Description

This decadent Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Cake combines rich cocoa flavor with crunchy pistachios for a delightful dessert. Moist and tender thanks to a mix of vegetable oil and whole milk, this cake is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat. Optional dark chocolate chips add an extra layer of chocolate goodness. The recipe yields two 8-inch round cakes that serve 10 to 10 people.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Add-ins

1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even mixing and remove lumps.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring until the batter is smooth and thin, which is expected for this recipe.
Add Pistachios and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and dark chocolate chips, if using, to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes should come out clean when done.
Cool: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.

Notes

Using boiling water thins the batter and helps create a moist cake texture.
Chopped pistachios add a lovely crunch and unique flavor, but you can substitute with other nuts if desired.
Dark chocolate chips are optional but contribute a richer chocolate taste and extra gooey texture.
Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to avoid melting your icing.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.