Copycat Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake Recipe

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Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake is a heavenly creation, inspired by Dubai’s famous flavors, is the perfect marriage of smooth chocolate ganache, nutty pistachio filling, and delicate shards of shredded kadaifi pastry. When I first tried this cake, I couldn’t stop dreaming of its indulgent layers and bold textures.

How to make Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake

Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake is a trendy new dessert in Costco’s bakery section, this cake draws inspiration from the viral “Dubai chocolate” craze.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Pistachio Cream Filling:

• ¾ cup (100g) shelled pistachios, finely ground
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (50g) powdered sugar
• ¼ tsp almond or pistachio extract (optional)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup (170g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

For the Shredded Kadaifi Topping (or Substitute):

• 1 cup (50g) shredded kadaifi pastry (available at Middle Eastern stores)
• ½ cup (60g) crushed roasted pistachios for garnish
• 2 tbsp butter (for crisping the kadaifi)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
4. Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin—don’t worry, this ensures a moist, tender cake.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Cream Filling

1. In a food processor, grind the pistachios into a fine powder. Be careful not to overblend and create pistachio butter.
2. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold the ground pistachios and almond/pistachio extract (if using) into the whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream.
2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, but ensure it remains pourable for spreading.

Step 4: Toast the Kadaifi Topping

1. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the shredded kadaifi pastry. Stir and toast until golden brown and crisp (about 3-5 minutes).
2. Remove from the heat and allow the pastry to cool. If you can’t find shredded kadaifi, substitute with crushed phyllo pastry or use crispy rice cereal for crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of pistachio cream filling on top.
2. Gently place the second cake layer over the filling, ensuring it is level.
3. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top and spread evenly, letting it drip slightly down the sides for a professional finish.
4. Sprinkle the crisp shredded kadaifi and crushed pistachios over the ganache for texture and garnish.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good-quality dark chocolate to achieve a rich flavor in the ganache.
• Chill the cake layers: Wrap the layers in plastic wrap and chill them for 30 minutes before layering. This helps prevent crumbs while assembling.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your pistachio cream before assembly and adjust the sugar according to your preference.
• Experiment with textures: If you can’t find kadaifi, other crunchy substitutes like chopped nuts or toasted coconut will work beautifully.
• Decorative finish: For an extra luxurious touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or use edible gold flakes as garnish.

What to serve with

The Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake is a decadent treat on its own, with its rich layers of chocolate ganache, pistachio cream, and crispy kadaifi topping.

Hot Beverages:

• Espresso or Coffee: A strong black espresso or coffee balances the sweetness of the Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake and enhances the chocolate and pistachio flavors. Add a splash of cream for a smoother pairing.
• Hot Chocolate: If you’re a fan of chocolate overload, pair the Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake with a cozy cup of creamy hot chocolate, perhaps topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.
• Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai—like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves—provide a fragrant counterpoint to the richness of the Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake.
• Mint or Herbal Tea: A light, refreshing mint tea balances the sweetness while acting as a palate cleanser.

Cold Beverages:

• Milk: A classic pairing! A cold glass of milk helps cut through the richness of the chocolate and offers a nostalgic touch.
• Iced Coffee: A chilled coffee drink (with or without sweeteners) pairs beautifully with the cake, especially if served as a dessert after a meal.
• Pistachio Milkshake: For a themed pairing, a creamy pistachio milkshake echoes the nutty filling of the cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake is a culinary adventure, and while the original ingredients offer the best experience, there are times when substitutions are necessary due to dietary restrictions, availability, or personal preferences.

Substitutes for the Cake Base

The cake base is a traditional chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and indulgent. Here’s how you can tweak the recipe to meet your needs:

1. All-Purpose Flour Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend if you’re making a gluten-free version. Look for blends that include xanthan gum or guar gum for structure.
• Almond Flour: For a nuttier, gluten-free option, use almond flour. Since almond flour lacks the structure of regular flour, use an extra egg or a small amount of tapioca starch to bind the batter.

2. Cocoa Powder:

• Dutch-Processed Cocoa: If you don’t have natural cocoa powder, Dutch-processed cocoa powder works as a substitute but reduces the acidity in the recipe. To balance it, add ½ tsp of white vinegar or lemon juice to the batter.
• Carob Powder: For a caffeine-free option, carob powder can replace cocoa powder in equal amounts. It has a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

3. Eggs:

• Flax Eggs: Combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a gel-like consistency. This works well for vegan or egg-free versions.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Swap one egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. This adds moisture and works as a binder.
• Mashed Banana: ½ a banana (mashed) can replace one egg, adding a subtle fruit flavor and natural sweetness.

4. Milk:

• Non-Dairy Milk: For a dairy-free option, use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Use unsweetened and unflavored varieties to avoid altering the taste of the cake.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk or non-dairy milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.

5. Vegetable Oil:

• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil can replace vegetable oil in equal amounts. Use refined coconut oil for a neutral flavor.
• Butter: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for oil. Melt and cool it slightly before adding to the batter.
• Applesauce or Greek Yogurt: For a lighter option, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt.

Substitutes for the Pistachio Cream Filling

The pistachio cream filling gives this cake its distinct flavor. If pistachios are unavailable or you want an alternative, here are some ideas:

1. Pistachios:

• Almonds or Cashews: Finely ground almonds or cashews can replace pistachios. They’ll give a creamy, nutty filling, though the flavor will differ slightly.
• Hazelnuts: For a richer, chocolate-hazelnut profile, use ground hazelnuts as a substitute for pistachios.
• Pumpkin Seeds: For a nut-free option, ground pumpkin seeds mimic the texture of pistachios while offering a unique, earthy flavor.

2. Heavy Cream:

• Coconut Cream: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk and use the thickened cream at the top as a dairy-free substitute.
• Cashew Cream: Soak cashews in water for 2-4 hours and blend with a little water to create a creamy consistency.

3. Powdered Sugar:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can be used instead of powdered sugar for added sweetness, but they might thin out the filling. Adjust by adding more ground pistachios or nuts.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Powder: For a low-sugar option, use powdered stevia or monk fruit as a sweetener.

4. Almond or Pistachio Extract:

• Vanilla Extract: Use a small amount of pure vanilla extract (½ tsp) to add flavor if nutty extracts are unavailable.
• Rosewater: Add a few drops of rosewater for a Middle Eastern-inspired floral twist.

Substitutes for the Chocolate Ganache

The ganache is a key component of the Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake, providing its smooth, luxurious finish. Here’s how to modify or substitute it:

1. Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate:

• Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate: If dark chocolate is unavailable, you can use milk or white chocolate, but note that the flavor will be much sweeter.
• Cacao Butter with Sweetener: For a vegan or low-sugar alternative, use melted cacao butter and sweeten it with honey or a sugar-free sweetener.

2. Heavy Cream:

• Coconut Cream: Coconut cream (not coconut milk) works beautifully to create a dairy-free ganache with a hint of coconut flavor.
• Evaporated Milk: For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with evaporated milk. It creates a thinner ganache but still coats the cake smoothly.
• Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu with melted chocolate for a creamy, high-protein ganache that substitutes heavy cream.

Substitutes for the Shredded Kadaifi Pastry

Shredded kadaifi pastry adds a signature crunch to the Dubai Chocolate Cake, but it might not always be easy to find. Here are some alternatives:

1. Shredded Phyllo Dough: If you can’t find kadaifi, thinly slice phyllo dough and bake or fry it until crisp. It mimics the texture of kadaifi.

2. Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes can be toasted until golden brown as a substitute for kadaifi’s crunch.

3. Crispy Rice Cereal: Crushed crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) adds a similar light crunch and works well as a topping.

4. Toasted Breadcrumbs: For a unique and unexpected twist, toss toasted breadcrumbs in a light coating of sugar syrup or honey to mimic the texture and sweetness of kadaifi.

Final Thoughts

The Costco Dubai Chocolate Cake is a masterpiece, and with the right pairings, you can elevate its flavors to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

More Costco Recipes:

• Costco Marshmallow Crispy Cookie Recipe