I Just Made This Trendy Dessert, and It’s Absolutely Delicious!

I just made this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup after seeing it on TikTok, and I have to say—it’s one of the most elegant and delicious desserts I’ve ever tried! It combines crispy, buttery kataifi with smooth pistachio butter, fresh strawberries, and a rich drizzle of melted chocolate.

I make this whenever I crave something sweet but don’t want a heavy dessert. When I prepare it, the layers of textures—crispy kataifi, soft strawberries, and creamy chocolate—come together beautifully. I love how simple yet fancy it looks, making it perfect for any occasion. The mix of nutty pistachio, crunchy kataifi, and juicy strawberries makes every bite irresistible and delicious.

If you like layered desserts that are both crunchy and creamy, this is a must-try! The result is just amazing! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect treat, enjoy it with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

I prefer to enjoy it fresh while the kataifi is still crispy and the chocolate is slightly melted. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios on top for extra crunch. This dessert is super easy to make, requires no baking, and looks stunning in small serving cups!

What is the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?

The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a luxurious Middle Eastern-inspired dessert that layers crispy kataifi pastry with creamy pistachio butter, fresh strawberries, and rich melted chocolate. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat that combines sweetness, nuttiness, and freshness all in one bite. The delicate balance of textures and flavors makes it a perfect dessert for special occasions or whenever you want something extraordinary.

Perfect For:

• Elegant Gatherings: If you want to impress guests, this dessert is a showstopper. The beautiful layers and flavors make it a perfect party treat.
• Chocolate Lovers: If you love chocolate-covered strawberries, this takes it to the next level with crunchy kataifi and pistachio butter.
• Quick Desserts: This is ideal when you want a fancy dessert but don’t want to spend hours baking. It’s easy to put together in minutes.
• Middle Eastern-Inspired Treats: If you enjoy desserts with ingredients like pistachios, tahini, and kataifi, this is a perfect fusion of flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kataifi, shredded
• 4 ounces butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• ½ cup pistachio butter
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• ½ cup melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white as preferred)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:

• Small dessert cups or glass serving bowls
• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Spoon for layering
• Whisk (optional)

How to make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

1. Prepare the Kataifi Base

Shred the kataifi into small pieces to ensure even layering. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the shredded kataifi. Stir continuously until it becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Mix with Pistachio & Tahini

While the kataifi is still warm, stir in the tahini and pistachio butter. Mix well until fully coated, creating a nutty, flavorful base. Let it cool slightly.

3. Prep the Strawberries

Wash, hull, and cut the fresh strawberries in half. Set aside for layering.

4. Assemble the Layers in Cups

Use small dessert cups or glasses to build the layers beautifully.

• First Layer: Add a spoonful of the pistachio-kataifi mixture to the bottom of each cup, pressing it down lightly.
• Second Layer: Arrange a layer of halved strawberries on top.
• Third Layer: Drizzle a generous amount of melted chocolate over the strawberries.

5. Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layering process to fill the cup, ensuring each layer is visible. Finish with a final drizzle of chocolate on top.

6. Garnish & Serve

For an elegant touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top or decorate with edible gold flakes. Let the dessert sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then serve immediately.

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Kataifi: Make sure the kataifi is fresh and crisp before using to get the best texture.
• Melt Butter Evenly: Stir the butter and kataifi well to ensure all strands are coated evenly for a consistent crunch.
• Don’t Overload the Cups: Layer the ingredients lightly to keep the dessert balanced without overwhelming flavors.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled cups sit for 10-15 minutes in the fridge for the flavors to blend.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and smoother the dessert will taste.
• Toast the Kataifi for Extra Crunch: Lightly toasting the kataifi in a pan will enhance the nutty, buttery taste.
• Garnish for Presentation: Sprinkle crushed pistachios or drizzle extra chocolate on top for a gourmet look.

Optional Ingredients

• Edible Gold Flakes: For an extra luxurious touch.
• Coconut Flakes: Adds a slight tropical sweetness.
• Honey Drizzle: Instead of chocolate, try honey for a different sweetness.
• Cardamom Powder: Enhances the Middle Eastern flavors.
• Crushed Almonds: A great alternative to pistachios.
• Rose Water: A light floral touch that pairs beautifully with chocolate and strawberries.

How to Enjoy Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?

If you love chocolate and strawberries, this dessert is a must-try. Melted chocolate over juicy strawberries creates the perfect bite, and the kataifi adds an irresistible crunch.

You can chill the cups in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. The chocolate will slightly harden, contrasting the crisp kataifi and creamy pistachio butter.

If you want to make it even more special, pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The lightness of the cream complements the rich chocolate and nutty flavors.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free butter and vegan chocolate to make this completely plant-based.

Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pistachio butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

Different Fruits: Instead of strawberries, try raspberries, blueberries, or even figs.

White Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter variation.

Caramel Drizzle: Instead of chocolate, drizzle caramel sauce for a different flavor twist.

Cheesecake-Style: Add a thin layer of cream cheese whipped with honey for a cheesecake-inspired version.

Date-Sweetened Option: Replace sugar with blended dates for a natural sweetener.

Coffee-Flavored: Add a small sprinkle of instant coffee powder to the chocolate for a mocha twist.

How to Store

To store leftovers, cover the dessert cups with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Since kataifi softens over time, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

For freezing, store the kataifi mixture separately from the strawberries and chocolate. When ready to serve, layer everything fresh to keep the crunch intact.

FAQ

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the kataifi mixture and store it in an airtight container. Assemble the layers just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Can I use another type of nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or hazelnut spread work well as substitutes for pistachio butter.

What can I use instead of Kataifi?

If you don’t have kataifi, crushed phyllo dough or finely crumbled biscuits can be a good alternative.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

No, the combination of nutty, chocolatey, and fruity flavors balances the sweetness perfectly. You can adjust the sugar level by choosing dark or unsweetened chocolate.

How do I keep the kataifi crunchy?

Keep it in an airtight container until ready to assemble and serve immediately after layering.

Can I add ice cream to this dessert?

Yes! A scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream pairs beautifully with the layers.

What chocolate works best for this recipe?

High-quality dark or milk chocolate melts smoothly and adds a rich flavor.

How do I make it look fancy for guests?

Use glass cups, add edible gold flakes, and drizzle extra chocolate on top.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: DessertCuisine: Middle Eastern FusionDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup kataifi, shredded

• 4 ounces butter (melted)

• 1 tablespoon tahini

• ½ cup pistachio butter

• Fresh strawberries, halved

• ½ cup melted chocolate (dark, milk, or white as preferred)

Directions

• Prepare the Kataifi Base
• Shred the kataifi into small pieces to ensure even layering. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the shredded kataifi. Stir continuously until it becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Mix with Pistachio & Tahini
• While the kataifi is still warm, stir in the tahini and pistachio butter. Mix well until fully coated, creating a nutty, flavorful base. Let it cool slightly.
• Prep the Strawberries
• Wash, hull, and cut the fresh strawberries in half. Set aside for layering.
• Assemble the Layers in Cups
• Use small dessert cups or glasses to build the layers beautifully.
• First Layer: Add a spoonful of the pistachio-kataifi mixture to the bottom of each cup, pressing it down lightly.
• Second Layer: Arrange a layer of halved strawberries on top.
• Third Layer: Drizzle a generous amount of melted chocolate over the strawberries.
• Repeat the Layers
• Repeat the layering process to fill the cup, ensuring each layer is visible. Finish with a final drizzle of chocolate on top.
• Garnish & Serve
• For an elegant touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios on top or decorate with edible gold flakes. Let the dessert sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, then serve immediately.