Dubai-Style Chocolate Pistachio Cake – Quick Recipe

Why You’ll Love Dubai-Style Chocolate Pistachio Cake Recipe

• Intensely chocolatey flavor enhanced with hot coffee or water

• Soft, tender crumb that stays moist for days

• Creamy pistachio filling with a delicate nutty taste

• Smooth, glossy ganache topping

• Beautiful presentation suitable for gatherings and celebrations

• Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation

• A unique twist thanks to aromatic cardamom

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:

• 2 cups flour

• ¾ cup cocoa powder

• 1¾ cups sugar

• 2 eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup hot water or coffee

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cardamom

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the cream:

• 1 cup cream

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup ground pistachios

For the ganache:

• 200 g dark chocolate

• 1 cup cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease and line a round cake pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.

2. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined. Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee, stirring gently. The batter will be thin, which ensures a moist cake texture.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling.

4. Prepare the pistachio cream by whipping the cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and ground pistachios, then continue whipping until thick and spreadable.

5. To make the ganache, heat the cream until just steaming but not boiling. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for about one minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.

6. Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread the pistachio cream evenly over the bottom layer. Place the top layer back on and gently press.

7. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it flow naturally over the surface. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling and assembly time: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

• Add a layer of pistachio paste to intensify the nutty flavor.

• Substitute espresso for hot water to deepen the chocolate richness.

• Add a small splash of rose water to the cream for a floral touch.

• Turn the batter into cupcakes and reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes.

• Garnish with chocolate curls or whole pistachios for an elegant finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for the best texture and flavor.

Unfilled cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

FAQs

Can I use salted pistachios?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the cake to maintain balanced flavor.

Can I skip the cardamom?

Yes, though it adds a subtle warmth that complements the chocolate and pistachio beautifully.

Why is the batter very thin?

The hot liquid creates a thinner batter, resulting in a softer and more tender crumb.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and assemble it the next day.

What type of chocolate works best for ganache?

Dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content provides the best balance of sweetness and richness.

Can I use plant-based cream?

Yes, plant-based whipping cream alternatives can work, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the ganache from becoming too thick?

Make sure the cream is hot enough to fully melt the chocolate, and stir gently until smooth.

Can I add chopped pistachios inside the cake batter?

Yes, adding a small handful can create a pleasant texture contrast.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

Is this cake overly sweet?

No, the dark chocolate and cocoa powder balance the sweetness perfectly.

Conclusion

Dubai-Style Chocolate Pistachio Cake brings together deep chocolate flavor, creamy pistachio filling, and smooth ganache in one elegant dessert. With its moist texture and refined flavor profile, it’s a wonderful choice for celebrations or simply elevating an ordinary day. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert collection.