There are some desserts that do more than satisfy a sweet craving like Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. This is no ordinary dessert. It’s elegant, luxurious, and a celebration of textures and flavors that dance together in perfect harmony. Think: golden, buttery kataifi pastry tangled into crispy strands, layered with pistachio butter, juicy strawberries, and warm melted chocolate. It’s indulgence layered in a cup—and it’s nothing short of sensational!
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or just craving a little something special for yourself, this dessert delivers drama and delight in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Let’s get our ingredients lined up, shall we? Everything here works together to create that signature Dubai dessert vibe—rich, nutty, crisp, and beautifully balanced with fruity brightness.
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1.5 cups kataifi pastry, finely chopped (thawed if frozen)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup pistachio butter (the real flavor bomb!)
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1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
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4 ounces dark chocolate, melted (go for a good-quality one)
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Chopped pistachios, for garnish
Simple ingredients, yet the end result tastes anything but boring!!
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Here comes the fun part! Grab your cups or dessert glasses, and let’s layer some magic.
1. Prep the Kataifi
Kataifi pastry might look intimidating, but once you start working with it, you’ll fall in love. It’s essentially shredded filo, and when toasted, it brings the most incredible crunch.
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Thaw your kataifi pastry if it’s frozen. Once it’s pliable, chop it finely using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the kataifi and toast it, stirring constantly. In about 5–10 minutes, it should turn golden and fragrant.
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Remove from heat, let it cool for a few minutes, and stir in the pistachio butter until it’s evenly coated.
Can we just pause and appreciate how good this smells already?
2. Assemble the Cups
Now it’s time to layer up!
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Start with a handful of strawberries at the bottom of your cup.
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Add a scoop of that pistachio-kataifi mixture right over the berries.
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Drizzle a generous spoonful of melted dark chocolate on top.
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Repeat the layers until your cup is full, finishing with a flourish of chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
3. Chill and Serve
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Pop your assembled cups in the fridge for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate set a bit.
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Serve chilled and prepare for applause!
This is one of those desserts that looks fancy, tastes luxurious, but is secretly super easy to make. Win-win, right?
Helpful Tips
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Use a clear cup or glass for presentation—it lets those beautiful layers shine!
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If your kataifi is browning too fast, lower the heat. It toasts quickly and you don’t want burnt bits.
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Don’t skimp on the pistachio butter. It brings depth and richness that makes this dessert unforgettable.
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Melt your chocolate slowly (microwave in 20-second bursts or use a double boiler) so it’s silky smooth.
Substitutions and Variations
We love flexibility in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for customizing based on what you have or what you’re craving.
Don’t have kataifi pastry?
Try using:
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Crushed phyllo sheets
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Toasted shredded coconut
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Crumbled baklava (yes, really!)
No pistachio butter?
You can substitute:
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Almond butter for a mellow nutty flavor
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Nutella for an extra chocolatey twist
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Tahini for something a little more sophisticated and earthy
Switch up the fruit!
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Raspberries or blackberries for tartness
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Sliced mango for a tropical feel
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Banana slices for that classic choco-banana combo
Whatever combo you go for, it’ll still be a showstopper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely. I actually recommend prepping the components a few hours before serving. Store the kataifi-pistachio mix at room temperature and the strawberries and melted chocolate in the fridge. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor, milk chocolate is a great swap. Just be aware that it might make the dessert a touch richer overall.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate?
You can go with a microwave (short bursts, stirring in between) or the classic double boiler method. Just make sure there’s no water in contact with the chocolate—it seizes easily!
Storage Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (though honestly, that’s rare in my kitchen!), here’s what to do:
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Unassembled components: Store the kataifi mixture in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. Keep strawberries and melted chocolate refrigerated.
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Assembled cups: These will hold up in the fridge for about 24 hours, but the kataifi will lose some crunch over time.
If you want to revive a slightly soggy kataifi layer, pop it into the oven for a few minutes to crisp it up again!
More Desserts You’ll Love
Let me just say: this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, fruity, and chocolatey all at once. It’s the kind of dessert that leaves you with a smile, maybe a little chocolate on your lip, and a heart full of joy.
I’m kicking myself for not having shot it the first time I made it, because it looked just as good as it tasted. But that just gives me another reason to make it again. And you know what? I hope you do too.
So go on—grab those strawberries, melt that chocolate, and treat yourself to something extraordinary. You deserve it.
Happy layering!