Method
Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, olive oil, neutral oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add milk and mix again.
- Fold in dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Divide batter between pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the kataifi crunch
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Shred kataifi into a bowl, drizzle with melted butter and honey, and toss until coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Cool and crumble lightly.
Step 3: Prepare the pistachio cream
- In a bowl, whisk pistachio butter with ½ cup whipped cream until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar if desired for extra sweetness.
- Chill until ready to use.
Step 4: Make the ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming.
- Pour half over dark chocolate, half over white chocolate in separate bowls.
- Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk both until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread pistachio cream evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle with kataifi crunch.
- Add second cake layer, then cover with remaining pistachio cream.
- Drizzle dark chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Add swirls or drizzles of white chocolate ganache for contrast.
- Top with extra kataifi crunch and chopped pistachios for garnish.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Best Served: Slightly chilled or at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Gold Finish: Add edible gold leaf for true Dubai-inspired elegance.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pistachios or almonds into the kataifi layer.
Coffee Kick: Add ½ cup brewed espresso to the cake batter for a mocha twist.
Extra Creamy: Double the pistachio cream filling for a taller, creamier cake.
Mini Cakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins and decorate each individually.
Layered Bars: Bake in a 9x13-inch pan, slice into bars, and top with ganache + kataifi.
❓ 10 FAQs
What makes this a “Dubai Chocolate” cake?
It’s inspired by the viral Dubai dessert that combines chocolate, pistachios, and kataifi pastry. Do I need kataifi pastry?
Yes, it provides the signature crunch, but you can substitute crushed filo shards or puffed rice. Can I make pistachio butter at home?
Yes—blend roasted pistachios in a food processor until creamy. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, but olive oil adds a richer depth to the cake. Do I need both dark and white chocolate?
No, but the contrast looks stunning and adds flavor balance. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter, cream, and chocolate. How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and store it covered in the fridge. What’s the best garnish?
Extra kataifi crunch, chopped pistachios, or even edible gold. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Is it very sweet?
It’s rich but balanced—the pistachio butter and dark chocolate offset the sweetness. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy and Crunchy Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a dessert that deserves a spotlight at your table. With its moist chocolate sponge, silky pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi, and glossy ganache, it offers a balance of textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet refined. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or anytime you want to recreate the viral Dubai chocolate magic at home, this cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. One slice and you’ll understand why this flavor combination has taken the internet (and dessert lovers) by storm.
It’s inspired by the viral Dubai dessert that combines chocolate, pistachios, and kataifi pastry. Do I need kataifi pastry?
Yes, it provides the signature crunch, but you can substitute crushed filo shards or puffed rice. Can I make pistachio butter at home?
Yes—blend roasted pistachios in a food processor until creamy. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, but olive oil adds a richer depth to the cake. Do I need both dark and white chocolate?
No, but the contrast looks stunning and adds flavor balance. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter, cream, and chocolate. How do I keep the cake moist?
Don’t overbake, and store it covered in the fridge. What’s the best garnish?
Extra kataifi crunch, chopped pistachios, or even edible gold. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Is it very sweet?
It’s rich but balanced—the pistachio butter and dark chocolate offset the sweetness. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy and Crunchy Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a dessert that deserves a spotlight at your table. With its moist chocolate sponge, silky pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi, and glossy ganache, it offers a balance of textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet refined. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or anytime you want to recreate the viral Dubai chocolate magic at home, this cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. One slice and you’ll understand why this flavor combination has taken the internet (and dessert lovers) by storm.
