Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe is a rich, layered dessert blending moist chocolate cake with Middle Eastern flavours like pistachio cream, toasted kataifi, and tahini infused filling.
The cake delivers deep, bold taste with a smooth, creamy texture and a nutty, buttery filling. Inspired by luxurious desserts seen in Dubai cafes, this creation reflects elegance and indulgence.
I decided to make it after watching how it was crafted with care and detail. Now I will show step-by-step how to create this unforgettable cake experience.
Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe stands out for its fusion of rich chocolate with traditional Middle Eastern ingredients.
The main speciality lies in its unique filling made from pistachio cream, tahini, and crunchy toasted kataifi pastry, adding texture and bold flavour.
Each layer is deeply indulgent, combining moist chocolate cake with creamy, nutty richness. Inspired by desserts found in Dubai’s luxury bakeries, this cake brings a taste of regional flair and sophistication to every slice, making it both distinct and memorable.
How To Prepare Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking/Baking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling & Assembly Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern fusion / Modern Emirati
Yield: Serves 12 slices
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls (2–3)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sieve (for dry ingredients)
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Baking parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Offset spatula or knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (cornflour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (or high-quality baking spread)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup hot water or strong brewed coffee
For The Filling:
- 1 cup kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo), toasted in 2 tbsp butter until golden and crispy
- ¾ cup pistachio cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp tahini
For The Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 200g semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, adds shine)
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- ½ cup baking cocoa
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- Crushed pistachios, for garnish
How To Make The Cake?
Step 1: Make The Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Pour in the oil and milk, and mix until everything’s smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Finally, stir in the hot water or coffee this helps loosen the batter and brings out the chocolate flavour.
Step 2: Bake The Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare The Filling
In a skillet, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter and toast the kataifi pastry over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. Let it cool a bit. In a bowl, mix the pistachio cream with tahini until smooth and creamy. Fold in the toasted kataifi for a rich, crunchy texture.
Step 4: Make The Chocolate Frosting
Warm the cream in a saucepan over medium heat don’t let it boil. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until it melts into a smooth ganache. If you want a bit of shine, add a small piece of butter. Once it’s slightly cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of milk until the frosting is smooth and easy to spread.
Step 5: Assemble The Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the pistachio-tahini filling evenly on top. Add the second cake layer. Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake (this is your crumb coat) and chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Then go in with a final, generous layer of frosting.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for a nice crunch and a pop of colour. Chill the cake a little before slicing it’ll help you get cleaner cuts. Serve it up and enjoy a rich, chocolatey cake with a Middle Eastern twist.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 530 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 64g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sugar | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Helpful Tips
➢ Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure a smoother batter and even mixing.
➢ Toast the kataifi until golden brown to enhance its crunch and flavor in the filling.
➢ Let the cake layers cool completely before adding the filling and frosting to prevent melting.
➢ Choose high-quality dark chocolate for the frosting to achieve a rich, deep flavor.
➢ Store the cake in the fridge for clean slices and a firmer texture when serving.
Best Variations
➣ Swap pistachio cream for hazelnut spread to create a nuttier chocolate twist.
➣ Add a layer of rosewater-infused whipped cream for a floral Middle Eastern touch.
➣ Use orange zest in the batter to bring a citrusy contrast to the rich chocolate.
➣ Replace kataifi with crushed baklava pieces for a more indulgent crunch.
➣ Drizzle the finished cake with date syrup for a naturally sweet and regional flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe slightly chilled for cleaner slices and a firmer texture. Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream to balance the richness.
A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a spoon of whipped cream enhances the experience. Fresh berries or sliced figs on the side add a refreshing contrast.
Garnish each serving plate with crushed pistachios and a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant final touch.
Why You Will Choose Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe offers a rich and luxurious taste that combines deep chocolate flavour with unique Middle Eastern elements.
Pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy kataifi pastry create a bold contrast to the soft, moist cake layers. This recipe brings a modern twist to classic dessert, inspired by the elegance of Dubai’s dessert culture.
Every bite delivers a mix of smooth, crunchy, and creamy textures. Choosing this recipe means enjoying something distinctive, flavourful, and indulgent that stands apart from ordinary chocolate cakes.
How To Store The Finished Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Keep the finished Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to five days to preserve the texture of the filling and frosting. Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavour and consistency.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months, then thaw before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Phyllo Dough Instead Of Kataifi Pastry?
Kataifi pastry provides a unique crunchy texture, but finely shredded and baked phyllo sheets can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
What Is Pistachio Cream And Where Can I Find It?
Pistachio cream is a smooth, sweet nut spread made from pistachios. It’s available in gourmet stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online.
Can I Skip The Tahini In The Filling?
Tahini adds a rich, nutty depth, but it can be omitted or replaced with almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile.
What Type Of Chocolate Works Best For The Frosting?
Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate with at least 50–70% cocoa content for a rich, balanced flavor in the frosting.
How Do I Keep The Cake Moist?
Don’t overbake the layers and store the cake properly in an airtight container. You can also brush the layers lightly with simple syrup if needed.
Can The Cake Be Made In Advance?
Yes, the cake layers and filling can be prepared a day ahead. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving for best results.
Conclusion
I’m so happy with the delicious success of this easy Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe it turned out rich, flavourful, and full of unique textures.
I truly enjoyed making it and hope you feel inspired to try it too. It’s simpler than it looks, and the results are absolutely worth it!
Give it a go soon, and don’t forget to tell me how incredibly delicious it turned out for you!
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Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2–3)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sieve (for dry ingredients)
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Baking parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Offset spatula or knife (for frosting)
Ingredients
For The Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp cornstarch cornflour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter or high-quality baking spread
- ½ cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil
- ¼ cup hot water or strong brewed coffee
For The Filling:
- 1 cup kataifi pastry shredded phyllo, toasted in 2 tbsp butter until golden and crispy
- ¾ cup pistachio cream store-bought or homemade
- 2 tbsp tahini
For The Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 200 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter optional, adds shine
- 5 cups confectioners’ sugar powdered sugar
- ½ cup baking cocoa
- ¾ cup 2% milk
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make The Cake Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar until it looks light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla. Pour in the oil and milk, and mix until everything’s smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Finally, stir in the hot water or coffee this helps loosen the batter and brings out the chocolate flavour.
Step 2: Bake The Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare The Filling
- In a skillet, melt about 2 tablespoons of butter and toast the kataifi pastry over medium heat until it’s golden and crispy. Let it cool a bit. In a bowl, mix the pistachio cream with tahini until smooth and creamy. Fold in the toasted kataifi for a rich, crunchy texture.
Step 4: Make The Chocolate Frosting
- Warm the cream in a saucepan over medium heat don’t let it boil. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until it melts into a smooth ganache. If you want a bit of shine, add a small piece of butter. Once it’s slightly cooled, whisk in the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and a splash of milk until the frosting is smooth and easy to spread.
Step 5: Assemble The Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the pistachio-tahini filling evenly on top. Add the second cake layer. Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake (this is your crumb coat) and chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes. Then go in with a final, generous layer of frosting.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for a nice crunch and a pop of colour. Chill the cake a little before slicing it’ll help you get cleaner cuts. Serve it up and enjoy a rich, chocolatey cake with a Middle Eastern twist.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 530 kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Sugar: 45g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 180mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”