Description
A luxurious and moist chocolate cake with crunchy pistachios and rich Middle Eastern flavors, perfect for celebrations or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
½ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently. Slowly pour in the boiling water and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin—that’s normal.
- Fold in the chopped pistachios and chocolate chips, if using.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
Notes
You can substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Adding cream cheese frosting or melted dark chocolate drizzle enhances richness.
Sprinkle rose water or cardamom in the batter for a Middle Eastern aroma.
For a nut-free version, omit pistachios and chocolate chips.
Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to restore softness.
For a dairy-free version, use almond or coconut milk and coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: approx. 30g
- Sodium: approx. 220mg
- Fat: approx. 18g
- Saturated Fat: approx. 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: approx. 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: approx. 55g
- Fiber: approx. 3g
- Protein: approx. 6g
- Cholesterol: approx. 60mg
