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Dubai chocolate cheesecake recipe

Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

This Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake combines creamy baked chocolate cheesecake with crispy toasted kataifi pastry, rich pistachio cream filling, and glossy chocolate ganache for the ultimate viral-inspired dessert. Every bite is rich, crunchy, creamy, nutty, and deeply chocolatey while still feeling balanced and luxurious.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 620
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For The Chocolate Cookie Crust
  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
For The Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 6 oz dark chocolate melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
For The Pistachio Kataifi Layer
  • 2 cups kataifi pastry chopped
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup pistachio cream
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • pinch of salt
For The Chocolate Ganache
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz milk chocolate chopped
  • 2 oz dark chocolate chopped
  • Garnish
  • crushed pistachios
  • melted chocolate drizzle
  • extra toasted kataifi pastry

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare The Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and cocoa powder until evenly mixed.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  4. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool slightly.
Step 2: Toast The Kataifi Pastry
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped kataifi pastry and cook while stirring constantly until golden brown, crispy, and fragrant.
  3. Watch carefully because kataifi browns quickly.
  4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make The Pistachio Filling
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the pistachio cream, tahini, toasted kataifi pastry, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Mix until fully combined and evenly coated. The filling should be thick, crunchy, and spreadable.
  3. Set aside while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
Step 4: Prepare The Cheesecake Batter
  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing gently after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and sour cream, then mix until incorporated.
  4. Pour in the melted dark chocolate and sift in the cocoa powder. Mix just until combined and smooth.
  5. Do not overmix the batter, as excess air can cause cracks during baking.
Step 5: Assemble The Cheesecake
  1. Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
  2. Spread the pistachio kataifi filling evenly across the center layer.
  3. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter.
  4. Smooth the surface gently with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake The Cheesecake
  1. Bake for 55–70 minutes or until the edges appear set while the center still has a slight jiggle.
  2. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly open.
  3. Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly inside the oven for 1 hour.
  4. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill at least 6 hours or overnight for best texture.
Step 7: Make The Chocolate Ganache
  1. Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped milk chocolate and dark chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until completely smooth and glossy.
  3. Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
  4. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios, extra toasted kataifi pastry, and a light chocolate drizzle before serving.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest cheesecake filling.
  • Toast the kataifi until deeply golden for maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Chill overnight for the cleanest slices and richest flavor.
  • Wipe the knife clean between slices for bakery-style presentation.
  • For extra crunch, add additional toasted kataifi on top before serving.