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Dubai Chocolate Cake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert You Can’t Resist

When it comes to luxury desserts, the Dubai Chocolate Cake reigns supreme. Inspired by the indulgent flavors of the Middle East, this cake combines layers of moist chocolate sponge, velvety pistachio cream, and crisp phyllo for an unforgettable texture and flavor experience. Imagine biting into soft chocolate cake, rich pistachio filling, and a drizzle of silky ganache—it’s a dessert that tastes as extravagant as it looks. Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration, a dinner party, or simply to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to wow every guest at the table.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
bake & Assembly time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar chopped
  • 2 cups phyllo dough lightly shredded
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup hot coffee
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream or table cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup pistachio cream

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Saucepan (for ganache)
  • Spatula
  • 9-inch round cake pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the chocolate cake
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat egg, sugar, oil, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
  4. Mix in dry ingredients, alternating with hot coffee, until batter is smooth.
  5. Pour into prepared pan and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the pistachio cream filling
  1. In a saucepan, gently heat pistachio cream with 2 tbsp butter until smooth.
  2. Chill until thickened slightly, making it easier to spread.
Step 3: Prepare phyllo crunch
  1. Lightly shred phyllo dough into pieces.
  2. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the chocolate ganache
  1. Heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate bar.
  2. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Assemble the cake
  1. Slice cooled cake into two layers.
  2. Spread pistachio cream between layers.
  3. Frost the cake with chocolate ganache, letting it drip down the sides.
  4. Sprinkle phyllo crunch on top and garnish with extra pistachio cream swirls.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Best Served: Slightly chilled or at room temperature.
🥄 Variations
Nutty Deluxe: Add chopped pistachios or almonds between layers for crunch.
Rosewater Twist: Add a dash of rosewater to pistachio cream for floral notes.
Dark Chocolate Version: Swap milk chocolate with rich dark chocolate.
Mini Cakes: Bake batter in cupcake tins for individual portions.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour blend and GF phyllo.
Extra Indulgent: Top with edible gold dust for a true Dubai-style finish.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use store-bought pistachio cream?
Yes, it works beautifully and saves time.
Do I have to use phyllo?
It’s optional, but it adds a unique crunch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble a day in advance and refrigerate.
What type of coffee is best?
Strong brewed coffee or espresso for deeper flavor.
Can I skip coffee?
Yes, replace with hot water or hot milk.
How do I keep cake layers moist?
Don’t overbake, and wrap cooled cake in plastic before assembly.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes, fill with pistachio cream and top with ganache.
How do I get smooth ganache?
Chop chocolate finely and stir cream in gradually.
Is this cake very sweet?
It’s rich but balanced by pistachio cream and coffee.
What drink pairs best?
Black coffee or mint tea complements this cake beautifully.
🏁 Conclusion
This Dubai Chocolate Cake is the ultimate showstopper—luxurious, decadent, and layered with textures of soft sponge, creamy pistachio, and crisp phyllo. It’s not just a dessert, it’s an experience, perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to indulge in something truly extraordinary.
Bake it once, and it’ll become a tradition every time you crave a dessert that feels like pure luxury.