This Easy Dubai Chocolate Cake is a rich and moist treat that will make any chocolate lover smile. It’s packed with deep flavors and is super simple to whip up—perfect for any occasion!
When I bake this cake, my kitchen smells like a chocolate paradise! I love to top it with a dusting of powdered sugar or some fresh berries for a touch of fun. Trust me, your friends will ask for seconds! 🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your go-to for a soft cake texture. If you’re gluten-free, swap it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve used it before, and it works wonders!
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The cocoa provides that deep chocolate flavor. You can use Dutch-processed cocoa for a slightly smoother taste, but regular unsweetened works perfectly too.
Buttermilk: It keeps the cake moist and tender. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s a quick fix!
Pistachios: You can substitute with almond flour for a different nutty flavor, or try walnuts! I adore the taste and crunch of pistachios in this recipe, but it’s fun to mix it up.
Dark Chocolate: Use a good quality dark chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor. If you prefer milk chocolate, that’s totally fine—just adjust sweetness levels based on taste!
What’s the Best Way to Create a Smooth Ganache?
Making ganache may seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple! Here are the steps to achieve a silky, glossy finish:
- Heat your cream carefully. Don’t let it boil; just a simmer will do!
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it rest for a minute or two. This softens the chocolate for easier mixing.
- Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until fully combined. Make sure no lumps remain!
- For a thicker ganache, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before using. This helps it set up nicely on your cake.
Taking these simple steps will help you create a ganache that’s perfect for topping your decadent cake! Enjoy! 🍰
Easy Dubai Chocolate Cake with Pistachio Layer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
For the Pistachio Cream Layer:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish:
- Roughly chopped pistachios, for topping
- Drizzle of pistachio paste or melted white chocolate (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus 35 minutes for baking, and at least 2 hours to chill and set in the fridge. Altogether, you’ll be looking at around 3 hours before you can dig in. It’s definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan with flour to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together. In another bowl, combine the oil, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Slowly add in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Pour this lovely chocolate batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool completely in the pan.
2. Make the Pistachio Cream Layer:
Using a food processor, finely grind the shelled pistachios—just don’t turn them into a paste; you want some texture! In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until it’s creamy and combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and ground pistachios, mixing until fluffy. Once your chocolate cake has cooled, spread this delicious pistachio cream evenly over the top. Pop it in the fridge to set while you prepare the ganache.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
For the ganache, place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just simmers—don’t let it boil! Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir gently until it’s smooth and glossy. Carefully pour this ganache over the pistachio layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Garnish and Chill:
Now for some flair! Sprinkle roughly chopped pistachios over the ganache. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some pistachio paste or melted white chocolate on top. Chill the cake in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let everything set perfectly.
5. Serve:
Before you’re ready to slice, take the cake out of the fridge and let it sit for about 15 minutes—this makes slicing easier. Cut it into wedges and enjoy the amazing blend of rich chocolate and nutty pistachio flavors!
This cake is an elegant and delicious treat inspired by Dubai’s rich flavors, combining a moist chocolate base with a beautifully textured pistachio cream and a smooth chocolate ganache top. Enjoy every bite! 🎂
FAQ for Easy Dubai Chocolate Cake with Pistachio Layer
Can I Use Nuts Other Than Pistachios?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pistachios, you can substitute with finely ground almonds or walnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the measurements as needed for texture!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 3 days. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the chocolate cake and make the pistachio cream layer a day in advance. Just assemble and apply the ganache the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.