Dubai chocolate cheesecake!

Dubai chocolate cheesecake! is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Nanajoe 19 on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 30 min

Cost: $18.60 total, $2.33 per serving

Ingredients

  • unspecified Ki Dough (store‑bought pastry dough, torn into small pieces for toasting)
  • unspecified Pistachios (shelled, roughly chopped; toasted with the Ki dough)
  • 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (for the crust)
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted; binds the crust)
  • 4 blocks Cream Cheese (room temperature, about 8 oz each)
  • unspecified Granulated Sugar (for the cheesecake batter; amount as needed for sweetness)
  • unspecified Vanilla Extract (lots of vanilla; use pure extract for best flavor)
  • unspecified Eggs (added after the cream cheese is smooth; typical cheesecake uses 2‑3 large eggs)
  • unspecified Melted Dark Chocolate (for the chocolate ganache; 70% cocoa recommended)
  • unspecified Heavy Cream (for the ganache; equal parts to chocolate by weight)
  • a couple Tbsp Butter (for the topping; melted in skillet)
  • a couple tsp Tahini (adds nutty depth to the topping)
  • unspecified Pistachio Cream (used in topping and decorative dots; can be store‑bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Toast Crust Ingredients

    Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the torn Ki dough pieces and chopped pistachios, stirring constantly until lightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Crust Mixture

    Transfer the toasted Ki dough and pistachios to a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 3 Tbsp melted butter. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Press and Chill Crust

    Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9‑inch springform pan, creating an even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Whip Cream Cheese Base

    In a clean mixing bowl, add the four room‑temperature cream cheese blocks, the unspecified amount of sugar, and generous vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat on medium speed until smooth and free of lumps, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Incorporate Remaining Filling Ingredients

    Add the remaining filling ingredients (eggs, melted dark chocolate, and any additional sugar if needed) to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined; over‑mixing can introduce air.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Prepare Water Bath

    Wrap the springform pan loosely with parchment or foil (optional). Place the pan in a large pot or roasting pan and pour hot water until it reaches halfway up the side of the pan.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Bake Cheesecake

    Transfer the water‑bath setup to a pre‑heated oven at 325°F. Bake for 75 minutes without opening the door. The center should be slightly wobbly when gently shaken.

    Time: PT1H15M

    Temperature: 325°F

  8. Cool and Set

    Remove the cheesecake from the oven and water bath. Let it cool on the counter for about 1 hour, then refrigerate overnight (minimum 12 hours) to fully set.

    Time: PT13H

  9. Make Topping

    In a clean skillet, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add a handful of toasted Ki dough pieces, a couple of teaspoons of tahini, and pistachio cream. Stir until the mixture is glossy and well‑combined, about 5‑7 minutes.

    Time: PT7M

  10. Add Topping to Cheesecake

    Spread the warm pistachio‑tahini topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake surface.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Prepare Chocolate Ganache

    In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Finish and Decorate

    Pour the ganache over the topped cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Dot the surface with small spoonfuls of pistachio cream and swirl each dot with a toothpick for a decorative pattern.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
450
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
30 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts (pistachios), Gluten (if Ki dough contains wheat), Eggs

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Dubai chocolate cheesecake!

Recipe by Nanajoe 19

A rich, chocolate‑infused cheesecake with a toasted pistachio‑Ki dough crust, tahini‑pistachio topping, and a glossy chocolate ganache. Inspired by the flavors of Dubai, this dessert combines creamy cheese, nutty crunch, and Middle‑Eastern accents for a truly bomb finish.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 8

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

Source Video
13h 57m
Prep
1h 25m
Cook
1h 51m
Cleanup
17h 13m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.60
Total cost
$2.33
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting the Ki dough and pistachios evenly
  • Using a paddle attachment to avoid air bubbles in the batter
  • Baking in a water bath at 325°F for 75 minutes without opening the oven
  • Cooling the cheesecake completely before the overnight chill
  • Preparing a smooth chocolate ganache and applying it while still fluid

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and water bath with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Melted butter and ganache are very hot; pour carefully.
  • When using a hand mixer, keep fingers away from the paddle attachment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Dubai chocolate cheesecake blends Western cheesecake techniques with Middle Eastern flavors like pistachio, tahini, and Ki dough, reflecting Dubai's cosmopolitan culinary scene where traditional ingredients meet modern desserts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of pistachio‑tahini cheesecake in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In the Gulf region, pistachio desserts often feature rose water or cardamom, and some versions replace the chocolate base with date paste. Tahini is sometimes swapped for almond paste, creating subtle flavor shifts while keeping the nutty profile.

cultural
Q

How is Dubai chocolate cheesecake traditionally served in Dubai restaurants?

A

It is typically presented on a chilled plate, sliced into wedges, and garnished with a drizzle of chocolate ganache, pistachio cream dots, and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, often accompanied by a cup of Arabic coffee.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations is Dubai chocolate cheesecake commonly enjoyed in Emirati culture?

A

The dessert appears at festive occasions such as Eid al‑Fitr, weddings, and birthday celebrations, where its rich flavors and elegant presentation suit both family gatherings and upscale events.

cultural
Q

What makes Dubai chocolate cheesecake special compared to classic New York cheesecake?

A

The addition of toasted Ki dough, pistachios, and a tahini‑pistachio topping introduces a nutty, slightly savory dimension, while the chocolate ganache adds depth, creating a fusion that stands out from the plain cream cheese flavor of a New York style cheesecake.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Dubai chocolate cheesecake?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter (which creates air bubbles), opening the oven during the water‑bath bake (causing cracks), and under‑toasting the crust ingredients, which leads to a soggy base.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai chocolate cheesecake recipe use a paddle attachment instead of a whisk?

A

The paddle mixes the cream cheese smoothly without incorporating excess air, which helps prevent cracks and yields a denser, creamier texture ideal for a cheesecake baked in a water bath.

technical
Q

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

A

Yes. Bake and chill the cheesecake, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The ganache and topping can be added the day before or the morning of serving; keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Dubai chocolate cheesecake is done baking?

A

The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center remains slightly wobbling when the pan is gently shaken. After cooling, the surface will be smooth and glossy once the ganache is poured.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nanajoe 19 specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nanajoe 19 focuses on creative dessert recipes that blend international flavors with Middle Eastern twists, often featuring detailed step‑by‑step tutorials and visual tips for home bakers.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nanajoe 19's approach to Middle Eastern dessert cooking differ from other dessert channels?

A

Nanajoe 19 emphasizes the use of authentic regional ingredients like pistachios, tahini, and Ki dough while integrating modern techniques such as water‑bath baking, offering a unique fusion style that isn’t commonly found on mainstream dessert channels.

channel

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