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Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
  • 1 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, packed
  • 1/4 cup boiling water
  • 1 tbsp tahini
  • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz dark chocolate (70%), chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • Extra chopped pistachios, edible rose petals, and edible gold leaf to finish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Toast the kataifi in melted butter over medium heat until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the pistachios and salt, toast 1 minute, then press firmly into an 8-inch springform pan, reserving 2 tbsp for garnish.
  2. Soak the dates in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then blend with the tahini and flaky salt until thick and smooth. Set aside.
  3. Melt the chocolate and leave to cool slightly. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth, then beat in the melted chocolate. Whip the cream to soft peaks and fold into the chocolate mixture in three additions.
  4. Spread the filling over the crust, spoon the date caramel on top in dollops, and swirl gently with a knife. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  5. Release the springform, scatter the reserved kataifi and pistachio mix over the top, and finish with extra pistachios, rose petals, and gold leaf if you like. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours before slicing; overnight is even better. If your dates are dry rather than sticky, soak them for 10 minutes instead of 5. The crust holds its crunch well, but if you’re making it a day ahead, store the reserved garnish separately and add it just before serving so it stays crisp.