Why You’ll Love Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe
This dessert is a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. It blends smooth melted chocolate with juicy strawberries and a nutty, buttery crunch that’s impossible to resist. It’s simple enough to make at home yet fancy enough to rival anything from a high-end patisserie. Plus, the layers and textures give each bite a unique experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Dark or milk chocolate
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Coconut oil (optional, for a smoother chocolate layer)
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Fresh strawberries
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Kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough)
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Butter
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Pistachio paste or pistachio cream
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Optional garnishes: mint leaves, shredded coconut, chopped pistachios
Directions
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Melt the chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt your chocolate with a bit of coconut oil if using. This can be done over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
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Form chocolate cups – Pour the melted chocolate into silicone molds or paper cupcake liners. Coat the bottom and sides evenly, then refrigerate until firm.
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Toast kataifi pastry – In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the shredded kataifi and stir constantly until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and mix with pistachio paste to form a rich, crunchy layer.
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Prepare strawberries – Wash, hull, and dice the strawberries. Set aside.
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Assemble the cups – Once the chocolate cups have hardened, carefully remove them from the molds. Fill each cup with diced strawberries, then top with the pistachio-kataifi mixture.
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Chill and garnish – Place the assembled cups in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to let the layers set. Garnish with mint leaves, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 to 8 chocolate strawberry cups. Prep time is around 15 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes for chilling. No baking is required, making it a quick and convenient dessert.
Variations
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Swap dark chocolate for white or milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
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Use a mix of berries instead of just strawberries for more color and flavor.
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Replace pistachio paste with hazelnut, almond, or even Nutella for a different twist.
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Add a layer of whipped cream or mascarpone for extra creaminess.
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Use gluten-free alternatives to kataifi pastry like crushed gluten-free cookies or puffed rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store these dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, assemble them shortly before serving. Reheating is not recommended, as the chocolate and fresh fruit are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
What is a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?
It’s a layered dessert featuring chocolate cups filled with strawberries and a pistachio-kataifi crunch, inspired by a viral Middle Eastern chocolate treat.
Can I make these cups in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for the freshest texture.
Do I need kataifi pastry?
While kataifi adds a unique texture, you can substitute it with toasted shredded phyllo dough or even crushed cookies.
Are these cups gluten-free?
Not if you use kataifi pastry. However, you can replace it with a gluten-free crunchy layer to suit dietary needs.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are highly recommended for this dessert, as frozen berries may become too watery.
Is pistachio paste necessary?
It adds a nutty richness but can be substituted with other nut butters or sweet spreads like hazelnut cream.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes! Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter, and ensure your pistachio paste is plant-based.
How do I keep the chocolate cups from breaking?
Use silicone molds for easy removal and don’t make the chocolate layer too thin. Chill them well before unmolding.
Can I make this dessert without molds?
Yes, you can use paper cupcake liners in a muffin tin to shape the chocolate cups.
How do I keep the dessert from getting soggy?
Dry the strawberries thoroughly and assemble the cups just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Conclusion
The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a visually stunning and delightfully textured dessert that delivers rich flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this recipe offers the perfect blend of elegance, taste, and ease. With its layers of creamy, fruity, and crunchy elements, it’s a dessert worth adding to your rotation.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a rich, no-bake dessert featuring layers of chocolate mousse, biscuit crumbles, and fresh strawberries, making it perfect for a luxurious treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pack tea biscuits (crushed)
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1/2 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate (melted)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (sliced, for layering and topping)
- Crushed pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Crush the tea biscuits and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the cream until soft peaks form.
- Add condensed milk, melted chocolate, and vanilla extract to the whipped cream. Mix until fully combined and fluffy.
- In serving cups, layer crushed biscuits at the bottom.
- Add a layer of the chocolate mousse mixture.
- Top with sliced strawberries.
- Repeat the layers as needed, finishing with strawberries on top.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios if desired.
Notes
- Use cold whipping cream for best results.
- You can substitute tea biscuits with digestive or graham crackers.
- Chill the dessert for a firmer mousse texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
