Dubai chocolate cheesecake
Experience the luxury of a cheesecake like no other! Our Dubai chocolate cheesecake takes inspiration from Middle Eastern sweets, combining crispy kadayif, smooth cream cheese, and rich chocolate ganache in one stunning creation. A swirl of pistachio cream and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios complete the look, making it impossible to resist when it lands on the table.
Ingredients
Kadayif base
|
Butter
|
25 g |
|---|---|
|
Pistachios cream
|
5 tbsp |
|
Tahini
|
1 tsp |
|
Kadayif dough (alternatively use shredded wheat)
|
200 g |
Cream cheese filling
|
Cream cheese
|
200 g |
|---|---|
|
Double cream
|
350 ml |
|
Vanilla essence
|
1 tsp |
|
Icing sugar
|
75 g |
|
Lemon zest
|
2 tsp |
|
Lemon juice
|
1 tbsp |
Chocolate ganache
|
Milk chocolate
|
150 g |
|---|---|
|
Double cream
|
75 ml |
Garnish
|
Pistachios cream
|
2 tbsp |
|---|---|
|
Chopped pistachios
|
50 g |
Instructions
Kadayif base
Cream cheese filling
Chocolate ganache
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Use chocolate with high cocoa content
For the best-tasting ganache, choose milk chocolate with a cocoa content of 45–65 %. This keeps the consistency smooth and creamy without being too sugary or bitter.
Prevent splitting or curdling
When making the ganache, overheating the cream or stirring too vigorously can cause the fat to separate, leading to a grainy or oily texture. To avoid this, heat the double cream until it begins to simmer without letting it boil. Pour it over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes to melt gently before stirring slowly and carefully to keep the ganache smooth.
Allow the ganache to cool
The ganache needs to cool and set to reach the correct consistency for spreading or whipping. If used too soon, it will be too runny; if left too long, it can become too stiff. Let it cool at room temperature until spreadable, or use the refrigerator to speed up the process, but keep an eye on it – you do not want it to set completely.
Questions about Dubai chocolate cheesecake
Relish every layer of Dubai chocolate cheesecake, from the crispy kadayif base to the rich chocolate ganache. Have questions about keeping it fresh, making it ahead, or freezing it? Our answers below will help you out.
What is Dubai chocolate cheesecake?
Dubai chocolate cheesecake is inspired by the Dubai chocolate bar, known for its smooth milk chocolate and pistachio filling. This cheesecake takes those flavours and transforms them into a layered dessert with a crispy kadayif base, a creamy cheese filling, and a rich milk chocolate ganache topped with pistachios.
What is kadayif?
Kadayif is a type of thin, shredded pastry made from a simple dough of flour, water, and a little salt. It is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Turkish desserts and has a delicate, thread-like texture that turns crisp and golden when baked or fried.
Can I prepare Dubai chocolate cheesecake in advance?
Yes, Dubai chocolate cheesecake is ideal for making ahead. You can make it up to 3 days beforehand, improving the flavours as they intensify over time. Just keep it covered in the fridge to prevent it from drying out. For the best presentation, we recommend adding the final decorations just before serving.
How should I store Dubai chocolate cheesecake?
To keep your Dubai chocolate cheesecake fresh, cover it with cling film, aluminium foil, or an airtight cake cover and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. You can freeze it whole or in individual portions for easier serving. Before eating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
Other recipes
Brace yourself for an exquisite Dubai chocolate cheesecake
We love the Dubai chocolate bar, so turning it into a cheesecake was a no-brainer, and trust us, it absolutely delivers! This means no more fighting over the last chocolate piece because every slice is filled with the signature flavours of the bar, combined with the classic taste of cheesecake.
The hardest part? Waiting for the Dubai chocolate cheesecake to set. Make it the night before so you are not stuck staring at the fridge, opening the door every five minutes, wondering if it has magically set faster.
Crispy kadayif base with pistachio cream
The first layer of this cheesecake sets the stage for everything that follows. Kadayif is toasted until golden and crispy, with each strand reaching the perfect crunch. To bind it together, we mix it with a smooth pistachio cream and a bit of tahini. The pistachio cream is rich and slightly sweet, with an earthy depth that complements the tahini’s nuttiness and subtle bitterness. Kadayif creates a delicate, flaky base that holds up against the creamy layers above.
Delicious cream cheese filling with fresh lemon and sweet vanilla
The cheesecake filling might not be part of the iconic Dubai chocolate bar, but it tastes absolutely divine nonetheless. Creamy and tangy, it brings a wonderful smoothness that complements the crispy base and chocolate ganache. The fresh lemon lifts the richness by adding a zesty note that keeps it from feeling heavy. Meanwhile, the vanilla provides a sweet warmth that ties it all together without overpowering the other flavours.
Stunning finish with chocolate ganache, pistachio cream, and chopped pistachios
For the grand finale, we finish the Dubai chocolate cheesecake with a glossy chocolate ganache that adds a deep bittersweetness and wraps everything up in an elegant coat. On top of that, we swirl in the pistachio cream for a nutty twist that echoes the pistachio base and gives the presentation a gorgeous, marbled effect. Finally, chopped pistachios are sprinkled on top, adding that crunchy finishing touch that makes it all pop.
A Middle Eastern-inspired cheesecake for special occasions
This luxurious cheesecake takes inspiration from beloved Middle Eastern desserts and will make any occasion feel extraordinary. With a crispy kadayif base and a rich pistachio cream, it offers both texture and flavour that pay homage to regional classics. 
Whether you are hosting a festive gathering, celebrating a milestone, or simply craving a sweet surprise, this Dubai chocolate cheesecake will surely impress. From its gorgeous look to its irresistible composition of deep flavours, it will have your guests talking long after the last slice is gone. Serve it with a warm cup of cardamom tea or Arabic coffee for the full experience.
Looking for more desserts that bring people together? Try our delicious rhubarb pie, sticky chocolate cake, or mud cake with dark chocolate for more crowd-pleasing treats.
Ideas for varying the recipe
Experiment with this recipe to make it your own while staying true to its Middle Eastern-inspired character. A few drops of rose water in the cream cheese filling create a delicate floral aroma that lingers softly in the background. For a warmer, slightly spiced note, add a pinch of cardamom to the kadayif base or the filling.
A little more texture never hurts, either, so toasted coconut flakes scattered over the ganache work alongside the pistachios to provide even more crunch with a subtle tropical twist. Finely chopped dates in the filling steer the sweetness in a caramel-like direction. At the same time, a dusting of dark chocolate shavings over the ganache is a guaranteed hit for chocolate lovers, leaning even further into the deep, chocolatey richness.
No kadayif? No problem. A classic biscuit base made with crushed digestive biscuits and melted butter is an easy alternative, giving the cheesecake a more traditional feel.
