Goodbye Dubai Chocolate, Hello Crunchy Cake: The Sweet Trend Everyone’s Talking About

Written by Camilla Jessen

Apr.07 - 2025 2:39 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Moist, creamy, and delightfully crispy—this new chocolate dessert from Dubai is taking over kitchens worldwide. Here's how to make it yourself.

Trending Now

TRENDING NOW

Dubai is known for its over-the-top dessert trends, and now there’s a new sweet sensation grabbing the spotlight: crunchy chocolate cake.

With its rich chocolate base, luscious creamy middle, and a crackly, crispy chocolate topping, this dessert is more than just a treat—it's a showstopper.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it.

TikTok creator Ana Martinovic helped spark the craze with her simple yet indulgent version of this triple-layered delight—and now, sweet lovers around the world are recreating it at home.

How to Make Crunchy Chocolate Cake at Home

Ingredients

Cake Base:

  • 120 ml vegetable oil

  • 120 ml milk

  • 1 egg

  • 120 g sugar

  • 70 g flour

  • 8 g baking powder

  • 4 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Pinch of salt

To Soak the Cake:

  • 240 ml milk

  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Cream Layer:

  • 200 ml sweetened condensed milk

  • 200 ml whipped cream

  • 300 g cream cheese

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 75 g dark chocolate

  • 75 g milk chocolate

  • 200 ml whipped cream

Crunchy Topping:

  • 100 g melted chocolate

  • 60 g oat flakes

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Bake the Cake:
    Mix all ingredients for the base. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 180°C (top/bottom heat) for about 30 minutes.

  2. Soak the Cake:
    Let it cool slightly, then drizzle with the milk-cocoa mix to keep it deliciously moist.

  3. Cream Layer:
    Whip together the condensed milk, cream cheese, and whipped cream until smooth. Spread over the soaked cake and chill for at least 1 hour.

  4. Ganache Time:
    Warm the whipped cream gently (don’t boil!) and stir in the chocolates until melted and smooth. Spread over the cream layer and return to the fridge.

  5. Crunchy Finish:
    Mix melted chocolate with oat flakes and cocoa powder, then sprinkle generously on top.

  6. Chill & Serve:
    Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes more, slice, and enjoy that dreamy texture combo.

The Final Bite

Crunchy chocolate cake is more than a viral dessert—it’s a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether for a dinner party or just your own personal treat night, this cake delivers every time.

Dubai might’ve said goodbye to its original chocolate trend, but this layered masterpiece is here to stay.