Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe
Experience a slice of pure luxury with this Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake: a stunning fusion of rich chocolate, silky pistachio cream, and the irresistible crunch of kataifi pastry. This showstopping dessert brings together Middle Eastern influences and classic patisserie flair in every bite, creating a masterpiece that’s perfect for special celebrations or just to treat yourself. With each mouthful, the creamy pistachio filling and layers of luscious chocolate mousse are offset by delicate golden pastry, making it impossible to resist another piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly sets the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake apart are its gorgeous layers and vibrant flavors, all thanks to a few carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, from the decadent chocolate and nutty pistachios to the crisp kataifi that adds unmistakable crunch and flair.
- Pistachio cream: Nutty and aromatic, this adds a signature Middle Eastern richness and smoothness to your cake filling.
- Toasted kataifi: These shredded strands of pastry, golden from a quick sauté in butter, lend irresistible crunch and a beautiful golden color.
- Chopped dark chocolate: Deep, bittersweet notes form the base of the decadent ganache, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Almond milk: A lighter, slightly nutty note, this smooths out the chocolate ganache and makes it extra glossy.
- Chocolate mousse: Fluffy, creamy, and intensely chocolaty, this coats the roll for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Optional pistachio kataifi bites: For decorating, these little bites add delightful texture and an eye-catching flourish.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Chocolate Oat Cake Base
This will be the structure that holds your flavors together and gives the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake its iconic look. Simply follow the instructions referenced in the ingredient list to craft a soft and flexible chocolate oat cake.
Step 2: Make the Pistachio Cream or Butter
While your cake is cooling, whip up your homemade pistachio cream (or use pistachio butter if you prefer). This fragrant and lush layer is the heart of the cake, delivering a distinctly Dubai touch. There’s a linked recipe in the ingredient list if you need it!
Step 3: Toast the Kataifi Pastry
Sauté the shredded kataifi in a tablespoon of butter until each strand turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep stirring patiently for even toasting—the aroma is incredible and this step brings that signature crunch to your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake.
Step 4: Combine Kataifi and Pistachio Cream
Once cooled, fold your freshly toasted kataifi into the pistachio cream. This creates a textured, flavorful filling that brings a wonderful contrast to the cake’s softness.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Set up a double boiler to gently melt the chopped dark chocolate. When it’s smooth and velvety, whisk in the almond milk, mixing constantly to create a luscious ganache for your cake roll.
Step 6: Layer the Ganache on the Cake
Generously slather the cooled cake with your homemade chocolate ganache, spreading it right to the edges to ensure every bite is chocolatey perfection.
Step 7: Add the Pistachio Kataifi Filling
Drop spoonfuls of the pistachio kataifi mixture on top of the ganache and smooth it out into an even layer. The contrast of textures becomes obvious as you spread—so satisfying!
Step 8: Roll and Chill
Gently roll the cake, enclosing all that dreamy filling in a tight spiral. Wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and pop it into the freezer for an hour or the fridge for up to three hours. Chilling helps the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake set beautifully for clean slicing.
Step 9: Coat with Chocolate Mousse
Once fully chilled, unwrap the cake and envelop it in chocolate mousse (or your favorite chocolate buttercream). A good, thick layer makes the exterior ultra-creamy and decadent.
Step 10: Garnish and Decorate
Warm any leftover ganache and drizzle it luxuriously over the cake. Finish by scattering pistachio kataifi bites and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios for gourmet flair.
Step 11: Slice and Enjoy
Your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake is ready! Cut thick, inviting slices and serve with your favorite warm drink—you’re officially in dessert heaven.
How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake
Garnishes
For a truly eye-catching finish, decorate the top of your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake with extra kataifi pieces, crushed pistachios, and a delicate drizzle of dark chocolate ganache. Edible gold leaf or rose petals are always welcome for a touch of celebration.
Side Dishes
Pairing is part of the joy! Try serving this roll cake with a steaming cup of strong Arabic coffee, creamy almond milk, or even a scoop of pistachio gelato for the ultimate indulgence. Fresh berries on the side brighten up every plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake on a diagonal for a modern touch, or slice it into elegant spirals for a party platter. Present each portion on a small dessert plate, accented with a dusting of cocoa powder or a flourish of chocolate sauce, for that “wow” factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tightly wrap any leftover Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to four days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
For longer storage, your cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole roll or individual slices well with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.
Reheating
This cake is at its best served cold or at room temperature. If you do want it slightly warmed, allow slices to sit out for a bit, or gently warm for a few seconds in the microwave—but be mindful not to melt the ganache or mousse.
FAQs
Can I make the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free oat cake base and check that your kataifi pastry is gluten free or swap it for gluten-free phyllo in small shreds for a similar effect.
What if I can’t find pistachio cream?
No worries! Homemade pistachio butter or even a blend of finely ground pistachios and a touch of honey or sweetener can work as a luscious base for your filling.
Is there an alternative to almond milk for the ganache?
Certainly! Any milk or plant-based milk will do—just choose one that complements the chocolate and pistachio flavors, such as oat milk or even coconut milk (which brings a subtle richness).
How far in advance can I make the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake?
This cake is a dream for prepping ahead. You can assemble it up to two days in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve, which gives the flavors even more time to meld.
What’s the best knife to use for slicing?
A thin-bladed, sharp serrated knife is your secret weapon for getting perfect slices without smashing the delicate cake layers. Clean the blade between cuts for bakery-level presentation.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the layers, flavors, and textures of the Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake. There’s something magical about sharing this sweet treat with family and friends—so why not give it a try? Your dessert table deserves a slice of Dubai’s delicious spirit!
Print
Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 roll cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake, a decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate oat log cake, pistachio cream, dark chocolate ganache, and chocolate mousse. This elegant roll cake is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat any day.
Ingredients
Chocolate Oat Log Cake
- 1.25 cup pistachio cream
- 3/4 cup toasted kataifi (made by sauteing 3/4 cup kataifi with 1 tablespoon of butter)
- 1 cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1.5 cups chocolate mousse
Instructions
- Make the chocolate oat cake using the instructions in the ingredient list.
- While the chocolate oat cake cools, make the pistachio cream or pistachio butter, using the linked recipe in the ingredient list.
- Toast the kataifi with butter.
- Mix the toasted kataifi into the pistachio cream or butter.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Place the dark chocolate in a bowl. Place this bowl over a pan with water. Place the pan and bowl over a stovetop set to medium heat. As the water boils, the chocolate will melt, then add the almond milk, stirring the mixture with a whisk, the whole time.
- Slather the chocolate ganache onto the cooled chocolate oat cake.
- Add spoonfuls of the pistachio kataifi filling on top of the chocolate ganache layer and smooth it out using the back of the spoon.
- Gently roll the cake and layers of filling. Wrap the rolled cake in plastic wrap and set it to chill in the freezer for an hour or the refrigerator for up to 3 hours.
- Slather on the chocolate mousse or your favorite chocolate buttercream.
- Heat and drizzle any leftover chocolate ganache over the cake, and decorate with kataifi, pistachio bites, and chopped pistachios.
- Cut a slice of this Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake and enjoy with coffee, tea, or almond milk!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: Dubai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Dubai Chocolate Roll Cake, Chocolate Oat Log Cake, Pistachio Cream, Dark Chocolate Ganache, Chocolate Mousse, Roll Cake Recipe