Description
A luxurious Dubai-Style Chocolate Pistachio Cake featuring moist cocoa layers infused with warm cardamom, filled with creamy pistachio frosting, and topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache for an elegant Middle Eastern-inspired dessert.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1¾ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
1 cup hot water or strong brewed coffee
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream (for pistachio cream)
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup ground pistachios (unsalted, shelled)
200 g dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom.
- Add eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while stirring to create a smooth, slightly thin batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For the pistachio cream, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and ground pistachios, then gently fold to combine.
- For the ganache, heat the cream until just about to boil. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread pistachio cream over the bottom layer and place the top layer over it.
- Pour ganache over the assembled cake and smooth over the top and sides. Garnish with crushed pistachios if desired.
- Chill slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes
Substitute hot water with strong coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Add 1 tablespoon pistachio paste to the filling for richer flavor.
Increase cardamom or add a pinch of cinnamon for a stronger Middle Eastern touch.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
