Description
A rich and luxurious chocolate cake infused with Middle Eastern flavors like dates, cardamom, and saffron—this Dubai Chocolate Cake brings a touch of elegance to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp ground cardamom or cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup neutral oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup full-fat yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (blended into paste)
- 2 tbsp warm water with saffron threads (optional)
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate (70% or higher)
- Edible gold leaf (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and blend into paste.
- In a large bowl, sift and whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugar, yogurt, vanilla, saffron water, and date paste.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in melted dark chocolate.
- Pour batter into pan, smooth top, and tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Top with powdered sugar, edible gold, or saffron glaze before serving.
Notes
This cake gets better the next day as the flavors deepen. For added richness, insert a spoonful of date paste or a chocolate ganache cube in the center before baking. Can be made gluten-free or vegan with substitutions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern / Fusion
Keywords: Dubai Chocolate Cake, Middle Eastern chocolate cake, luxury dessert, date cake, chocolate and saffron cake, exotic cake recipe