Why You’ll Love Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe
This dessert is quick, elegant, and full of texture. The toasted kataifi adds crunch, the pistachio cream gives a nutty sweetness, the strawberries add freshness, and the chocolate ganache brings everything together. It is perfect for a small treat, a date-night dessert, or an impressive sweet cup for guests.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ cup shredded kataifi dough
2 tbsps butter, unsalted
1 tbsp tahini paste
1 cup milk chocolate or dark chocolate
¾ cup pistachio cream
1½ cup fresh strawberries
Chopped pistachios, for garnishing
½ cup heavy cream
Directions
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the shredded kataifi dough and toast it until golden and crisp.
Stir in the tahini paste and pistachio cream. Mix until everything is evenly combined, then remove from the heat.
Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Once melted, add the heavy cream and stir until the ganache is smooth. For a thinner ganache, add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Wash and cut the strawberries into small pieces.
Layer the dessert cups by adding strawberries, pistachio kataifi mixture, and chocolate ganache. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.
Top with chopped pistachios and serve.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter dessert.
Add white chocolate drizzle on top for a more decorative finish.
Replace strawberries with raspberries, bananas, or mixed berries.
Add a small layer of whipped cream for a lighter texture.
Use extra pistachio cream between the layers for a stronger pistachio flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For the best texture, serve soon after assembling because the kataifi is crispiest when fresh.
Do not reheat the assembled cups. If needed, the chocolate ganache can be gently warmed separately before layering.
FAQs
Can I make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups ahead of time?
Yes, but they are best served fresh. You can prepare the components ahead and assemble shortly before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best because they hold their shape and do not release too much liquid.
What is kataifi dough?
Kataifi is a thin shredded pastry dough that becomes crispy when toasted with butter.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate works well and gives the dessert a deeper, less sweet flavor.
Can I skip the tahini?
Yes, but tahini adds a subtle nutty flavor that balances the sweetness.
What can I use instead of pistachio cream?
You can use pistachio butter mixed with a little powdered sugar or melted white chocolate.
How do I keep the kataifi crispy?
Toast it until golden and assemble the cups close to serving time.
Can I make this recipe in one large dish?
Yes, you can layer everything in a small serving dish instead of individual cups.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It is rich and sweet, but the strawberries help balance the chocolate and pistachio cream.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients to make 4 servings.
Conclusion
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are an easy, beautiful dessert with creamy chocolate, fresh fruit, crunchy kataifi, and sweet pistachio flavor. They come together in just 20 minutes and make a simple treat feel extra special.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
A rich and indulgent dessert featuring layers of crispy kataifi, creamy pistachio filling, fresh strawberries, and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced with crunch, sweetness, and a hint of nuttiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1½ cup shredded kataifi dough
- 2 tbsps butter (unsalted)
- 1 tbsp tahini paste
- 1 cup milk chocolate (or dark chocolate)
- ¾ cup pistachio cream
- 1½ cup fresh strawberries
- chopped pistachios (for garnishing)
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and toast the kataifi dough until golden brown. Add the tahini paste and pistachio cream, then mix until well combined.
- Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once melted, add the heavy cream and mix until a smooth ganache forms. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if needed.
- Wash and cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces.
- Layer the dessert in cups by alternating the kataifi mixture, strawberries, and chocolate ganache. Repeat layers until cups are filled.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate for a less sweet flavor profile.
- Serve chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer consistency.
- You can substitute pistachio cream with hazelnut spread for variation.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
