastern baking. It’s richer and can be found in the Hispanic aisle or online.
Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day early and refrigerate. Add filling and ganache just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Middle Eastern