This Dubai chocolate mug cake is a speedy treat that encapsulates the deliciousness of the viral Dubai chocolate bar, but with more wholesome ingredients, no fancy moulds required and it’s ready in 10 minutes!
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through food reels lately, you’ve probably come across the sensation that took over TikTok and Instagram: the Dubai kunafa chocolate bar. A masterful combination of crisp kataifi pastry (one of the main ingredients used to make the traditional Middle Eastern dessert – kunafa), rich chocolate, and a pistachio core. It’s every dessert lover’s dream wrapped in gold foil.
If you’re like me and crave that same indulgent experience with a bit less sugar and a bit more whole-food flair, you’re at the right place. This is my take on the viral Dubai chocolate bar, turning it into a healthier, single-serve mug cake.
Why I love making this Dubai chocolate mug cake:
The original kunafa chocolate bar is unapologetically decadent, and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive. But what if you could capture that same magic in a matter of minutes – and with ingredients that love you back?
Instead of refined white flour and sugar, this version opts for spelt flour, a nutty, nutrient-rich ancient grain that brings both flavour and fibre to the table. It’s a subtle change that boosts the nutrition content of recipes without having much of an impact on taste or texture.
Traditional Dubai chocolate uses butter to make the ‘kunafa’ filling, but I’m using sunflower oil instead to reduce the saturated fat content. It still works the same way – by adding richness to the pistachio layer and moistness to the cake.
Instead of pistachio cream, which has a lot of added sugar, I’m using natural pistachio butter made from 100% pistachios. I’m also using dark chocolate and cocoa powder to pack in the antioxidants.
Why you need to try this Dubai chocolate mug cake:
Quick – In a world where time is short and cravings are strong, the mug cake format is a godsend. Pop it in the microwave for a minute or two, and boom – you’ve got yourself a warm, gooey dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and your health goals.
Single serve – Unlike baking a whole cake, mug cakes are just enough to satisfy a craving without overdoing it. It’s the perfect built-in portion size, making it ideal for mindful snacking. Also, it means you don’t have any leftovers you’re unsure what to do with.
Warm & comforting – There’s something especially satisfying about a warm dessert. A freshly microwaved mug cake has that gooey, fresh-baked feel without the wait, making it perfect when you want something cosy and indulgent, fast.
In short, this Dubai chocolate mug cake is a great, simple and a ‘just as tasty’ alternative to the viral version.
Is this recipe allergy friendly?
I don’t use any dairy or eggs, so it is vegan & dairy-free. Every brand of kataifi pastry I’ve used so far has been dairy and egg free, but of course you need to check the ingredients of the brand you purchase.
Unfortunately this recipe isn’t gluten-free (there’s gluten in the spelt flour & kataifi pastry) or nut-free (since we’re using pistachio butter).
How to make this Dubai chocolate mug cake:
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Mix the cake ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 2 ramekins.
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Microwave on high between 30-60 seconds depending on your microwave.
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While they cool, prepare the pistachio layer by heating the sunflower oil in a pan then adding the kataifi pastry.
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Cook on medium stirring continuously until golden brown and crispy.
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Mix in the pistachio butter, then spread over the mug cakes.
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Finally top with the melted chocolate and serve!
Can I store my mug cake in the fridge?
The whole idea of a mug cake is that you can have a single serve speedy dessert ready in minutes when the craving hits, so I wouldn’t recommend making it ahead of time and storing it. That would defeat the whole purpose of it! The actual cake part tastes so much better when it’s still warm and soft and the chocolate topping is still melty and smooth.
This Dubai chocolate mug cake is:
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Made with more wholesome ingredients
- Easy to make
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Single serving, so no leftovers to worry about
- Great as a speedy dessert when those sweet cravings hit
- Made without any fancy chocolate moulds
- So delicious!
Dubai Chocolate Mug Cake
Ingredients
For the mug cake
- 4 tbsp spelt flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Flora sunflower oil
- 3 1/2 tbsp milk of choice
For the pistachio layer
- 2 tsp Flora sunflower oil thawed and finely chopped
- 30g kataifi pastry
- 2 tbsp pistachio butter
For the topping
- 20g dark chocolate melted
Instructions
- Mix the cake ingredients in a bowl, then divide between 2 ramekins.
- Microwave on high between 30-60 seconds depending on your microwave.
- While they cool, prepare the pistachio layer by heating the sunflower oil in a pan then adding the kataifi pastry.
- Cook on medium stirring continuously until golden brown and crispy.
- Mix in the pistachio butter, then spread over the mug cakes.
- Finally top with the melted chocolate and serve!
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