Copycat Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake Recipe

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The Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake Inspired by the opulence of Dubai and infused with Middle Eastern flavors, this sweet masterpiece combines dark chocolate, pistachios, and delicate kataifi pastry into a creamy, indulgent dessert that feels like a hug in a glass.

How to make Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake

The Shake Shack Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Shake (often dubbed the “Dubai Milkshake”) is a limited‑time, indulgent creation inspired by the viral “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate bar from Dubai’s Fix Dessert Chocolatier.

Ingredients

For the Milkshake Base:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (preferably a creamy, rich brand)
• 1 cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate syrup (or melted dark chocolate)

For the Pistachio Layer:

• 2 tablespoons pistachio paste (available at specialty stores or online)
• 1 tablespoon crushed pistachios (finely chopped)

For Toppings:

• 1/4 cup kataifi pastry (lightly toasted for crunch; substitute with crumbled phyllo or shredded coconut if unavailable)
• Whipped cream (optional but recommended)
• Extra crushed pistachios for garnishing
• Drizzle of dark chocolate syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi Pastry

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take the kataifi pastry and lightly shred it into tiny pieces. Spread it out on a baking sheet.
3. Toast it in the oven for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
4. Once cooled, set aside for garnish.

Step 2: Blend the Milkshake

1. In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, whole milk, dark chocolate syrup, and pistachio paste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Tip: If you want a richer flavor, use slightly less milk for a thicker consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
3. Taste the milkshake and adjust the sweetness by adding more chocolate syrup or pistachio paste if needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Milkshake

1. Pour the milkshake into a tall glass and smooth out the surface.
2. Sprinkle a teaspoon of crushed pistachios over the top for that nutty touch.
3. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and top it with your toasted kataifi pastry.

Step 4: Garnish (Optional but Worth It)

1. Drizzle dark chocolate syrup over the whipped cream for extra decadence.
2. Add a final sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Shake

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The milkshake’s richness comes from the dark chocolate and pistachio paste, so invest in premium products for maximum flavor.
• Experiment with Layers: You can layer the pistachio paste and chocolate syrup within the glass for a visually stunning presentation.
• Make It Keto-Friendly: Substitute regular ice cream with keto ice cream, use almond milk, and swap sugar-laden toppings with low-carb alternatives.
• Toast Kataifi Carefully: This pastry burns quickly, so watch closely while toasting—it should be golden, not dark brown.
• Chill Your Glass: For an authentic milkshake experience, chill your serving glass beforehand to keep your shake cool longer.
• Get Creative: If kataifi pastry is hard to find, you can substitute it with crumbled pistachio baklava or shredded toasted coconut for a similar texture and crunch.

What to serve with

The Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake is a rich and indulgent dessert on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes or snacks can elevate the experience to a whole new level.

1. Sweet Treats

Pair the milkshake with desserts that complement its creamy, nutty, chocolatey flavors:

• Pistachio Baklava: The honeyed sweetness and nutty layers of baklava match beautifully with the toasted pistachio notes in the milkshake.
• Chocolate Brownies: Gooey dark chocolate brownies or fudge pair seamlessly with the milkshake’s chocolatey richness.
• Knafeh Bites: A twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert, mini knafeh bites with gooey melted cheese and crispy shredded kataifi are a perfect match.
• Cookies: Classic butter or chocolate chip cookies can be dunked into the milkshake for a nostalgic pairing.

2. Savory Snacks

Sometimes, contrasting savory flavors can balance out the milkshake’s sweetness:

• Sweet Potato Fries: Shake Shack is famous for its crinkle-cut fries, but sweet potato fries are a wonderful option to provide a salty-sweet balance.
• Sliders: Mini beef or chicken sliders—with buttery buns and juicy patties—make a fun and hearty addition to any meal.
• Cheese Platter: A small platter of soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese paired with crackers and pistachios can complement the nutty flavors of the Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake.
• Popcorn: Lightly salted or caramel-drizzled popcorn offers a crunchy, flavorful pairing without being too heavy.

3. Fruits & Fresh Options

Adding fresh, light elements can balance the milkshake’s decadence:

• Fresh Strawberries: The juiciness of strawberries provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Medjool Dates: Dubai-inspired milkshake flavors go hand-in-hand with these naturally sweet, chewy fruits.
• Fresh Pineapple Slices: The bright tang of pineapple cuts through the milkshake’s creamy sweetness wonderfully.
• Fruit Skewers: Arrange fruits like grapes, kiwi, and melon on skewers for a fun and visually appealing side dish.

4. Mini Desserts

Smaller bite-sized desserts give guests variety without overshadowing the Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake:

• White Chocolate Pistachio Truffles: The creamy and nutty flavors of these truffles highlight the pistachio notes in the milkshake.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Serve tiny cheesecakes with a drizzle of chocolate or crushed pistachios for consistency in flavor.
• Macarons: Try pistachio, chocolate, or vanilla macarons for an elegant pairing option.

5. Shake Shack Classics

To recreate the full Shake Shack experience at home, pair your Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake with beloved menu items:

• Burgers: A juicy cheeseburger, loaded with all the fixings, creates a classic savory-sweet combo.
• Crinkle-Cut Fries: Serve alongside classic fries with a sprinkling of sea salt or a side of creamy cheese dip.
• Hot Dogs: Opt for Shake Shack-style hot dogs to bring back that fast-casual dining vibe with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake is a creamy, rich drink with luxurious flavors like chocolate, toasted pistachio, and vanilla. If you want to create your version of this milkshake but don’t have access to the exact ingredients—or simply wish to tweak it based on preferences or dietary needs—there are handy substitutes you can use.

1. Substitute for Vanilla Ice Cream

• Homemade Ice Cream: If you don’t have store-bought vanilla ice cream, blend heavy cream (or a plant-based cream alternative), sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla essence to create a makeshift ice cream base. Freeze until firm.
• Frozen Yogurt: For a tangier flavor and lighter texture (or a healthier option), use frozen yogurt.
• Coconut Ice Cream: For a dairy-free option, coconut milk-based ice cream is a great choice, adding a tropical twist.
• Banana Ice Cream: Blend frozen bananas until creamy—a great vegan and naturally sweet alternative.

2. Substitute for Milk

• Almond Milk: Complements the nutty pistachio flavor and is an excellent plant-based substitute.
• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and creaminess, and pairs wonderfully with other sweet flavors.
• Oat Milk: A neutral-tasting plant-based alternative with a smooth texture.
• Cashew Milk: Enhances the nuttiness of the milkshake.
• Evaporated Milk: For a thicker, creamier milkshake, use evaporated milk (but adjust sweetness accordingly).
• Water + Cream: If you don’t have milk, mixing a tablespoon of cream with water can give the desired texture.

3. Substitute for Pistachio Flavoring or Paste

• Homemade Pistachio Paste: Blend roasted pistachios with a little olive oil, honey, or sugar until smooth. This offers a fresh, intense pistachio flavor.
• Nut Butter: Almond, cashew, or hazelnut butter can mimic the nuttiness of pistachios if they’re unavailable.
• Pistachio Pudding Mix: If you’re in a pinch, pistachio-flavored pudding mix can be blended into the milkshake for an alternative flavor.
• Other Nuts: If pistachios are hard to find or expensive, substitute them with roasted almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts.
• Matcha Powder: This won’t provide the pistachio taste but adds a nutty and earthy flavor with a green hue.

4. Substitute for Chocolate Sauce/Syrup

• Cocoa Powder: Combine cocoa powder, sugar, and a small amount of warm water or milk to create a simple homemade chocolate sauce.
• Nutella or Chocolate Spread: For a hazelnut-chocolate twist, use Nutella instead of chocolate syrup.
• Caramel Sauce: For a different flavor profile, caramel sauce can replace the chocolate to complement the pistachio flavor.
• Dark Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate with a little cream to create a homemade chocolate drizzle.

5. Substitute for Whipped Cream

• Coconut Whipped Cream: Chill a can of coconut cream, scoop out the solid part, and whip it for a creamy, dairy-free topping.
• Non-Dairy Whipped Topping: Many brands offer plant-based whipped cream alternatives.
• Greek Yogurt: Sweetened or plain Greek yogurt can be whipped and used as a healthier topping substitute.
• Skip It: Whipped cream is optional; you can simply garnish with chopped pistachios or cocoa powder instead.

6. Substitute for Toasted Pistachios (Garnish)

• Crushed Almonds or Walnuts: Other roasted nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, can mimic the crunch of pistachios if they’re unavailable.
• Crushed Cookies: Use finely crushed digestive biscuits, biscotti, or graham crackers for added texture.
• Shredded Coconut: Lightly toasted shredded coconut adds a nutty crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• Chopped Dried Fruits: Dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins can add texture and a fruity contrast.
• Granola or Crumbled Cereal: For something fun and crunchy, sprinkle granola or cereal like cornflakes on top.

Final Thoughts

Recreating the Shake Shack Dubai Milkshake is not just about the flavor—it’s about the experience. By following this detailed recipe, you can bring the flavors of this iconic dessert to your table and tailor it to your liking.