Why You’ll Love Chocolate Strawberry Cups Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms basic strawberries into an indulgent treat that feels gourmet yet is surprisingly easy to assemble. The contrast between the fresh strawberries, creamy Nutella, and crunchy pistachio‑kataifi gives a satisfying mix of textures and flavours. It’s also highly flexible: you can make it in elegant glasses for a romantic dessert, or scale up for a larger gathering.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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kataifi pastry, chopped
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butter
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pistachio paste
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fresh strawberries (small ones for layering, plus a few large ones for topping)
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Nutella (or similar chocolate‑hazelnut spread)
Directions
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Chop the kataifi pastry into small fine pieces. In a frypan over low heat, melt the butter and add the chopped kataifi. Toss gently to toast evenly — take care not to burn it. Once toasted, mix the kataifi with the pistachio paste until well coated.
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Wash, hull and pat‑dry the strawberries thoroughly. Halve the small strawberries (or quarter if large). For larger strawberries reserved for topping, leave them whole.
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Warm the Nutella by microwaving it for 15–20 seconds (or placing its jar in hot water for 5 minutes), stirring until pourable.
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In a stemless wine glass (or any glass you prefer), start by placing a small handful of strawberry pieces. Spoon over some pistachio‑kataifi, then a layer of Nutella. Continue layering strawberries, kataifi, and Nutella until you reach near the top of the glass. Finish with a smooth layer of Nutella.
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Top with a whole large strawberry and a scoop of pistachio‑kataifi for a beautiful finish.
Servings and timing
Makes 2 large strawberry cups — perfect for two people or one indulgent solo dessert.
Preparation time: about 15 minutes (plus a short cooling/softening time for Nutella)
Cooking time: about 15 minutes (for toasting kataifi)
Storage/Reheating
These cups are best served fresh. You can prepare them up to 2 hours in advance before serving. Avoid storing them too long, as strawberries may release juice and the kataifi can lose its crunch.
FAQs
How long before serving can I assemble the cups?
You can assemble them up to 2 hours ahead of serving. After that, the strawberries may begin releasing moisture and the kataifi may lose its crispness.
Can I use another chocolate spread instead of Nutella?
Yes — any chocolate‑hazelnut spread or other similar creamy chocolate spread will work fine.
What if I can’t find kataifi pastry or pistachio paste?
You can substitute with crushed nuts (like pistachios or almonds) for crunch, though the texture and flavour will be slightly different. The dessert will still be delicious.
Can I use whipped cream or ice cream instead of pistachio paste?
Yes — you could swap some layers for a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a creamier, less nutty variation.
Should I hull the strawberries before layering?
Yes — remove the stems and hull the strawberries. Halve (or quarter) smaller strawberries so they layer nicely; larger strawberries can remain whole for the top.
Can I prepare larger quantities for a party?
Absolutely. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally and use multiple glasses (or a trifle dish) to layer.
Will the chocolate‑hazelnut spread mix with strawberry juices and get soggy?
If the strawberries are dry before layering and you serve within a few hours, the layers should hold up well. But beyond a couple of hours, the strawberries may release juices that soften the pastry.
Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
Yes — by using dairy‑free butter (or margarine) for toasting the kataifi, a vegan chocolate spread, and ensuring your pastry ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Can I chill the cups in the fridge before serving?
You can, though chilling may make the chocolate spread firmer and the kataifi less crisp. If you prefer a softer texture, serve at room temperature.
What’s the best type/size of glass to use?
Stemless wine glasses work perfectly and give a pretty presentation. You could also use dessert glasses or small clear tumblers — whatever you have on hand.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Strawberry Cups are an elegant yet simple dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries, the richness of chocolate‑hazelnut spread, and the crunch of pistachio‑kataifi. They’re quick to assemble, visually appealing, and flexible enough to customize based on what you have at home. Whether for a romantic dinner, a special treat, or a casual dessert for friends — these cups deliver indulgence with minimal effort.
