Description
A rich, indulgent chocolate cake infused with the flavors of Dubai, featuring layers of moist chocolate sponge, creamy pistachio filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot coffee
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (for ganache)
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) pistachios, shelled and unsalted
- ½ cup (120ml) sweetened condensed milk (for pistachio cream)
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (for pistachio cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in hot water or coffee until batter is well combined (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- To make pistachio cream, blend pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. Add sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- To make ganache, heat heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Level cake layers if needed. Spread pistachio cream between the layers.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula.
- Chill cake for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate for best results.
- Chill the pistachio cream slightly before spreading to help with consistency.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
