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Dubai Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert You Can’t Resist | Luxurious, Moist & Pistachio-Kissed

When it comes to show-stopping desserts, few can rival the Dubai Chocolate Cake—a decadent masterpiece combining rich chocolate sponge, silky ganache, delicate layers of phyllo dough for texture, and the irresistible luxury of pistachio cream. This is not your average chocolate cake; it’s a celebration of indulgence, inspired by Middle Eastern elegance and modern dessert artistry. The fusion of velvety chocolate with nutty pistachio cream delivers a flavor combination that’s sophisticated yet comforting. The hot coffee in the batter deepens the cocoa notes, while the buttery phyllo layers create a delightful contrast in texture. Perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply when you want to spoil yourself, this cake looks like it belongs in a five-star Dubai café—but it’s completely achievable in your home kitchen.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
bake & Assembly & Chill time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Products:
  • 1 large egg
Culinary Aids & Spices:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar chopped
  • 2 cups phyllo dough sheets
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oils & Vinegars:
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
Beverages:
  • ½ cup hot coffee brewed, caffeine or decaf
Dairy Products:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream or table cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup pistachio cream

Equipment

  • To make this luxurious cake, you’ll need:
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pan (or springform pan)
  • Small saucepan (for ganache)
  • Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate, if preferred)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Pastry brush (for phyllo dough)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare Phyllo Layers
  1. On a clean surface, layer 3–4 sheets of phyllo dough at a time, lightly brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  2. Cut into circles the size of your cake pan.
  3. Bake on a parchment-lined tray for 6–8 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  3. ¼ cup cocoa powder
  4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  5. ½ teaspoon baking soda
  6. ¼ teaspoon salt
  7. In another bowl, whisk:
  8. 1 egg
  9. 1 cup granulated sugar
  10. ½ cup vegetable oil
  11. ½ cup milk
  12. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  13. Melt the chocolate bar in the microwave or over a double boiler, then stir into the wet mixture.
  14. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently.
  15. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
  1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
  2. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl (you can use milk chocolate or a mix).
  3. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
  1. Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers.
  2. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
  3. Spread a generous layer of pistachio cream over it.
  4. Top with a layer of crispy baked phyllo.
  5. Add the second cake layer and repeat with pistachio cream and phyllo.
  6. Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
Step 7: Chill & Serve
  1. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with chopped pistachios or extra chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature:
Best served the same day for crisp phyllo texture.
Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4 days. The phyllo will soften slightly.
Freezer:
Freeze individual slices (wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating:
Not recommended for this cake; serve chilled or at room temp.
🥄 Variations
Nut-Free Version: Replace pistachio cream with chocolate or hazelnut spread.
White Chocolate Twist: Use white chocolate ganache for a striking color contrast.
Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of caramelized nuts between layers.
Mini Cakes: Bake the cake in muffin tins for individual portions.
Coffee Lover’s Cake: Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter for extra depth.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cream, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free chocolate.
Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and use gluten-free phyllo.
Berry Accent: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What is pistachio cream?
It’s a smooth, sweet spread made from pistachios—similar to nutella but with a nutty, green flavor profile.
2. Can I skip the phyllo dough?
Yes, but it adds a unique flaky crunch to the cake.
3. Can I make the cake without coffee?
Yes—replace hot coffee with hot water or hot milk.
4. Is this cake overly sweet?
No, the bittersweet chocolate and coffee balance the sweetness.
5. Can I prepare this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving.
6. What type of chocolate is best?
Milk or semi-sweet chocolate for a balanced flavor.
7. Can I use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
You can, but the texture will be slightly different. This recipe uses both for richness.
8. Will the phyllo stay crispy?
It stays crisp the first day but will soften in the fridge—still delicious.
9. Can I add nuts for garnish?
Yes, chopped pistachios or almonds work beautifully.
10. What drink pairs best?
A rich latte, cappuccino, or even mint tea complements the flavors.
🏁 Conclusion
This Dubai Chocolate Cake is the definition of indulgence—moist chocolate layers, silky pistachio cream, and delicate phyllo crunch wrapped in a cascade of glossy ganache. It’s elegant enough for celebrations yet approachable for home bakers.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or treating yourself to something spectacular, this dessert brings a taste of Middle Eastern luxury right to your table.