Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe

If you’re craving an irresistible treat that combines Middle Eastern flair with chocolatey decadence, this Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake is pure magic. Imagine a soft, chocolatey oat cake rolled with layers of luscious pistachio cream, buttery toasted kataifi, a rich ganache, and topped with creamy chocolate mousse—it’s the kind of showstopper dessert that makes everyone pause and swoon with the first bite. The unique fusion of flavors and textures takes this Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake from something you might find in a luxury Dubai bakery straight to your home kitchen. It’s easier than it looks, endlessly customizable, and perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is how each simple ingredient plays its own important role—there’s nothing extraneous, and every item adds something essential to the final experience. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why you should choose each thoughtfully for the most delicious Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake you can imagine.

• Pistachio cream (1.25 cups): The sweet, nutty heart of the filling—make it from scratch for the best flavor or use a high-quality store-bought variety.
• Toasted kataifi (3/4 cup): Kataifi pastry, sautéed with butter, brings a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor—toast it just until golden for deep aroma and texture.
• Dark chocolate (1 cup, chopped): The foundation of your silky ganache—a high-percentage bar gives smoothness and intense chocolate flavor.
• Almond milk (1/4 cup): This adds subtle nutty depth and smoothness to the ganache—feel free to substitute with another plant-based milk if needed.
• Chocolate mousse (1.5 cups): Airy, creamy, and deeply chocolatey, it’s the perfect “frosting” for your rolled cake—use homemade or your favorite ready-made mousse.
• Kataifi pistachio bites (optional, for decoration): These gorgeous little bites are completely optional but make for a standout presentation and extra crunch.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Oat Cake

Let’s start things off with the foundation—the chocolate oat cake. Use your favorite chocolate oat cake recipe or the one linked with your ingredients list. What you want is a flexible, sponge-like cake sheet that’s thin enough to roll but still moist and dense with chocolate flavor. Bake it, let it cool on a wire rack, and make sure it’s totally cool before you start layering—that’s the secret to a clean, perfect roll later!

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Cream

This is where that magical Middle Eastern flavor shines. You can blend pistachios with a bit of sugar and a neutral oil for a quick homemade pistachio butter, or use a luxuriously smooth pistachio cream if you have a favorite brand. In either case, make sure your pistachio base is fresh and fragrant for the most vibrant, nutty filling. Set it aside for layering.

Step 3: Toast the Kataifi

Kataifi pastry is a real game changer! Break it apart gently (if using fresh) and sauté with one tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat. Keep stirring until every strand is golden, aromatic, and just a bit crispy. Let it cool—a crunchy, buttery counterpoint to all the creamy elements that’s about to steal the show.

Step 4: Combine Kataifi and Pistachio Cream

Once your kataifi is cooled, gently fold it into the pistachio cream or butter, making sure every bit is evenly coated. This mixture adds both bite and incredible flavor to your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake filling. Don’t rush this step: take care so the kataifi stays crisp.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Time to create that glossy chocolate layer! Set up a double boiler by placing your chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl above a pan of simmering water—don’t let the water touch the bowl. Stir as it melts, then gradually whisk in the almond milk. The ganache will become velvety and smooth—a little patience is key here. Take your time so it stays shiny and luscious.

Step 6: Spread Ganache on the Cake

Once your cake is completely cooled, slather that dreamy ganache all over the surface with a spatula. Try to get an even, generous layer for maximum chocolate payoff in every slice.

Step 7: Add Pistachio Kataifi Filling

Time for the best part! Dollop generous spoonfuls of your pistachio kataifi mixture atop the ganache layer. Gently use the back of a spoon to spread it out, going almost to the edges so every bite is nutty and rich.

Step 8: Roll and Chill

Now, the magic moment—slowly and gently roll your cake from one edge to the other, keeping the layers inside as even as you can. Wrap the rolled cake tightly in plastic wrap, securing the shape. For best flavor and clean slices, chill in the freezer for about 1 hour or in the fridge for at least 3 hours.

Step 9: Frost with Chocolate Mousse

Once the roll is thoroughly chilled and set, unwrap and cover it with a plush cloud of chocolate mousse. Smear it all over the top and sides so it looks as decadent as it tastes.

Step 10: Final Ganache Drizzle and Decoration

Heat any leftover ganache gently and drizzle it over the mousse layer for extra drama and shine. If you have them, lovingly press kataifi pistachio bites and extra chopped pistachios into the top for crunch and a burst of color.

Step 11: Slice and Serve!

Grab your best knife and cut generous slices—each piece will show off beautiful swirls of cake, ganache, and pistachio filling. Savor with a warm mug of coffee, spiced tea, or a cool glass of almond milk, and soak up the delighted reactions.

How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on the garnishes for your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake! A flurry of chopped pistachios, shards of dark chocolate, and a few extra pistachio kataifi bites instantly make every slice look both elegant and inviting. You can also add a sprinkle of edible rose petals or a dusting of cocoa powder if you want extra flair.

Side Dishes

This cake is the star of the show, so keep sides simple: a pot of good black tea, espresso, or even cold almond milk highlights its flavors perfectly. If you want something more special, serve alongside dishes of fresh berries or light vanilla gelato—the combination is out of this world.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by slicing the cake into thick rolls and arranging them upright on a serving platter, garnished with extra pistachios. You can also cut the roll into mini rounds for pretty petit fours, or layer slices over a bed of chocolate mousse in dessert glasses for a dramatic parfait. Whichever way you serve it, the colors and textures will shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, wrap slices of Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, and it stays moist and delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unsliced cake (or individual pieces) in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. The Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake freezes beautifully for up to a month—just thaw overnight in the fridge before indulging.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you like a slightly softer texture, let slices sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, since that can compromise the filling and mousse texture.

FAQs

Can I make the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free oat cake base and double-check that your other ingredients (like the kataifi pastry) are certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is already naturally gluten-free.

What if I can’t find kataifi pastry?

If kataifi is hard to find, try substituting with shredded phyllo dough that you’ve toasted until golden in butter, or even a handful of roasted chopped nuts for extra crunch. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will be delicious.

Can I make the pistachio cream ahead of time?

Yes! Pistachio cream or butter can be made several days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature so it spreads easily when you’re ready to assemble your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake.

How do I get the roll to be tight and even?

The key is to let the cake cool fully and use parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel to guide the rolling process. Roll slowly and gently, and if anything cracks, don’t worry—the mousse “frosting” will cover any imperfections!

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Of course! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, milder flavor to your ganache—just reduce the almond milk a little to keep it from becoming too runny.

Final Thoughts

Treating yourself (and your friends) to this Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake is a true delight from start to finish. The blend of rich chocolate and creamy pistachio, with that irresistible crunchy, buttery kataifi, makes every bite a celebration. Try it—you’re in for a seriously decadent treat!

 

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