Chocolate Kunafa Cake (Viral Dubai Cake)

The Chocolate Kunafa Cake, also popularly known as the Viral Dubai Cake, is a luxurious fusion dessert that combines the best of two beloved treats: rich chocolate cake and crunchy kunafa (kataifi) pastry. This cake is inspired by the creative dessert trends coming out of the Middle East, particularly Dubai, where bold flavors and extravagant textures are celebrated.

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to serve at your next party or special occasion, this Chocolate Kunafa Cake, also known as the Viral Dubai Cake, is just what you need. This decadent fusion cake blends the richness of chocolate sponge with the irresistible crunch of golden kataifi (kunafa) pastry, layered with a creamy milk soak and topped with luscious chocolate ganache and pistachios.

This recipe has taken social media by storm, and for good reason—it’s unique, indulgent, and sure to leave your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting an Iftar, or just want to impress your guests, this cake is the perfect centerpiece.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature with Arabic coffee or a hot cup of tea. This cake is rich, indulgent, and sure to be a crowd favorite at:

• Birthday parties
• Eid celebrations
• Family dinners
• Ramadan Iftars
• Wedding events or bridal showers

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture actually improves after a few hours as the flavors continue to meld together.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Kunafa Cake is a must-try dessert that merges Middle Eastern flavors with chocolate decadence in the most delightful way. It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and guaranteed to wow your guests. Try it once, and it’ll become a go-to for every festive gathering!

Chocolate Kunafa Cake (Viral Dubai Cake)

Here is a recipe of yummy and delicious cake..

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 4 Egg
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1¼ cup All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Vanilla essence
• ½ cup Hot water
• 2 tbsp Cacao powder
• ½ cup Oil
• 3 tsp Baking powder

For the Milk Soak:

• 1 cup Milk
• 2 tbsp Nestlé hot chocolate (or any chocolate milk powder)

For the Kunafa (Kataifi) Layer:

• 3 cups Kataifi pastry shredded phyllo dough
• 2 tbsp Ghee
• 1½ cup Pistachios spread

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 2 bar Dairy Milk chocolate or any chocolate of choice
• 250 gr Fresh cream

Instructions

 

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until the mixture reaches a thick, pale consistency.
• In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup hot water with 2 tbsp cocoa powder until smooth. Add this cocoa mixture to the eggs along with oil and vanilla essence. Mix until well combined.
• Sift in the flour and beat briefly, just until incorporated.
• Finally, add the baking powder and gently fold it in using a spatula.
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes

Make the Milk Soak

• Warm 1 cup of milk (not boiling).
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of Nestlé chocolate powder until fully dissolved.
• Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top of the cooled cake.
• Slowly pour the chocolate milk mixture over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
• Let the cake rest for 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

Prepare the Kunafa Topping

• In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee.
• Add the kataifi pastry and roast on medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy.
• Mix in the Pistachio spread and let it cool slightly.
• Spread this crunchy mixture evenly over the soaked cake, gently pressing to adhere.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

• Break the chocolate bars into small pieces.
• In a saucepan, heat the fresh cream until warm (do not boil).
• Pour the warm cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.
• Allow it to cool slightly, then pour over the kunafa-pistachio layer, spreading evenly.

Final Touch

• Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top for garnish and added texture. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow all the layers to set beautifully.

Notes

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Kunafa Cake

Here are some expert tips to help you get the best results and wow your guests with this decadent dessert:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredient

Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend better and gives you a smoother, more even cake batter.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.

3. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder

The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor. Unsweetened, dark cocoa powder works best for a deeper chocolatey taste.

4. Warm, Not Hot, Milk Soak

When soaking the cake, make sure the chocolate milk mixture is warm—not too hot and not cold. This helps the cake absorb the liquid properly without getting soggy or dense.

5. Let the Cake Rest After Soaking

Give the cake at least 30 minutes to rest after adding the milk mixture. This allows the flavor to develop and the texture to settle before you add the topping.

6. Roast Kataifi Evenly

Stir constantly when roasting the kataifi in ghee to get an even golden-brown color without burning it. A non-stick pan works best for this step.

8. Customize the Ganache

You can adjust the sweetness or richness of the ganache by changing the type of chocolate. Use semi-sweet for a more balanced flavor or dark chocolate for a bolder taste.

 

Keyword Chocolate kunafa cake, Dubai viral cake