Dubai Chocalate Pistachio Cake
The Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that blends the deep intensity of dark chocolate with the nutty crunch of toasted pistachios. This moist and flavorful cake is easy to make yet impressive in taste and appearance, perfect for any occasion or gathering. Its adaptable recipe allows for various customizations including nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, and spiced versions, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Chocolate and Butter
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate
- 150g unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Nuts
- 1/2 cup fresh pistachios, lightly toasted and roughly chopped
Optional Ganache
- Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper. Toast the pistachios briefly in a dry pan until fragrant, then roughly chop and set aside. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for melting.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: Combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened — about 3-5 minutes to create a light and airy texture.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture with Eggs: Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula to maintain as much air as possible for fluffiness.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Pistachios: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet batter. Finally, fold in the chopped toasted pistachios, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool and Optional Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. For a luscious finish, prepare a ganache by heating the heavy cream and pouring it over chopped dark chocolate, stirring until smooth. Spread the ganache over the cooled cake if desired.
Notes
- Use quality chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor and texture.
- Toast pistachios evenly: Toast just until fragrant to enhance flavor without burning.
- Fold gently: Use gentle folding to preserve air in the batter for a light cake texture.
- Check baking time carefully: Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, pistachio cake, Dubai dessert, gluten-free cake, nutty chocolate cake, rich chocolate cake, festive dessert