Dubai Chocolate Cake

Dubai Chocolate Cake is a easy Middle Eastern recipe that serves 2. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Patrick Zeinali on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 12 min

Cost: $1.20 total, $0.60 per serving

Ingredients

  • 0.25 cup Chocolate (semi‑sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into small pieces)
  • 1 large Egg (room‑temperature)

Instructions

  1. Measure Chocolate and Butter

    Place 1/4 cup of chocolate and 2 tablespoons of butter into a microwave‑safe bowl.

    Time: PT1M

  2. Melt Chocolate‑Butter Mixture

    Microwave on high for 60 seconds, then stir. If not fully melted, microwave in 15‑second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Add the Egg

    Crack the egg into the melted mixture and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated and the batter is glossy.

    Time: PT1M

  4. Second Microwave Blast

    Return the bowl to the microwave and cook on high for 60 seconds. The cake should be set on the edges but still slightly soft in the centre.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Cool and Serve

    Let the cake cool for 2‑3 minutes, then run a spatula around the edges and invert onto a plate. Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or a scoop of ice‑cream.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
210
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
14 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Egg, Dairy

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Dubai Chocolate Cake

Recipe by Patrick Zeinali

A super‑simple, ultra‑rich chocolate cake inspired by Dubai’s love of indulgent desserts. Made with just five ingredients—chocolate, butter, and an egg—this microwave‑baked treat comes together in minutes and tastes better than a store‑bought chocolate bar.

EasyMiddle EasternServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
1m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.20
Total cost
$0.60
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt chocolate and butter evenly without burning.
  • Ensure the melted mixture is not too hot before adding the egg.
  • Do not over‑microwave the final bake; the cake should remain slightly soft in the centre.

Safety Warnings

  • The bowl will be extremely hot after microwaving; use oven mitts.
  • Eggs should be fresh to reduce risk of salmonella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Dubai chocolate cake in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Dubai chocolate cake reflects the city’s modern, cosmopolitan palate that embraces rich, indulgent desserts. While chocolate isn’t traditional to the region, the rapid growth of international bakeries in Dubai has made chocolate‑based treats a popular luxury dessert for celebrations and café culture.

cultural
Q

How is Dubai chocolate cake traditionally served in Dubai cafés or homes?

A

In Dubai cafés the cake is often presented warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired with a scoop of vanilla ice‑cream or a drizzle of caramel. At home it may be served on a decorative plate with fresh berries to balance the richness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Dubai chocolate cake associated with in Emirati culture?

A

The cake is a favorite for birthday parties, bridal showers, and after‑supper treats during Ramadan evenings when families gather for sweet indulgences after breaking the fast.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Dubai chocolate cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic version uses high‑quality semi‑sweet chocolate, unsalted butter, and a fresh egg. Acceptable substitutes include dark chocolate for a deeper flavor, margarine or coconut oil for dairy‑free versions, and a flax‑egg for vegans, though texture will differ.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with Dubai chocolate cake?

A

Pair the cake with a cup of strong Arabic coffee, cardamom‑spiced tea, or a side of fresh dates. For a fuller dessert spread, serve alongside baklava or rose‑water‑flavored milk pudding.

cultural
Q

What makes Dubai chocolate cake special or unique in Middle Eastern dessert tradition?

A

Its simplicity—only five ingredients—and rapid microwave preparation set it apart from labor‑intensive pastries like kunafa. The cake’s dense, fudgy texture offers a modern twist on the region’s love for sweet, buttery desserts.

cultural
Q

How has Dubai chocolate cake evolved over time in the UAE?

A

Originally a café‑style “microwave mug cake,” it evolved into a plated dessert as home cooks adopted the recipe for its speed and indulgence, adding decorative toppings and serving it on elegant plates for social media appeal.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Dubai chocolate cake?

A

Many think the cake requires flour or baking powder, but the recipe relies on the egg’s structure and the melted chocolate‑butter emulsion to create a fudgy crumb. Another misconception is that it must be baked in an oven; the microwave method is authentic to the quick‑serve style popular in Dubai cafés.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai chocolate cake at home?

A

Over‑melting the chocolate can cause it to seize, and adding the egg to a too‑hot mixture can curdle it. Also, microwaving too long makes the cake rubbery; watch the texture and stop when the edges are set but the centre is still soft.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai chocolate cake recipe use a microwave instead of a conventional oven?

A

The microwave provides rapid, even heat that melts the chocolate and cooks the egg in minutes, preserving the cake’s fudgy texture without the need for flour or leavening agents. This method aligns with Dubai’s fast‑paced café culture where quick, indulgent desserts are prized.

technical
Q

Can I make Dubai chocolate cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the batter, cover it, and refrigerate for up to one hour before microwaving. Once baked, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days; reheat briefly in the microwave before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali focuses on quick, minimalist recipes that require few ingredients and minimal equipment, often highlighting modern twists on classic desserts and comfort foods.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Patrick Zeinali's approach to Middle Eastern desserts differ from other cooking channels?

A

Patrick Zeinali emphasizes speed and simplicity, using everyday kitchen tools like the microwave to recreate indulgent Middle Eastern‑inspired sweets, whereas many other channels rely on traditional ovens and more elaborate ingredient lists.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

made my most viral cottage cheese recipe for dessert!
9

made my most viral cottage cheese recipe for dessert!

A high‑protein, silky chocolate mousse made with cottage cheese, sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Perfect for a quick protein‑packed dessert that feels indulgent.

25 minServes 3$4
American
Easy Ramadan Iftar recipes AhmedAl Zamel 25/30
3

Easy Ramadan Iftar recipes AhmedAl Zamel 25/30

A quick, no‑bake Ramadan dessert that layers a store‑bought chocolate cake with a creamy cheese‑condensed milk filling, silky chocolate ganache, and crunchy cocoa rice, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Perfect for fasting evenings when you need something sweet and simple.

1 hr 17 minServes 8$28
Middle Eastern
2 ingredient brownies- No flour, no grains, no butter, no oil!
2

2 ingredient brownies- No flour, no grains, no butter, no oil!

A super simple, flour‑free, grain‑free, butter‑free brownie made with just eggs and melted chocolate. Beat the eggs frothy, fold in melted chocolate (or sugar‑free chocolate), add extra chocolate chunks if you like, and bake for a fudgy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth treat in under an hour.

57 minServes 8$5
American
Stuff me with caramel 🤤
2

Stuff me with caramel 🤤

These easy caramel stuffed chocolate bars are made with just four ingredients: sugar, butter, heavy cream, and chocolate. A silky caramel filling is sandwiched between layers of melted chocolate, then chilled until firm. Perfect for a quick homemade treat or a gift.

35 minServes 12$5
American
Strawberry Yogurt Patty
3

Strawberry Yogurt Patty

A quick, no‑bake dessert that layers fresh strawberries and creamy yogurt into bite‑size circles, freezes them solid, then dips them in melted chocolate for a fun "burger"‑style treat.

1 hr 8 minServes 4$8
American
3-Ingredient Chocolate Cookie Mug Cake 🔥
5

3-Ingredient Chocolate Cookie Mug Cake 🔥

A quick, single‑serve chocolate chip cookie made in a mug using the microwave. Perfect for a fast sweet fix that tastes like a fresh‑baked Chips Ahoy cookie.

9 minServes 1$1
American
Turn your sweet tooth into a reality with our 3 ingredient OREO MUG CAKE!
5

Turn your sweet tooth into a reality with our 3 ingredient OREO MUG CAKE!

A quick, single‑serve chocolate mug cake made with just three pantry staples – Oreo cookies, milk, and baking powder. Mix, microwave, and enjoy a warm, fudgy dessert in under five minutes.

5 minServes 1$1
American
Best Oreo Mug Cake
4

Best Oreo Mug Cake

A quick, single‑serve chocolate Oreo mug cake made in the microwave. Perfect for a fast sweet fix, this recipe uses just a few pantry staples and is ready in under 12 minutes.

11 minServes 1$1
American