Dubai Chocolate Milkshake Ultimate Copycat Recipe

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I still remember the first time I had a Dubai chocolate milkshake. It wasn’t just a drink it was an experience. Creamy, crunchy, and rich with flavor, it had layers that reminded me of a dessert you’d find in a high-end pastry shop. After hearing all the hype about the limited-edition Shake Shack version, I knew I had to recreate it at home. What came out of my blender that day was something so indulgent, it instantly became a favorite.

Dubai chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream, crushed kataifi, and dark chocolate shavings in a clear plastic cup with a yellow straw

Table of Contents

What Makes This Dubai Milkshake So Special?

This isn’t just any chocolate shake. It’s a multi-layered dessert with bold textures and deep flavors. At the heart is a rich pistachio milkshake made with creamy vanilla custard and premium pistachio cream. On top, you’ll find crunchy, salted honey kataifi that adds a sweet, crispy finish. And what really sets it apart is the crackable chocolate magic shell lining the cup. One squeeze, and the shell shatters into the shake, adding a fun twist to every sip.

Ingredients Needed

For the Pistachio Milkshake

To get that rich Shake Shack-style texture, use a custard-based vanilla ice cream. Check the label for eggs in the ingredient list. This gives the milkshake a creamier, smoother body.

Pistachio Cream vs. Pistachio Butter
Pistachio cream is sweeter and smoother. Pistachio butter, on the other hand, is thicker and less sweet. If you’re using the butter, add a bit of honey to balance the flavors. For the best results, brands like Pisti or Nutella Pistachio Spread work really well.

For the Crispy Kataifi

Kataifi is a shredded phyllo dough used in many Middle Eastern desserts. When toasted with butter and honey, it turns golden and crunchy. You can usually find it in the freezer section of Middle Eastern supermarkets or order it online.

For the Chocolate Magic Shell

Use chopped dark chocolate bars instead of chips. Bars melt smoother and coat better. For the oil, a neutral one like canola works fine and stays soft at cold temps. Coconut oil gives a slight coconut flavor and a harder shell.

Ingredient List Recap with My Twist

For the Chocolate Magic Shell

1.5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
One fourth teaspoon canola oil

For the Salted Honey Kataifi

One tablespoon unsalted butter
One tablespoon honey
One fourth teaspoon kosher salt
Two thirds cup dried kataifi

For the Pistachio Milkshake

One and a half cups cold vanilla custard ice cream
One third cup cold whole milk
Five tablespoons salted honey kataifi
Two tablespoons pistachio cream

For Garnish

Five tablespoons salted honey kataifi
One tablespoon raw shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

How to Make the Dubai Chocolate Milkshake (Step-by-Step)

This shake is all about layers and texture. Each part plays a role in building the final result. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate-Lined Cup

Start by melting the chopped dark chocolate using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan with gently simmering water. Stir with a rubber spatula until smooth, which takes about two minutes. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the canola oil to make the magic shell.

Quickly pour some of the chocolate mixture into a flexible plastic cup. Tilt and rotate the cup to let the chocolate coat the entire inside. Flip the cup upside down on a wire rack and place it in the freezer while you prep the rest. This step creates the signature shell that cracks beautifully when squeezed.

Step 2: Toast the Salted Honey Kataifi

Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and salt until combined. Add the kataifi and toss gently to coat every strand. Keep stirring while it cooks, watching for a golden brown color. Once crisp and fragrant, remove from heat and spread the mixture on a baking sheet to cool for at least five minutes.

Step 3: Blend the Milkshake

In a high-speed blender, combine the vanilla custard ice cream, cold whole milk, pistachio cream, and a portion of the toasted kataifi. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth but thick, about one minute.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Remove the chocolate-lined cup from the freezer. Pour the milkshake in slowly. Top it with the rest of the crispy kataifi and the chopped pistachios. Serve it right away with a spoon and a wide straw.

Here comes the best part: squeeze the cup gently and listen as the chocolate shell cracks into the shake. It’s rich, crunchy, creamy, and fun all in one sip.

Dubai chocolate milkshake topped with whipped cream, crushed kataifi, and dark chocolate

Pro Tips for the Perfect Shake

Prep Ahead to Save Time
You can make the chocolate-coated cup and the salted honey kataifi up to one week in advance. Store the chocolate cup in the freezer and keep the kataifi in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes assembling the shake much faster when you’re ready.

Measure Ice Cream Correctly
A common mistake is mixing up fluid ounces and weight ounces. Ice cream is usually measured by weight, so one and a half cups of custard-based vanilla ice cream equals about twelve ounces or three large scoops. If using a kitchen scale, this helps get the right thickness.

Use the Right Cup
A flexible plastic cup is key. It lets you squeeze the sides and break the chocolate shell into the shake. Avoid using a glass cup since it won’t allow the same effect.

Adjust to Taste
If you prefer a thinner shake, add a splash more milk. For a sweeter taste, mix in an extra spoon of pistachio cream or a drizzle of honey. Taste as you go to match your personal preference.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips:

This milkshake is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with the right side can take the experience to the next level.

Baklava
The flaky layers and honeyed nuts in baklava perfectly complement the pistachio and chocolate flavors in the shake. The texture match is spot-on too.

Date Bars
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, date bars balance the creaminess of the milkshake without overpowering it.

Cheese Sambousek
For a savory contrast, go with warm cheese sambousek. The salty, buttery pastry cuts through the sweetness of the shake and keeps things interesting.

These pairings aren’t just for looks. Each one adds a flavor or texture contrast that makes the milkshake feel like part of a complete dessert table. Whether you serve it solo or with a side, this shake always stands out.

Storing the Milkshake

This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, pour the blended shake into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about ten to fifteen minutes before stirring. Keep in mind the texture may not be as smooth as when freshly made.

Storing the Chocolate-Lined Cup

You can make the chocolate-lined cup ahead of time. After coating and freezing it, leave the cup in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. Keep it upright in a freezer-safe container or on a tray to avoid cracking the shell.

Storing the Kataifi Topping

Once toasted and cooled, store the kataifi in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay crisp for up to one week. Avoid refrigerating it, as moisture can make it soggy.

Reheating the Kataifi (If Needed)

If the kataifi softens over time, re-crisp it by placing it in a preheated oven at a low temperature for five to seven minutes. Let it cool before using it again as a topping.

Conclusion

This Dubai Chocolate Milkshake is more than just a dessert. It blends creamy custard ice cream with rich pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi, and a crackable chocolate shell to create something unforgettable. It’s the kind of treat that makes you pause after the first sip because it’s that good.

If you’ve tried this recipe, leave a comment and rate it below. Your feedback helps others and keeps the recipe growing. Share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook and tag your friends who need to try this.

What twist did you add to make it your own? Did you go extra on the chocolate or switch up the topping? Let us know in the comments.

FAQs

What is a Dubai chocolate shake?

A Dubai chocolate shake is a rich and layered milkshake inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. It usually includes pistachio cream, crunchy kataifi, and a chocolate shell lining the cup that cracks when squeezed. The combination of textures and flavors makes it more than just a simple shake.

What is so special about Dubai chocolate?

Dubai chocolate stands out for its blend of creamy and crunchy textures along with bold, nutty flavors like pistachio. It often includes premium ingredients and dramatic presentation, such as a crackable chocolate shell or fancy toppings like kataifi or gold flakes.

Why is Dubai chocolate so crunchy?

The crunch comes from crispy layers like kataifi or nuts added to the chocolate. Some versions also use chocolate shells or praline textures that crack or crunch as you eat or sip.

What is the flaky thing in Dubai chocolate?

That flaky element is kataifi, a type of shredded phyllo dough. It’s toasted with butter and honey until golden and crispy. It adds a unique crunch that balances the creamy base of the milkshake or dessert.

What are the ingredients in Dubai chocolate?

Typical ingredients include dark chocolate, pistachio cream, custard-based vanilla ice cream, honey, kataifi, and chopped pistachios. Depending on the recipe, you might also see ingredients like coconut oil, whole milk, or Nutella.

Where can I get a Dubai chocolate milkshake?

Some Shake Shack locations offered it for a limited time. Outside of that, specialty dessert shops in Dubai or Middle Eastern cafes might serve a version. But the easiest way is to make it at home using this recipe.

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Dubai Chocolate Milkshake Recipes

What Makes This Dubai Milkshake So Special?