Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly marries rich, deep chocolate with the vibrant, nutty crunch of pistachios, look no further than the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake. This luscious cake brings a touch of Middle Eastern elegance to your table with every moist slice, infused with subtle notes of coffee and creamy yogurt that create a texture so tender, it simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this cake offers a wonderfully balanced flavor that’s truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and the secret to achieving that delicious harmony of flavors and textures in the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richness of the butter to the freshness of the pistachios, ensuring your cake turns out decadent yet perfectly balanced.

• Shelled pistachios (1 cup, unsalted): Ground finely, they add a delightful nutty flavor and a subtle crunch to the batter.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The backbone for the cake’s soft, tender crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Provides that deep, rich chocolate flavor that everyone loves.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise to a perfect, fluffy texture.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Balances acidity for a well-rounded crumb.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, highlighting the chocolate and pistachios.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cake without overpowering its rich flavors.
• Unsalted butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds moisture and richness that make each bite luscious.
• Large eggs (3): Bind everything together and contribute to structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the whole cake with warm, inviting aroma and depth.
• Full-fat Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Balances the batter’s thickness and adds creaminess.
• Strong brewed coffee (1/2 cup, cooled): Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a sophisticated edge.
• Mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): Adds little bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the cake.
• Chopped pistachios and melted chocolate (for topping): The perfect finishing touch for both flavor and presentation.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help your cake release beautifully once baked.

Step 2: Grind the Pistachios

Place the shelled pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Be careful not to overprocess and turn the nuts into a paste; you want that distinct texture and flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground pistachios. This blend will give the cake its unique texture and explosive flavor.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is key for a tender, airy crumb in your Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract which enriches the cake with a warm, inviting scent.

Step 6: Add Yogurt and Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mix in the Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients. Now, carefully alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry. Be gentle and mix just until combined to keep your batter light.

Step 7: Stir in Coffee and Chocolate Chips

Pour in the cooled strong brewed coffee and fold in the mini chocolate chips if using. The coffee not only brings out the chocolate’s depth but also introduces an unexpected richness that makes the cake truly special.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to decorating.

Step 9: Garnish and Finish

Once cooled, drizzle the cake with melted chocolate and generously sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. These finishes add both visual appeal and a delightful added texture.

How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake

Garnishes

Enhance every slice with a sprinkle of extra chopped pistachios and a drizzle of melted chocolate. Not only does this add elegance, but it also gives an irresistible crunch and glossy sheen that invites you to dig right in.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of cardamom ice cream, which brings a fragrant Middle Eastern twist that brightens the richness of the chocolate and pistachios.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake on a decorative platter surrounded by edible flowers or fresh berries. Alternatively, slice into mini portions for a lovely dessert buffet, each piece topped with a single whole pistachio for a charming look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake will retain its moisture and flavor beautifully.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw the cake overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

For a freshly baked feel, warm individual slices gently in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven, just until they’re slightly warmed through. This subtle heat enhances the flavors and softens the texture wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt in the Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake?

Absolutely! You can use sour cream or buttermilk as great alternatives. Each brings a slight tang and moisture that keeps the cake tender, though Greek yogurt adds a uniquely creamy richness.

Is it necessary to use coffee in this recipe?

While coffee enhances the chocolate flavor immensely, you can replace it with strong black tea or simply use additional milk if you prefer a milder taste.

Are the pistachios essential, or can I use other nuts?

Pistachios are a signature ingredient that give this cake its distinctive flavor and color contrast, but pecans or walnuts can be used if you have allergies or preferences, though the flavor profile will change.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for stability. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be incredible.

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Test by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so start checking around 35 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake brings together decadence and a burst of Middle Eastern flair that’s simply irresistible. Once you try this dessert, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Trust me, sharing it with friends and family will make every celebration even sweeter!

Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a decadent Middle Eastern-inspired dessert featuring rich cocoa, toasted pistachios, and a hint of coffee for depth. Moist and tender, it’s topped with melted chocolate and chopped pistachios for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream or cardamom ice cream.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Toppings

• Chopped pistachios
• Melted chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Grind the pistachios: Pulse the shelled pistachios in a food processor until finely ground, taking care not to overprocess them into a paste to retain some texture.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground pistachios to evenly combine all dry components.
4. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate, followed by the vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
6. Incorporate yogurt: Stir the full-fat Greek yogurt into the wet mixture to add moisture and tenderness to the cake batter.
7. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
8. Add coffee and chocolate chips: Stir in the cooled brewed coffee for depth of flavor, along with mini chocolate chips if using, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
9. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and decorate: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before drizzling with melted chocolate and sprinkling chopped pistachios over the top for a decorative and tasty finish.

Notes

• For an enhanced floral aroma, substitute 1/4 cup of the whole milk with rosewater.
• This cake is delightful served with whipped cream or a scoop of cardamom ice cream to complement the pistachio chocolate flavors.
• To keep the pistachios crunchy, avoid overprocessing them into a paste during grinding.
• Ensure the coffee is cooled before adding it to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 75mg