Indulge in this luxurious Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake, made with rich ganache, fresh strawberries, and edible gold leaf. A decadent Middle Eastern dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to forget.
Can One Dessert Capture the Luxury of Dubai in Every Bite?
If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the glamour of Dubai, this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake brings the city’s lavish charm to your table. Made with rich dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a silky ganache that melts in your mouth, this dessert merges Middle Eastern indulgence with classic European finesse. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, this recipe delivers that wow factor. It’s your golden ticket to creating a cake that’s Instagram-worthy, guest-approved, and Google-ranked.
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Want more elegant cake inspiration? Check out our peanut butter cookie cake and smores ice cream cake.
Ingredients List
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (for richness)
The Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
The Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 200g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for gloss)
Optional Garnish:
- Edible gold leaf (for that Dubai luxury vibe)
- Sliced strawberries
- Mint leaves
Substitution Tips: Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free version. You can also use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar alternative.
Want more elegant cake inspiration? Check out A detailed layer-cake version with strawberry sponge, pistachio kataifi, and flowing chocolate glaze.
Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Assembling & Cooling Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
Compared to traditional layered cakes, this recipe is 20% faster while delivering maximum flavor and visual impact.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix sugars, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Slowly combine wet and dry ingredients, then stir in hot coffee for an ultra-rich, smooth batter.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens. Let cool before assembling.
Step 4: Prepare the Ganache
Heat cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Add butter and whisk until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly for spreading consistency.
Step 5: Assemble the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling evenly. Add the second cake layer, then pour ganache over the top. Let it drip down the sides for that elegant finish.
Nutritional Information (per slice, serves 12)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Fat: 24g (Saturated: 13g, Unsaturated: 10g)
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Replace sugar with coconut or date sugar.
- Use dark chocolate (85% cocoa or higher) for lower sugar content.
- Substitute whole wheat pastry flour for all-purpose flour for extra fiber.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs and plant-based milk and cream.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake, presentation and pairing can truly elevate the experience. For a start, serve each slice slightly warm—this helps the ganache soften just enough to create that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture. To complement the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The cold contrast enhances the warm decadence of the cake beautifully.
Moreover, pairing this cake with a traditional beverage can turn a simple serving into a luxurious treat. Consider offering Arabic coffee, known for its strong, spiced aroma, or Moroccan mint tea, which adds a refreshing herbal balance to the dessert’s sweetness.
For an extra touch of Dubai-inspired luxury, garnish with edible gold leaf, which not only adds a shimmer of opulence but also makes for a show-stopping presentation. A few sliced fresh strawberries and delicate mint leaves can also be arranged artfully on top to emphasize freshness and elevate the visual appeal.
Finally, if Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake serving for a festive event or celebration, plate each slice on decorative china, drizzle a bit of extra ganache around the plate, and sprinkle some crushed pistachios or rose petals for a Middle Eastern flourish that ties the entire experience together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when making Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake
- Overmixing the batter: Leads to dense cake layers. Mix until just combined.
- Not letting the ganache cool: Can melt the cake or run off too quickly.
- Using cold strawberries: Make sure your filling is room temp to avoid soggy cake.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
- Freeze cake layers (unassembled) for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a showstopper. Luxurious, flavorful, and packed with irresistible layers, it’s the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, Eid, or any elegant gathering. Try it today and bring a little Dubai flair into your kitchen.
FAQ About Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Can I make this cake a day in advance?
Absolutely. The flavors actually intensify overnight.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your chocolate for gluten-free certification.
What chocolate is best for ganache?
A high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa) like Lindt or Ghirardelli works best.
Why add hot coffee to chocolate cake?
It enhances the cocoa flavor and adds moisture without making it taste like coffee.