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Dubai Chocolate Cake

Slice of Dubai Chocolate Cake topped with edible gold leaf

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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

  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and blend into paste.
  3. In a large bowl, sift and whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cardamom.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugar, yogurt, vanilla, saffron water, and date paste.
  5. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined.
  6. Fold in melted dark chocolate.
  7. Pour batter into pan, smooth top, and tap gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
  9. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
  10. 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.