Name: Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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, finely chopped); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 cup pistachio cream; 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar; ½ cup heavy cream

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Introduction

The Dubai Chocolate Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with a unique pistachio filling and a crunchy phyllo texture. This layered cake offers a delightful blend of moist cake, creamy pistachio, and silky chocolate sauce that makes it perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.

A three-layer cake sits on a white marble cake stand with a wooden base, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark brown with a crumbly texture, the middle layer is green and smooth, and the top layer is a glossy dark chocolate ganache. The top is decorated with shiny chocolate frosting swirls around the edge and sprinkled with chopped green pistachios evenly spread across the surface. The cake looks rich and smooth with bright green nut pieces providing a contrast to the dark chocolate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, finely chopped)
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pistachio cream
4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar
½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add the egg, vanilla extract, milk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth. Stir in the hot coffee gently.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a pan and cook the shredded phyllo dough until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and mix with the pistachio cream to create the filling.
Step 6: Melt the chocolate bar with the heavy cream in the microwave in short intervals, whisking after each until smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Once the cake has cooled slightly, spread the pistachio and phyllo mixture evenly over the cake surface. Pour the chocolate sauce on top to cover.
Step 8: Garnish as desired with additional pistachios or chocolate shavings, then serve warm or chilled for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger coffee flavor, use espresso instead of regular hot coffee.
Substitute pistachio cream with almond or hazelnut cream for a different nutty taste.
Ensure the phyllo dough is finely chopped to mix evenly with the pistachio cream and provide a delicate crunch.
Chill the cake before serving to make slicing easier and enhance the flavors.

Storage

Store the Dubai Chocolate Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. If serving chilled, take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A round cake with four layers, alternating between dark brown chocolate sponge and light green pistachio cream. The top layer is covered in shiny dark chocolate ganache that drips smoothly down the sides. There are thin lines of chocolate drizzled across the top, sprinkled with chopped green pistachios in the center and scattered around the white plate. The cake sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface with golden cutlery blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular filo sheets instead of shredded phyllo dough?

While shredded phyllo (kataifi) provides the best texture, you can finely chop regular filo sheets and toast them carefully in butter to achieve a similar crunch.

Is it necessary to add hot coffee to the batter?

The hot coffee enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without making the batter watery. It is recommended for a richer taste but can be substituted with hot water if preferred.