Dubai Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

I’ll guide you through my spin on the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake recipe, a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly chocolaty elements with that signature pistachio twist.

How to make Dubai Chocolate Milkshake

​The Dubai Chocolate Milkshake is a luxurious dessert beverage inspired by the viral Dubai Chocolate Bar. It is a Middle Eastern treat featuring layers of rich chocolate, creamy pistachio filling, and crispy kataifi pastry.

Ingredients:

For the Milkshake:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (opt for a premium brand for a creamier texture)
• ½ cup whole milk (adjust according to desired thickness)
• ¼ cup pistachio paste or finely ground pistachios (for that authentic nutty flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
• A pinch of sea salt (to enhance the flavors)

For the Garnish:

• Whipped cream (optional for topping)
• Chopped pistachios (to sprinkle on top)
• Chocolate shavings or chips (for that extra chocolatey bite)
• A piece of crispy kataifi dough (if available, for authenticity) or crushed phyllo dough as a substitute

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Ensure your ice cream is slightly softened for easier blending. If using whole pistachios, pulse them in a food processor until they are finely ground but not yet turning into butter.
2. Blend the Milkshake: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, pistachio paste (or ground pistachios), chocolate syrup, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or thickness according to your preferences by adding more chocolate syrup or milk, respectively.
3. Garnish with Flair: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses, leaving some room at the top for your garnishes. If using, add a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and chocolate shavings or chips. For that truly special Dubai-inspired touch, add a piece of crispy kataifi dough or a sprinkle of crushed phyllo dough on top.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the milkshake right away with a long spoon and a straw. Drizzle with a bit more chocolate syrup for a visually stunning effect.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dubai Chocolate Milkshake:

• Pistachio Paste: If you can’t find pistachio paste, homemade ground pistachios are a wonderful alternative. The key is to achieve a fine texture without it turning into butter.
• Ice Cream: Choosing a high-quality vanilla ice cream will significantly enhance your milkshake’s flavor and texture.
• Adjustments: The beauty of homemade milkshakes lies in your ability to customize. Feel free to adjust the amount of milk, chocolate syrup, or pistachios to suit your taste preferences.
• Presentation: The final presentation is crucial for that Dubai luxury touch. Take your time with the garnish, and don’t be afraid to make it look opulent.
• Enjoy Immediately: Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately after preparation, so ensure your garnishes are prepped and ready to go before blending.

What to serve with

When serving a luxurious treat like the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake, the accompaniments should complement its rich and flavorful profile. Here are several delightful treats and snacks that pair wonderfully with this decadent milkshake, transforming your serving into a full dessert experience.

1. Sweet Pastries:

• Baklava: This classic Middle Eastern pastry, with its flaky layers and sweet syrup, pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the milkshake. The nuts in the baklava also echo the pistachio flavor of the shake.
• Date Bars: Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, date bars are a less intense option compared to baklava but still hold that Middle Eastern charm that complements the shake.

2. Savory Snacks:

• Cheese Sambousek: These are small, savory pastries filled with cheese and sometimes meat. The saltiness of the cheese is a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the milkshake.
• Falafel: Serve these crispy, fried chickpea balls with a side of tahini for dipping. The savory flavors of falafel contrast well with the sweet and creamy shake.

3. Fruit Arrangements:

• Fruit Skewers: A selection of fruit skewers made from dates, figs, apricots, and melon can refresh the palate between sips of the rich milkshake.
• Citrus Salad: A citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and pomegranate seeds drizzled with a little honey and mint can offer a refreshing and tangy complement.

4. Dessert Varieties:

• Pistachio Pudding: For those who love the flavor of pistachios, a small dish of pistachio pudding enhances the nuttiness in both the pudding and the milkshake.
• Chocolate Petit Fours: Small, bite-sized chocolate cakes or squares greatly enhance the chocolate flavor in the milkshake and add an elegant touch to your dessert serving.

5. Coffee and Tea:

• Arabic Coffee: This strong, cardamom-infused coffee is an excellent beverage to serve alongside the milkshake for those who may want a break from the sweetness.
• Mint Tea: A refreshing and palate-cleansing choice, mint tea can lighten the dessert course and offers a great flavor contrast to the milkshake.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Dubai Chocolate Milkshake involves blending a luxurious mix of ingredients, which may include rich chocolate, milk (or a milk alternative), ice cream, and often an array of exotic spices or flavorings like saffron and cardamom.

1. The Chocolate Component:

Original Ingredient: High-quality chocolate or cocoa powder.

Substitutes:

• For a healthier option, use cacao powder. It’s less processed than cocoa powder and retains more antioxidants.
• Carob powder can be used as a caffeine-free alternative with a naturally sweet and slightly different flavor profile.

2. The Milk Base:

Original Ingredient: Whole milk or heavy cream for a rich texture.

Substitutes:

• Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can offer a dairy-free alternative while still providing creaminess. Each will introduce its subtle flavor.
• For a low-fat version, skim milk or 1% milk works well, though the shake will be less creamy.

3. The Ice Cream:

Original Ingredient: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream to amplify the creaminess and flavor.

Substitutes:

• Dairy-free ice cream made from almond, soy, or coconut milk provides a similar texture without the dairy.
• Frozen bananas blended until smooth can mimic the creaminess of ice cream for a healthier, natural option.

4. Exotic Spices (e.g., Saffron, Cardamom):

Original Ingredients: Saffron strands and cardamom pods add a luxurious aroma and distinct taste.

Substitutes:

• Turmeric can be substituted with saffron to achieve a vibrant color, but it can be used sparingly as it has a potent flavor.
• Cinnamon or nutmeg can replace cardamom, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. They still complement chocolate nicely but won’t mimic the unique taste of cardamom.

5. Sweeteners:

Original Ingredient: White sugar or sweetened condensed milk.

Substitutes:

• Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can offer natural sweetness and a slight flavor twist.
• For a sugar-free version, stevia or monk fruit sweetener can be used in moderation to taste, though they may introduce a different mouthfeel or aftertaste.

6. Garnish & Extras:

Original Ingredients: Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, nuts, or gold leaf for garnish.

Substitutes:

• Coconut whipped cream or cashew cream for a vegan topping.
• For a nut-free garnish, use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds toasted with a little sugar for crunch.
• Edible silver leaf or simply a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can replace gold leaf for an elegant finish.

Final Thoughts

With this simple yet sophisticated recipe, the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake is bound to become a favorite treat. It offers a glimpse into the world of Middle Eastern-inspired desserts.

More Shake Recipes:

• Copycat Shake Shack Pistachio Shake Recipe