Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

The Dubai chocolate strawberry cup is one of those desserts that looks like it belongs in a pastry shop but is surprisingly doable at home. Layers of juicy strawberries, crispy kataifi pastry, smooth pistachio cream, and rich melted chocolate come together in a single bite. It’s a fun way to turn a viral trend into a dessert that works for birthdays, dinner parties, or even a gift box for someone special. If you’ve been curious about how to make Dubai chocolate at home, this strawberry cup version is the perfect starting point.

Ingredients For Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Core Ingredients

• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe, and firm. About 1½ pounds, halved.
• Chocolate chips: Use high-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate.
• Coconut oil: Helps the melted chocolate set with a glossy finish.
• Kataifi pastry: Shredded phyllo dough that toasts up crisp and golden.
• Butter: Unsalted, for browning the kataifi.
• Pistachio butter or cream: Adds that signature nutty layer.
• Tahini (optional): A touch of earthy depth if you like.
• Ground pistachios: For garnish and crunch.

Substitutions & Variations

• No kataifi? Swap in crushed waffle cones, cornflakes, or wafer cookies.
• Nut-free option: Try sunflower seed butter instead of pistachio.
• Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate.
• Lower sugar: Pick dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for toasting kataifi
• Mixing bowls (heatproof for melting chocolate)
• Microwave or double boiler
• Clear serving cups or ramekins
• Spoon or piping bag for layering

Before You Start

Picking the Right Strawberries

Choose medium to large berries that are ripe but still firm. Wash them gently and pat them completely dry. Extra moisture makes the layers watery, so drying is key.

Choosing the Chocolate

Dark chocolate gives a bold flavor and provides antioxidants, as noted by the National Institutes of Health; milk is sweeter, and white makes a striking contrast. If you want glossy cups with a nice snap, temper the chocolate or melt it slowly with coconut oil.

Pistachio Cream vs Pistachio Butter

• Pistachio cream is sweet and spreadable, almost like a dessert spread.
• Pistachio butter is less sweet, thicker, and more natural in flavor.
  Pick one based on whether you want rich sweetness or nutty balance.

Crunch Base Options

Traditional cups use toasted kataifi, a shredded phyllo pastry that crisps beautifully. If you can’t find it, crushed waffle cones, cornflakes, or wafer crumbs make excellent stand-ins.

Step-by-Step Preparation for Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

1. Toast the Kataifi or Prepare the Crunchy Layer

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the kataifi, stirring often until golden and crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in pistachio butter (and tahini if using), then let it cool.

2. Prep the Strawberries

Hull and halve the strawberries. Make sure they’re fully dry before layering so the dessert stays crisp.

3. Melt or Temper the Chocolate

Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth. For stovetop, use a double boiler to melt gently.

4. Assemble the Cups

In clear cups or ramekins, add a layer of strawberry halves. Drizzle with melted chocolate, then spoon in kataifi filling. Repeat until near the top.

5. Chill and Set

Top with more chocolate drizzle and crushed pistachios. Chill for 10 minutes so the layers hold together before serving.

Presentation Tips

Make It Look Polished

Use clear cups or glass jars so the layers are visible. Neat layering of strawberries, pistachio filling, and chocolate makes the dessert eye-catching.

Garnish Creatively

Top with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, or even freeze-dried strawberry pieces. A dusting of cocoa powder adds a café-style finish.

For Gifting

Prepare in mini cups or silicone molds, wrap each in clear cellophane, and tie with ribbon. They hold well for short trips and make elegant edible gifts.

Serving Suggestions

• Best Served Chilled: A short time in the fridge helps the chocolate set and keeps the strawberries fresh.
• Portion Ideas: Serve in small glass cups for dinner parties, or make bite-sized versions in silicone molds for buffets.
• Pairings: These cups go well with coffee, mint tea, or a glass of sparkling water after a heavy meal.
• Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or Valentine’s Day treats.

Flavor Variations

Nut-Free Swap

Use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter in place of pistachio for a similar texture without nuts.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Option

Choose plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate. Coconut cream can also replace pistachio cream for a tropical twist.

Low-Sugar Version

Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao and reduce added sweeteners. Fresh berries provide natural sweetness and a boost of vitamin C, according to the USDA FoodData Central.

Creative Flavors

• White Chocolate Raspberry: Layer raspberries with white chocolate for a tart-sweet combo.
• Dark Chocolate Orange: Add orange zest to the chocolate for a citrus kick.
• Caramel Pistachio: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers for extra richness.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Food Safety

Prep Ahead

Toast the kataifi and melt the chocolate a day in advance. Keep them in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble. Strawberries should be sliced fresh to avoid leaks.

Storage

Assembled cups last up to 24 hours in the fridge. Cover each with plastic wrap or store in a sealed container to keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended. Strawberries release too much water when thawed, making the layers soggy.

Food Safety

Always wash and dry strawberries thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use clean utensils when layering to keep everything fresh and safe.

Troubleshooting

Soggy or Chewy Base

If the kataifi turns soft, it wasn’t toasted long enough or absorbed too much moisture. Make sure it’s golden brown before layering, and keep strawberries dry.

Seized Chocolate

If your chocolate becomes grainy, water likely got in. Add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and stir gently to smooth it out.

Weeping Strawberries

Strawberries that aren’t fully dried will release juice. Pat them dry with paper towels before layering.

Layers Sliding or Separating

Overfilling with chocolate or cream can cause layers to shift. Use thinner, even layers for better stability.

Nutrition and Portions

Each Dubai chocolate strawberry cup serves one person and delivers a balanced mix of fruit, chocolate, and nuts.

Estimated Nutrition per Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~467
Carbohydrates (Carbs)	59 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	34 g

Serving Sizes

• Standard: One 12-ounce cup for a full dessert
• Mini: Half portions in smaller cups, great for parties or lighter servings

These values vary based on chocolate type and whether you use pistachio cream or butter.

Sourcing Guide for US Readers

Where to Buy Kataifi

Look for kataifi pastry in the freezer section of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. Some specialty markets like Whole Foods may carry it seasonally.

Pistachio Cream and Butter

Brands such as Agrimontana or Nuts ‘n More sell pistachio spreads online. For a natural option, check health food stores for pistachio butter.

Chocolate Choices

Ghirardelli, Lindt, and Guittard chocolate chips are easy to find in most supermarkets. For dairy-free versions, try Enjoy Life or Hu chocolate.

Strawberries

Fresh local strawberries work best, but frozen ones should be avoided since they release too much water when thawed.

Conclusion

The Dubai chocolate strawberry cup brings together everything people love about desserts: fresh fruit, silky chocolate, and a crunchy nutty layer. It’s simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough to serve at special gatherings. With the right ingredients, a little prep, and some creative touches, you can enjoy this viral treat in your own kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic pistachio and kataifi combo or try one of the fun variations, this recipe is a sweet way to share a taste of Dubai with family and friends.

FAQs About Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup