Copycat Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered the vast aisles of Costco, you know it’s much more than a place to stock up on bulk items—it’s a treasure trove of unique finds and exotic flavors. Recently, the sensation sweeping through the foodie community has centered on a delightful treat known as Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream. Although it isn’t exactly ice cream, its rich flavors and luxurious texture make it a must-try for any chocolate aficionado.

How to make Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream

Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream refers to a popular frozen dessert inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate trend. While Costco does not currently offer a specific product named “Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream,” there are related items that capture the essence of this flavor profile.​

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Ice Cream:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 3 large egg yolks

For the Pistachio Cream:

• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

For the Crispy Knafeh Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded phyllo dough (knafeh dough)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar

Garnish:

• Whole pistachios, roughly chopped
• Dark chocolate shavings

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chocolate Ice Cream Base:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, cardamom, and salt. Heat over medium until the mixture is hot and begins to steam (do not boil).
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks.
3. Slowly pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

2. Make Pistachio Cream:

1. In a small bowl, mix together ground pistachios, powdered sugar, and heavy cream until smooth. Set aside.

3. Prepare Crispy Knafeh:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss shredded phyllo with melted butter and sugar.
2. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes. Let it cool and break into small pieces.

4. Churn Ice Cream:

1. Pour the chilled chocolate mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Assemble:

1. In the last few minutes of churning, gradually add pistachio cream into the churning ice cream to create swirls.
2. Once churned, fold in half of the crispy knafeh.
3. Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, layering it with spoonfuls of the remaining knafeh and pistachio cream as you go.

6. Freeze:

1. Freeze the ice cream for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.

7. Serve:

1. Scoop ice cream into bowls or cones, garnish with chopped pistachios and chocolate shavings. Sprinkle over some crispy knafeh for added texture.

Tips:

• Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and cream, are fresh for the best flavor and safety.
• When cooking the custard, keep the heat low to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Chilling the ice cream mixture thoroughly before churning is crucial for a smooth texture.
• For an extra rich flavor, add a teaspoon of rose water to the chocolate ice cream mixture.

What to serve with

Pairing the right accompaniments with your Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream can elevate the dessert experience, enriching the flavors and adding textural contrast.

Warm Beverages

• Turkish Coffee or Cardamom Coffee: The strong, rich flavor of Turkish coffee or the aromatic infusion of cardamom in your coffee pairs beautifully with the subtle spices in the ice cream. The warmth of the coffee also contrasts delightfully with the cold ice cream, providing a comforting sensory experience.
• Moroccan Mint Tea: For those who prefer tea over coffee, Moroccan mint tea offers a refreshing, palate-cleansing option. Its minty freshness works wonderfully against the rich, creamy texture of the chocolate ice cream.

Desserts and Baked Goods

• Baklava: A piece of sweet, nutty baklava alongside the ice cream not only doubles the indulgence but also complements the Middle Eastern vibe with its honey and nut flavors contrasting the chocolate’s richness.
• Date and Walnut Cake: Serve a slice of moist date and walnut cake with a scoop of the Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream on the side. The natural sweetness of dates with the crunch of walnuts echoes the exotic theme and adds delightful textures.

Fresh Fruits

• Figs or Pomegranate: Fresh figs or pomegranate seeds can add a juicy, sweet, and slightly tart element that cuts through the creaminess of the ice cream. They also bring a vibrant burst of color to your dessert plate.

Nuts and Seeds

• Toasted Pistachios and Almonds: A sprinkle of roughly chopped toasted pistachios or almond slivers introduces a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enhances the pistachio swirl and overall profile of the ice cream.

Garnishes and Toppings

• Rose Petals or Edible Gold Leaf: For an opulent touch, lightly sprinkle edible rose petals or a few pieces of edible gold leaf over the Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream before serving. This adds an element of elegance and luxury, making the dessert not only delicious to eat but also a feast for the eyes.
• Honey or Date Syrup: A drizzle of honey or date syrup over the ice cream can accentuate its sweetness and add a glossy, inviting appearance. This works especially well if you’re serving the ice cream with drier accompaniments like cakes or cookies.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a version of the exotic and indulgent Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream at home can be quite a delightful endeavor. When some specific ingredients might not be readily available or you’re looking for alternatives due to dietary restrictions, here’s a guide to ingredient substitutes that can help you recreate a similar lavish experience.

1. Chocolate Base

Original Requirement: The recipe might call for high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder, which is common in rich and creamy chocolate ice cream.

Substitute: If high-quality dark chocolate isn’t available, consider using a combination of available dark chocolate with a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder to deepen the flavor. For dairy-free or vegan versions, use dairy-free chocolate and substitute any milk or cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk, which lend their unique flavor profiles.

2. Cream and Milk

Original Requirement: Full-fat milk and cream are typically used to achieve the luxurious texture characteristic of premium ice cream.

Substitute: For a lactose-free version, coconut cream and almond milk can be good substitutes as they maintain a rich texture. Coconut cream, in particular, provides a thick, creamy consistency similar to dairy cream.

3. Sugar

Original Requirement: White granulated sugar is commonly used in traditional ice cream recipes to add sweetness.

Substitute: For a healthier alternative, consider using coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Bear in mind these substitutes can alter the flavor slightly, often adding a rich, caramel-like undertaste that can complement the chocolate nicely.

4. Middle Eastern Flavors (e.g., Pistachio, Cardamom, Rosewater)

Original Requirement: Unique to the Dubai variation, ingredients like pistachios, cardamom, or rosewater might be hard to find for some.

Substitute:

• For pistachios, almonds or walnuts can serve as a replacement, though the flavor will be different. Toasting these nuts before incorporating them can enhance their flavor.
• Ground cardamom can be somewhat uniquely flavorful, but a small pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can substitute for its warmth sans the citrusy undertone.
• If rosewater is not available, vanilla extract can be used as a base flavor enhancer, though it will not replicate the floral notes. Alternatively, a tiny drop of lavender extract could add a floral hint but must be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the ice cream.

5. Eggs (If making a custard base)

Original Requirement: Eggs are often used in custard-based ice creams to thicken and add richness.

Substitute: For an egg-less or vegan version, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as thickeners. Start with one tablespoon of either, mixed with a little cold milk (or its substitute) to create a slurry, then add to the heated cream and milk mixture to thicken.

6. Garnish (e.g., Edible Gold Leaf, Rose Petals)

Original Requirement: Edible gold leaf and rose petals add a luxurious finishing touch indicative of Dubai’s opulence.

Substitute:

• Although these are more for visual appeal and don’t impact flavor, if unavailable, a sprinkle of toasted, chopped nuts or even a dusting of cocoa powder can make for a visually appealing and tasty topping.
• For a floral element, unsprayed, chemical-free dried rosebuds or petals (available from specialty or health food stores) could be a more accessible alternative.

Final Thoughts

By following these steps and tips, you can create an indulgent and exotic dessert that pays homage to the famed flavors of Dubai at your table. Enjoy crafting this delectable Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream, and delight in every creamy, crunchy bite!

More Costco Recipes:

• Homemade Costco Carrot Cake Recipe