Dubai Chocolate Cake

About Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake is a show-stopping dessert that beautifully merges Middle Eastern flavors with classic chocolate indulgence. This luxurious cake features two distinct layers—a rich, moist chocolate cake and a unique pistachio-infused kunafa layer. The combination delivers a delightful contrast in texture and taste, all wrapped under a smooth and glossy chocolate sauce. Inspired by Dubai’s decadent dessert culture, this cake is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

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What You’ll Need for Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

To make this unforgettable two-layer cake, you’ll need high-quality ingredients for both the chocolate base and the pistachio kunafa layer, along with a velvety chocolate sauce topping. Below is a detailed breakdown of all the components.

Complete Ingredients List

Chocolate Cake Layer

• 1 and ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips

Pistachio Kunafa Layer

• 200g shredded kunafa dough (thawed)
• ¾ cup (170g) melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup (120g) finely ground pistachios
• ¼ cup (60ml) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

Chocolate Sauce Topping

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (for shine)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Flour: Use a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Milk: Dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk can be used.
• Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan version.
• Kunafa: If unavailable, try shredded phyllo dough as a substitute.
• Condensed Milk: Coconut condensed milk works for a dairy-free option.
• Pistachios: Walnuts or almonds can be used, but pistachios are traditional and recommended.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Here’s how to layer and bake this decadent, flavor-packed cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a deep 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Gradually mix in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this helps create a moist cake.

Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Layer

Pour the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Pistachio Kunafa Layer

In a large bowl, combine shredded kunafa dough, melted butter, finely ground pistachios, sweetened condensed milk, and orange blossom water (if using). Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and the mixture holds together slightly when pressed.

Press the entire mixture into a greased 9-inch cake pan, smoothing it out evenly to form a compact layer.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. Allow it to cool completely before assembling the cake.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

Place the chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Carefully place the cooled pistachio kunafa layer on top, aligning both layers for a clean and neat presentation.

Step 6: Pour the Chocolate Sauce

To make the chocolate sauce:
Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips.
Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter.
Pour the warm chocolate sauce over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Chill slightly to set the chocolate glaze if desired. Slice and serve at room temperature for the perfect texture contrast—moist chocolate cake, crunchy kunafa, and creamy pistachio.

Serving Suggestions for Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

How to Serve

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for best flavor. Each slice will display a stunning visual cross-section of rich chocolate and vibrant green pistachio nestled in golden kunafa. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra indulgence.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

• Drizzle extra chocolate sauce just before serving.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios or edible rose petals for a Middle Eastern flair.
• Serve with Arabic coffee or Turkish tea for a cultural twist.
• A light dusting of powdered sugar over the chocolate sauce makes for a beautiful finish.

Storing & Preserving Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Best Storage Methods

Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

• At room temperature: Up to 2 days.
• Refrigerated: Up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Assemble and frost after thawing.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

• To reheat: Microwave slices for 10–15 seconds for that “fresh from the oven” feel.
• To freeze: Thaw overnight in the fridge and allow to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat kunafa layer briefly in the oven for crispiness if needed.

Tips for Perfect Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Underbaking the Kunafa Layer: It needs to be golden and crispy.
• Overmixing the Cake Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the chocolate layer soft and fluffy.
• Too Much Moisture in Pistachio Mix: Don’t overdo the condensed milk or the kunafa might get soggy.

Helpful Tricks for Success

• Use baking strips to help the chocolate cake bake evenly.
• Lightly toast pistachios before grinding for a deeper flavor.
• Chill the kunafa layer before stacking to make assembly easier.

Fun Variations of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

• Rose Pistachio Cream Layer: Add a rose-flavored whipped cream between the layers.
• White Chocolate Ganache: For a twist, use white chocolate ganache instead of dark.
• Date Paste Filling: Layer in a sweet date paste with the pistachio kunafa for extra Middle Eastern flair.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

• Vegan: Use vegan chocolate, plant milk, flax eggs, and coconut condensed milk.
• Low-Sugar: Substitute sugar and condensed milk with baking-friendly alternatives like erythritol.
• Gluten-Free: Replace flour and kunafa dough with certified gluten-free versions.

FAQs

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can bake both layers ahead and store them separately. Assemble and glaze on the day of serving for best texture and presentation.

What If My Cake Cracks When Layering?

Let both layers cool fully and use a serrated knife to level them if needed. Apply a bit of ganache between layers to hold them together.

Can I Make This Without Kunafa?

Yes, but you’ll miss the signature texture. For a similar crunch, try shredded phyllo or crushed baklava layers.

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