Dubai Chocolate Cake: The Viral Pistachio + Kataifi Chocolate Cake You Can Make at Home

MOTIVATE: Why everyone talks about Dubai Chocolate Cake

Dubai Chocolate Cake feels like a dessert from a fancy café—but you can bake it in your own kitchen. It takes the idea behind the famous “Dubai chocolate” trend (milk chocolate + pistachio cream + crunchy shredded pastry) and turns it into a warm, sliceable cake that looks like a celebration. 

People love this flavor combo because it hits three cravings at once:

• Deep chocolate taste
• Nutty pistachio sweetness
• A crispy crunch that makes every bite exciting

That crunchy filling comes from kataifi (also called kadayif), a shredded phyllo dough used in Middle Eastern desserts. The viral Dubai chocolate bar made kataifi + pistachio cream famous on social media, and now bakers turn that same filling into cakes, drinks, and more. 

And yes—this trend goes beyond desserts at home. Even Starbucks highlighted a Dubai Chocolate-inspired drink as one of its most viral flavors of 2025, showing how popular the chocolate-pistachio combo has become. 

If you want a dessert that makes people say, “Wait… you made this?”—this cake does the job.

BRIEF: What Dubai Chocolate Cake tastes like (and what makes it different)

Dubai Chocolate Cake isn’t just “another chocolate cake.” It stands out because it layers textures:

1. Moist chocolate cake base (soft, rich, and fudgy) 
2. Crunchy pistachio filling made from toasted kataifi + pistachio cream 
3. Velvety chocolate topping made by melting chocolate with cream (or table cream for extra richness) 

Why coffee matters (even if you hate coffee)

This recipe often uses hot coffee in the batter. You won’t taste coffee. The coffee simply makes the chocolate taste stronger and deeper. 

Who will enjoy this cake?

• Chocolate lovers who want something richer than basic cake
• Pistachio fans who love “nutty + sweet”
• Anyone who loves viral desserts and wants a guaranteed crowd-pleaser

CONVEY: The full recipe + step-by-step method

What you need (ingredients)

This ingredient list follows the key points from the source recipe (moist chocolate cake + kataifi pistachio filling + chocolate topping). 

Chocolate cake layer

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process works great) 
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup hot coffee (or hot water / hot milk) 

Pistachio kataifi filling

• 2 cups kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup pistachio cream 

Chocolate topping

• 4 oz milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or table cream (for a richer, Dubai-style finish) 

Optional toppings: crushed pistachios, extra pistachio sauce, extra toasted kataifi. 

How to make Dubai Chocolate Cake (simple steps)

Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake base

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8–9 inch round or square pan. 
2. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. 
3. Add egg, vanilla, milk, and oil. Whisk until smooth. 
4. Pour in hot coffee and whisk again. 
5. Bake about 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. 

Tip: Stop whisking as soon as the batter turns smooth. You keep the cake tender when you avoid overmixing. 

Step 2: Make the crunchy pistachio filling

1. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped kataifi and toast it until golden and crispy. 
3. Cool it slightly, then mix in pistachio cream until you get a thick, crunchy filling. 

Why this works: Toasting gives kataifi its signature crunch—the same crunchy idea people love in the Dubai chocolate bar trend. 

Step 3: Make the silky chocolate topping

1. Put chopped chocolate and cream (or table cream) in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Warm it briefly, let it sit a few minutes, then whisk until glossy and smooth. 

Chocolate tip: Use a good-quality chocolate bar for the best melt and the best taste. 

Step 4: Assemble like a pro

1. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes. 
2. Spread the pistachio-kataifi mixture across the top in an even layer. 
3. Pour the chocolate topping over it. 
4. Add crushed pistachios or extra toasted kataifi for a “luxury bakery” look. 

Serve it warm for a molten, gooey bite—or chill it to set cleaner slices. 

Variations (keep it trending, keep it tasty)

These swaps stay close to the original idea while letting you customize. 

• Dark chocolate twist: Use dark chocolate for a less sweet, more intense topping. 
• Warm spice version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a Middle Eastern-style aroma. 
• No-coffee option: Replace coffee with hot water or hot milk. 

Serving and storage (so it stays perfect)

Best ways to serve

• Let chilled cake sit 10–15 minutes at room temp for the best texture. 
• Add vanilla ice cream for a “hot-cold” contrast that tastes amazing.

How to store

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
• Freeze the plain cake (without filling/topping) for up to 2 months, then add layers after thawing. 
• Warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you want it gooey again. 

Quick FAQ

1.Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Bake the cake a day early, then add the filling and topping closer to serving time so the kataifi stays crunchy. 

2.What if I can’t find kataifi?

You’ll get the most authentic crunch from kataifi (that’s the signature). Many bakers find it in Middle Eastern grocery stores in the freezer section. The trend itself centers on kataifi + pistachio cream. 

3.Why does this dessert feel “Dubai-inspired”?

Dubai chocolate became famous for combining milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and shredded pastry (kataifi), inspired by knafeh-style textures and flavors.