Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

This Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar. It features two moist chocolate cake layers, a rich filling made from homemade white chocolate-pistachio cream mixed with crunchy kataifi pastry, and a smooth whipped chocolate ganache frosting. With its luxurious textures and flavors, this cake is perfect for any special occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 ¼ cups (155 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (112 g) olive oil (or vegetable oil)
  • ¾ cup (180 g) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg (70 g with shell)

For the Pistachio-Kataifi Filling:

  • 10.6 oz (300 g) kataifi pastry
  • 3.7 oz (105 g) butter
  • 6.35 oz (180 g) white chocolate, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons neutral vegetable oil (optional, for creamier texture)
  • 6.35 oz (180 g) natural pistachio butter
  • Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 g) heavy whipping cream (35% fat)
  • 1 tablespoon (20 g) honey
  • 10.6 oz (300 g) dark chocolate (55% cocoa or more), melted

Directions

Day 1 – Prepare the Components:

  1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
    • Add oil, milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk until smooth.
    • Pour the batter into a greased and lined 8-inch round cake pan. Bake for 37-40 minutes. Let cool.
  2. Prepare the Crunchy Kataifi Filling:

    • Chop and separate kataifi pastry strands.
    • In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and toast kataifi until deep golden brown. Stir frequently. Let cool.
  3. Make the Pistachio Cream:

    • Melt white chocolate (with optional vegetable oil).
    • Mix in pistachio butter and salt. Let cool until slightly thickened.
    • Stir in toasted kataifi pastry and mix well.
  4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

    • Whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.
    • Add honey and melted dark chocolate, then mix until smooth. Refrigerate overnight.

Day 2 – Assemble the Cake:

  1. Cut and Fill the Cake:

    • Trim the dome of the cake and slice it into two layers.
    • Place the bottom layer on a cake stand. Pipe a border of ganache around the edge.
    • Fill the center with the pistachio-kataifi filling.
    • Place the second cake layer on top.
  2. Frost the Cake:

    • Spread the remaining chocolate ganache over the cake.
    • Use a hot spatula to smooth the frosting.
    • Garnish with chopped pistachios.

Nutrients (Per Serving – 12 Servings)

  • Calories: 758 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 71 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Fat: 52 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 381 mg
  • Calcium: 138 mg
  • Iron: 3 mg

Enjoy this luxurious chocolate pistachio cake, a rich and indulgent treat perfect for celebrations! 🎂

The Inspiration Behind This Cake

The inspiration for this cake comes from the famous Dubai chocolate bar, which has taken social media by storm. This chocolate bar features layers of rich chocolate combined with pistachios and crunchy elements, creating a symphony of flavors. By transforming these elements into a full-sized cake, we’ve created a dessert that is equally indulgent and visually stunning. Every bite is a perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness.

The Unique Elements of Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

This cake stands out due to its carefully crafted components. Each layer has been designed to deliver a balance of flavor and texture that makes this dessert unforgettable.

  • Moist Chocolate Cake Layers: The base of the cake is made with a soft and moist chocolate sponge that has a deep, rich cocoa flavor. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Pistachio-Kataifi Filling: The filling is a masterpiece on its own. It consists of homemade pistachio butter mixed with crispy kataifi pastry and velvety white chocolate, creating an irresistible contrast of textures.
  • Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting: Instead of a traditional buttercream, this cake is covered with a silky whipped chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth, adding another layer of decadence.

The Magic of Kataifi Pastry in Desserts

One of the most unique elements of this cake is the inclusion of kataifi pastry in the filling. Kataifi is a finely shredded phyllo dough commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. When toasted, it becomes wonderfully crisp and golden, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Combined with pistachio butter and white chocolate, it creates a nutty, crispy contrast that enhances the creamy layers of the cake.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Rich and Decadent Flavor: The deep chocolate base pairs beautifully with the nutty pistachio and the sweet, crunchy kataifi filling.
  • Perfect Texture Balance: Every bite is a mix of soft cake, crispy filling, and smooth ganache.
  • Visually Stunning: With its glossy ganache frosting and pistachio garnish, this cake is a showstopper at any event.
  • Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or festive gathering, this cake will be the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

To achieve the best results, follow these expert tips:

  • Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key ingredient in both the cake and the ganache, using high-quality dark chocolate will enhance the overall flavor.
  • Don’t Overbake the Cake: Keep an eye on your cake while baking. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture, so test for doneness with a toothpick.
  • Toast the Kataifi Until Golden Brown: Properly toasted kataifi adds the perfect crunch to the filling, so don’t rush this step.
  • Chill the Ganache Overnight: Allowing the ganache to rest in the refrigerator overnight helps develop a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  • Garnish with Extra Pistachios: A sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top adds an extra layer of flavor and enhances the visual appeal.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

  • Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
  • Serving Tip: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong Arabic coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake layers and the ganache a day in advance. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

What can I use instead of kataifi pastry?
If you can’t find kataifi pastry, you can substitute it with finely crushed phyllo dough or crispy rice cereal for a similar crunchy texture.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate provides a more intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the filling. However, if you prefer a milder taste, you can use milk chocolate, but reduce the added sugar to avoid excessive sweetness.

Is there a substitute for pistachio butter?
Almond butter or hazelnut butter can be used as substitutes, but the distinct pistachio flavor will be missing. If possible, make homemade pistachio butter by blending roasted pistachios until smooth.

Conclusion

The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a luxurious and indulgent dessert that brings together some of the most exquisite flavors in the world of baking. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar, this cake takes the richness of chocolate, the nuttiness of pistachios, and the crispiness of kataifi pastry to create an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or simply looking for a showstopping dessert, this cake is sure to impress. Serve it at your next gathering and watch as it becomes the highlight of the occasion!

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