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Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe

Published: Jun 13, 2025 by Emilia malwar · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe became my obsession after watching countless TikTok videos of people biting into that golden-wrapped chocolate bar with dramatic gasps. When my friend Emma spent her lunch money on one and wouldn't stop raving about the "most incredible pistachio crunch ever," I knew I had to figure out how to recreate those flavors at home. Four attempts and many taste tests later.

Slice of Dubai Chocolate Cake Showing Pistachio and Phyllo Layers
Slice of Dubai Chocolate Cake Showing Pistachio and Phyllo Layers

What started as curiosity turned into the most requested dessert in my recipe collection. This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe captures every bit of that viral Dubai chocolate magic—the creamy pistachio filling, those addictive crispy phyllo threads, and rich chocolate layers—but serves twelve people instead of disappointing your wallet. Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about creating viral luxury in your kitchen with this amazing Recipe.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Mastering the Chocolate Layers
  • Creating the Signature Dubai Chocolate Filling
  • Crafting Professional-Quality Buttercream
  • Assembly Techniques for Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Success
  • Is there actually a Dubai chocolate cake?
  • What makes Dubai chocolate so incredibly special?
  • Which chocolate cake ranks as the world's best?
  • What creates that distinctive signature crunch?
  • What ingredients comprise Dubai chocolate filling?
  • How do you maintain the signature crunch factor?

What Makes This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Pure Genius

The brilliance lies in the unexpected marriage of flavors and textures. Most chocolate cakes stick to predictable partners like vanilla or peanut butter, but this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe introduces Middle Eastern sophistication to your dessert table. The pistachios deliver an earthy richness that chocolate absolutely adores, while those golden Kataifi threads provide a textural surprise that keeps people guessing.

I like to think of this Recipe as the worldly cousin of American chocolate cake—familiar enough to feel comforting, exotic enough to spark conversation at every dinner party.

Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Ingredients That Create Magic

For the Milk Chocolate Foundation

  • Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature) – Creates those impossibly tender layers that practically melt on contact
  • Brown sugar (½ cup) – Adds molasses depth that makes chocolate taste more complex and interesting
  • Granulated sugar (⅔ cup) – Provides structural sweetness without overwhelming the delicate flavors
  • Large eggs (3, room temperature) – Room temperature eggs incorporate smoothly for the fluffiest possible texture
  • Vanilla extract (⅔ teaspoon) – Pure vanilla enhances chocolate without competing for attention
  • Sour cream (⅓ cup, room temperature) – The secret weapon for moisture that lasts for days
  • Cake flour (2 ⅙ cups) – Creates that coveted tender crumb that's never dense or heavy
  • Cocoa powder (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) – Invest in quality cocoa for chocolate flavor that actually tastes like chocolate
  • Salt (⅔ teaspoon) – Balances sweetness while intensifying every other flavor component
  • Buttermilk (1 ⅓ cups, room temperature) – Provides tang and keeps layers moist without being soggy
  • White distilled vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Partners with baking soda for incredible lift and texture
  • Baking soda (1 ⅔ teaspoons) – The chemical magic behind perfectly risen layers

For the Show-Stopping Filling

  • Pistachio paste (1 cup) – The star ingredient that transforms this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe from ordinary to extraordinary
  • Toasted Kataifi (½ cup) – These crispy phyllo threads add the signature textural contrast everyone craves

For the Luxurious Chocolate Buttercream

  • Heavy whipping cream (¼ cup) – Creates the silky ganache foundation for restaurant-quality buttercream
  • Semi-sweet chocolate (10 ounces) – Quality chocolate makes an enormous difference in final flavor
  • Unsalted butter (2 cups, slightly cold) – The creamy base that holds everything together perfectly
  • Powdered sugar (5 cups, sifted) – Always sift to avoid those frustrating lumps that ruin smooth frosting
  • Pure vanilla extract (1 tablespoon) – Amplifies chocolate notes without masking their complexity
  • Salt (pinch) – Balances sweetness and makes chocolate taste richer and more intense

Your Complete Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Method

Mastering the Chocolate Layers

Heat your oven to 325°F—this moderate temperature cooks layers evenly without creating tough edges or dry centers. Prepare two 8-inch pans with thorough greasing, parchment paper lining, and another light greasing. This double protection prevents heartbreaking sticking incidents that can ruin hours of work on your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Combine cake flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet components. Using your stand mixer with paddle attachment, cream butter and both sugars on medium-high speed for exactly 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume.

Add eggs individually, stopping to scrape bowl sides between each addition. This step requires patience but creates the smooth, homogeneous base that separates amateur cakes from professional-quality results in this Dubai Chocolate Cake. Beat for 2 additional minutes until completely smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.

Now for the alternating technique that creates tender cake texture: add one-third of your flour mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Follow with half the buttermilk, another third of flour, remaining buttermilk, and finally the last flour portion. Stop mixing the moment you can't see dry flour—overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, chewy cake.

Create your leavening reaction by combining vinegar and baking soda in a small bowl. The mixture will foam and bubble actively—this chemical reaction provides lift and creates tender crumb structure. Stir this mixture into your batter immediately, then gently fold in sour cream using a rubber spatula.

Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans (weighing gives the most accurate division at roughly 22-23 ounces per pan) and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should emerge with just a few moist crumbs attached. Cool in pans for 15 minutes before inverting onto wire racks for complete cooling.

Homemade Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe - Better Than the Viral Bar
Homemade Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe - Better Than the Viral Bar

Creating the Signature Dubai Chocolate Filling

While your layers cool completely, prepare the filling that makes this recipe truly special and different from any other cake. For homemade pistachio paste, start with 6 ounces of shelled pistachios. Blanch them in rapidly boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen skins, then drain and rub vigorously with a clean kitchen towel to remove as much brown skin as possible.

Process the cleaned pistachios in a food processor for about 2 minutes, listening as they transform from chopped nuts to a cohesive paste. Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency similar to natural nut butter. This process requires patience—rushing leads to a grainy texture in your Recipe.

For Kataifi preparation, you can purchase pre-toasted versions online or create your own by carefully shredding phyllo dough and toasting it in a large skillet with butter until golden brown and fragrant. The homemade version fills your kitchen with incredible Mediterranean bakery aromas that complement this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe perfectly.

Combine the finished pistachio paste with toasted Kataifi in a mixing bowl, stirring gently to distribute threads evenly throughout the creamy base. This combination creates the textural contrast that makes every bite interesting and addictive in this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Crafting Professional-Quality Buttercream

Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl for approximately one minute until steaming hot, then pour it over chopped chocolate. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for one minute, then stir slowly until you achieve a completely smooth, glossy ganache. Set aside to cool to room temperature while preparing the butter base for your Recipe.

Beat slightly cold butter on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and noticeably paler in color. Gradually incorporate the cooled ganache, scraping bowl sides frequently to maintain smooth consistency. If the mixture appears broken or curdled, continue beating—buttercream often looks terrible before it comes together beautifully.

Add sifted powdered sugar slowly on low speed to prevent sugar clouds from coating your entire kitchen. Once fully incorporated, add vanilla and salt, then increase speed to medium-high and beat for 3-5 minutes. The finished buttercream should be silky, smooth, and lighter in color than when you started.

If your buttercream feels too soft for spreading on your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until it reaches the perfect consistency for smooth application and structural stability.

Assembly Techniques for Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Success

Once your cake layers have cooled completely, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice each layer horizontally in half. Work slowly and rotate the cake as you cut to achieve even thickness throughout. You'll create four thin layers that maximize surface area for filling and frosting distribution in this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

You can just position your first layer on a serving plate or cake board, then pipe a buttercream border around the perimeter. This border acts as a dam, preventing filling from leaking out of the sides during assembly of your Recipe. Spread half of your pistachio mixture evenly within this border, inside the buttercream walls.

Add the second layer and spread approximately one cup of chocolate buttercream evenly across the surface. Place the third layer and repeat the buttercream dam technique, then distribute the remaining pistachio filling. Crown with your final layer, positioning it cut-side down for the smoothest possible top surface.

Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream around the entire cake exterior. This preliminary layer traps loose crumbs and creates a clean foundation for final decorating of your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe. Freeze the crumb-coated cake for 10-15 minutes until the coating feels firm to touch.

Complete the decoration with remaining buttercream, spreading as smoothly or texturally as desired. I prefer creating gentle swirls with an offset spatula, but the decoration style should reflect your personal aesthetic preferences for your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Making Dubai Chocolate Cake Pistachio Filling with Kataifi
Making Dubai Chocolate Cake Pistachio Filling with Kataifi

Essential Tips for Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Mastery

After countless iterations of this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe, I've discovered several techniques that dramatically improve results. Room temperature ingredients aren't optional—they're absolutely critical for proper incorporation and optimal texture development. Cold ingredients create lumpy batters and uneven mixing that affects final cake quality in any Dubai Chocolate Cake.

Layer slicing requires patience and steady hands. Use gentle sawing motions while rotating the cake slowly for even cuts throughout. Nervous bakers should freeze layers for 30 minutes before cutting—firmer cakes are significantly easier to handle and less likely to break during manipulation of your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Advanced planning transforms assembly day from stressful to enjoyable when making this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe. Cake layers freeze beautifully for up to one month when properly wrapped, buttercream keeps refrigerated for one week, and pistachio filling actually improves in flavor after overnight resting. Preparing components ahead allows you to focus on assembly without rushing.

Why This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Delivers Consistent Results

Storage Guidelines for Peak Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Quality

This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe actually improves after refrigerated overnight storage. Flavors meld and develop complexity while textures settle into perfect harmony. Properly stored, the cake maintains quality for up to five days, though it rarely lasts that long once people discover this incredible Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

For optimal eating experience, remove the cake from refrigeration 30 minutes before serving. This timing allows buttercream to soften slightly while flavors bloom to full intensity. Serve with robust coffee or cold milk—both beverages complement the rich, nutty flavor profile of this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe beautifully.

The Satisfying Conclusion to Our Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe Adventure

Creating this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe transcends simple recipe following—it's about bringing viral luxury and exotic flavors into your personal kitchen space. Every layer contributes to a story, from tender chocolate foundation to surprising filling that delights with each bite of this amazing Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Whether celebrating special occasions or indulging in extraordinary everyday treats, this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe delivers impressive visual impact alongside exceptional flavor. It's conversation-starting dessert that creates lasting memories and potentially inspires others to explore adventurous baking territories with this incredible Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Gather your equipment, select your favorite background music (90s ballads remain my personal preference), and prepare to create something that surpasses even the most expensive viral chocolate bars. The finest cakes incorporate more than quality ingredients—they're built with love, personal stories, and genuine joy folded into every single layer of this wonderful Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

Explore additional incredible cake recipes and daily baking inspiration at mumcake.com, and follow our sweet culinary adventures on Pinterest for treats that transform your kitchen into every celebration's heart!

While this Dubai chocolate cake showcases complex flavors, don't miss my 2-ingredient cake with soda recipe for those nights when you need something sweet but simple. Both recipes prove that whether you're going elaborate or keeping it minimal, homemade always beats store-bought!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe

Is there actually a Dubai chocolate cake?

Absolutely! This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe recreates all the viral flavors that made the original chocolate bar famous worldwide. You get identical pistachio and Kataifi combinations in a more practical, shareable format with this amazing Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

What makes Dubai chocolate so incredibly special?

The magic comes from unexpected flavor pairing—creamy pistachio filling combined with crispy Kataifi creates texture and taste experiences completely different from traditional chocolate desserts. This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe captures all those special elements perfectly.

Which chocolate cake ranks as the world's best?

Taste remains subjective, but this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe offers flavor profiles you won't find elsewhere. The pistachio and phyllo combination distinguishes it from every other chocolate cake recipe in existence.

What creates that distinctive signature crunch?

The textural contrast comes from Kataifi—extremely thin phyllo dough strands that get toasted until golden and crispy. They provide incredible contrast against smooth chocolate and creamy pistachio components in this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

What ingredients comprise Dubai chocolate filling?

Traditional filling combines smooth pistachio paste with toasted Kataifi threads. Some variations include tahini for additional nuttiness, but the core pistachio-phyllo combination defines the authentic experience in this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

How do you maintain the signature crunch factor?

Store your completed Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe refrigerated in airtight containers. Cold temperatures preserve Kataifi crispness effectively. Allow 30 minutes at room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor balance.

This Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe succeeds because each component complements rather than competes with others. The milk chocolate cake provides tender, moist foundation that supports rather than overwhelms the distinctive filling flavors. The base enhances and frames the pistachio and phyllo elements perfectly in this Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

The ganache-enriched chocolate buttercream creates luxurious finishing that unifies all components. It's substantial enough to balance the nutty filling while remaining smooth enough for effortless spreading and beautiful presentation of your Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe.

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Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe with Pistachio Filling and Kataifi

Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe


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  • Author: Emilia malwar
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Indulgent milk chocolate cake layers filled with creamy pistachio paste and crispy Kataifi phyllo threads, finished with rich chocolate buttercream. This homemade version recreates the viral Dubai chocolate bar in cake form.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup (110g) brown sugar
  • ⅔ cup (133g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ⅔ teaspoon (2.8g) vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (80g) sour cream, room temperature
  • 2 ⅙ cups (267g) cake flour
  • ⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon (33g) cocoa powder
  • ⅔ teaspoon (4g) salt
  • 1 ⅓ cups (320g) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) white distilled vinegar
  • 1 ⅔ teaspoons (6.7g) baking soda
  • 1 cup pistachio paste (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup toasted Kataifi (homemade or store-bought)
  • ¼ cup (57.75g) heavy whipping cream
  • 10 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
  • 2 cups (452g) unsalted butter, slightly cold
  • 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon (13g) pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray two 8-inch pans with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper, and spray again.
  2. Whisk cake flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  3. Beat butter and both sugars in stand mixer with paddle attachment on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time on medium speed, scraping bowl between additions. Beat 2 minutes until smooth, then add vanilla.
  5. On low speed, alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated.
  6. Combine vinegar and baking soda in small bowl (it will bubble). Stir into batter, then gently fold in sour cream.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans (22-23 oz each). Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pans 15 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks. When completely cool, slice each layer horizontally to create 4 thin layers.
  9. For filling: Combine pistachio paste and toasted Kataifi in small bowl.
  10. For buttercream: Heat cream 1 minute, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth ganache forms. Cool slightly.
  11. Beat cold butter 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Gradually add cooled ganache, then powdered sugar on low speed.
  12. Add vanilla and salt, beat on medium-high 3-5 minutes until silky and smooth.
  13. Assembly: Place first layer on cake board, pipe buttercream border, spread half the pistachio filling inside border.
  14. Add second layer, spread 1 cup buttercream. Add third layer, pipe border, spread remaining filling.
  15. Top with final layer cut-side down. Apply thin crumb coat, freeze 10-15 minutes.
  16. Finish frosting with remaining buttercream as desired.

Notes

  • For homemade pistachio paste: Process 6 oz shelled, blanched pistachios in food processor 2 minutes. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until smooth, nut butter consistency.
  • For homemade Kataifi: Shred phyllo dough and toast in large pan with butter until golden and crispy.
  • Cake layers can be wrapped and frozen up to 1 month. Thaw 30-60 minutes before assembly.
  • If buttercream is too soft, refrigerate 15-20 minutes before using.
  • Optional: Add 1 tablespoon tahini or 1-2 tablespoons sugar to pistachio paste for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern-American Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 65g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 78g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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