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Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake

A rich and creamy cheesecake featuring layers of chocolate and pistachio, perfect for family gatherings and cozy evenings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern
Calories: 490

Ingredients
  

Crust Ingredients
  • 2 1/4 cups kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
  • 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (3 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios plus more for garnish
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients
  • 2 packages cream cheese, at room temperature (8 ounces each)
  • 1 cup pistachio cream divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 eggs at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons tahini

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the kataifi on a 10x15-inch rimmed baking sheet, toasting it while stirring halfway through, for about 10 to 12 minutes until golden. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
  2. In a bowl, stir together 3/4 cup of the toasted kataifi, graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pistachios, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, then bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C).
Making the Filling
  1. Whisk together 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of pistachio cream, and tahini in a bowl until smooth.
  2. In another bowl, combine the white chocolate chips with 1/3 cup of heavy whipping cream. Microwave on High, stirring every 30 seconds until melted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Let cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the cooled white chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until combined.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Pour half of the cream cheese mixture into the crust, topped with the pistachio cream mixture. Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture on top and swirl together slightly for a marbled effect.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes until set around the edges. Turn off the oven and leave the door ajar for about an hour to cool. Cover and chill in the pan overnight.
Finishing Touch
  1. Stir together the remaining pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi. Spread over the cheesecake.
  2. Microwave milk chocolate and whipping cream until melted, about 1 to 2 minutes. Pour over the cheesecake, chilling once more, covered, for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a creamy texture. Pay attention while melting chocolate to avoid burning. Use a toothpick for swirling for a professional look. Don’t rush the chilling process to meld flavors beautifully.