The Dubai strawberry chocolate cup has become a viral dessert sensation. It blends crispy kataifi pastry with creamy pistachio and fresh strawberries, finished with a glossy layer of chocolate. Each spoonful delivers a mix of crunch, smoothness, and juicy sweetness. This stunning layered treat looks like something from a high-end café but is easy to make at home. If you’ve seen it trending online, this guide will walk you through creating your own version that tastes just as incredible as it looks.
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup
This dessert was first made famous by a Dubai-based chocolatier and quickly gained popularity across TikTok and Instagram. Its bold layers and gourmet feel turned it into a must-try trend for dessert lovers everywhere. Now, you can make it in your own kitchen without the high price tag or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Quick and simple to prepare with easy steps
• Uses basic ingredients found in most stores
• Perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings
• Crowd-pleaser with its rich flavor and elegant look
• Delicious balance of crunch, creaminess, and fruit
Unlike other versions, this recipe gets the texture just right. The kataifi stays crisp, the pistachio filling is smooth, and the ganache is perfectly melted. It’s more than a dessert, it’s a showstopper.
Ingredients Needed
This dessert uses a handful of ingredients, but a few might be new to you. Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
About Kataifi Dough
Kataifi is shredded phyllo pastry, often used in Middle Eastern and Turkish sweets. It looks like thin noodles and turns golden and crispy when toasted in butter. You can find it in the freezer section of Middle Eastern grocery stores or international markets. Always use the frozen version for the best crunch. Avoid the dried kind, which becomes tough and chewy.
Pistachio Cream vs Pistachio Butter
Both come from pistachios but have different textures and sweetness levels. This choice will affect your dessert’s taste and consistency.
| Feature | Pistachio Cream | Pistachio Butter |
| Texture | Smooth and silky | Thicker and slightly gritty |
| Sweetness | Pre-sweetened | Usually unsweetened |
| Flavor | More dessert-like | Rich and nutty |
| Best For | Traditional recipes | Healthier or vegan versions |
| Where to Find | Specialty dessert stores or online | Health food shops or organic markets |
Full Ingredient List
• 75 grams kataifi pastry (frozen)
• 50 grams butter
• 100 grams pistachio cream
• 30 grams milk chocolate
• 20 grams cream
• 150 grams fresh strawberries
How to Make Dubai Strawberry Chocolate Cup
Follow these simple steps to create the viral dessert at home with your own twist.
Toast the Kataifi
Start by cutting the frozen kataifi pastry into small strips using a sharp knife. Gently separate the strands with your hands.
Place a non-stick skillet on medium-low heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the kataifi. Stir often and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until the strands turn deep golden brown and crispy.
Remove from heat and let the toasted kataifi cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
Make the Chocolate Ganache
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and cream. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until the chocolate melts into a smooth sauce.
If you prefer, you can use a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a small saucepan filled with a bit of hot water. Stir the chocolate gently until melted and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Pistachio Filling
Once the kataifi is cool, mix it with the pistachio cream in a bowl. Stir until the strands are well coated and form a creamy, crunchy mixture.
Assemble the Cups
Wash the strawberries, remove the stalks, and cut them into quarters.
Spoon a layer of the pistachio-kataifi filling into the bottom of each clear serving glass.
Add a layer of strawberry pieces on top, followed by another spoonful of the pistachio filling.
Drizzle with the chocolate ganache, then repeat the layers until the cup is full.
Serve immediately while the kataifi remains crisp and the layers are fresh.
Required Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools to make this dessert, but using the right kitchen items will make the process smoother and the result more impressive.
• Sharp knife for cutting the frozen kataifi pastry
• Non-stick skillet for toasting the dough evenly
• Small saucepan if using the stovetop method for melting chocolate
• Heatproof bowl for creating the ganache
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
• Measuring scale or cups to get the portions right
• Clear glass cups or dessert jars to showcase the beautiful layers
Using glass cups is especially helpful because they highlight the crunchy kataifi, green pistachio filling, and red strawberries, making each serving visually striking.
Serving and Storage Tips
For the best presentation, serve the dessert in clear glass cups or jars. The colorful layers look stunning and make the dessert feel special. You can top each cup with a few extra strawberry slices and a final drizzle of chocolate for an elegant finish.
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh while the kataifi is still crisp. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the components separate. Store the toasted kataifi in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep the pistachio filling and chocolate ganache in the fridge.
When ready to serve, assemble the cups just before eating to maintain the perfect texture. Avoid freezing this dessert, as the strawberries and ganache may not hold up well.
Pro Tips and Troubleshooting Guide
Getting each layer just right can make all the difference. Here are smart tips and solutions for common problems people run into when making this dessert.
How do I keep my kataifi from getting soggy?
Only assemble the dessert when you’re ready to serve. Storing the toasted kataifi separately helps it stay crisp. Moisture from the strawberries or pistachio cream can soften it over time.
Why did my chocolate ganache split? How can I fix it?
This usually happens when the mixture gets too hot or the cream and chocolate don’t combine properly. To fix it, add a small splash of warm cream and stir slowly until it comes back together. Always melt on low heat and stir gently.
My pistachio mixture is too thick. What should I do?
If the filling feels stiff, mix in a small spoon of milk or cream to loosen it slightly. Be careful not to add too much or it will become runny. Stir slowly to keep the kataifi strands from breaking apart.
Vegan and Healthier Variation Section
You can still enjoy this dessert if you’re following a plant-based or low-sugar lifestyle. These simple swaps keep the flavor and texture while making the recipe lighter and dairy-free.
• Use vegan butter instead of regular butter when toasting the kataifi. It melts the same way and keeps the pastry crisp.
• Replace dairy cream with full-fat coconut cream for the chocolate ganache. It gives a rich, silky finish with a hint of coconut.
• Choose dark chocolate that is dairy-free and low in sugar. You can also sweeten it naturally with maple crystals or coconut sugar.
• Use pistachio butter instead of pistachio cream. It has no added sugar and offers a nuttier, more natural flavor. To sweeten it slightly, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave.
These changes make the dessert suitable for more diets without losing the luxurious feel and taste that made it popular.
Print
Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A stunning layered dessert with crispy kataifi, creamy pistachio, fresh strawberries, and glossy chocolate ganache. Viral for a reason—easy, rich, and visually irresistible.
Ingredients
- 75 grams kataifi pastry (frozen)
- 50 grams butter
- 100 grams pistachio cream
- 30 grams milk chocolate
- 20 grams cream
- 150 grams fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Cut frozen kataifi into small strips and gently separate the strands.
- Toast kataifi in a non-stick skillet with butter over medium-low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring until golden and crisp.
- Let the toasted kataifi cool for 15–20 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate with cream in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Mix cooled kataifi with pistachio cream until well combined.
- Quarter the strawberries after removing stalks.
- In clear serving cups, layer kataifi-pistachio filling, strawberries, and chocolate ganache. Repeat layers until full.
- Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch and freshness.
Notes
Assemble right before serving to keep the kataifi crispy. Store components separately if preparing in advance. Avoid freezing the assembled dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake with stovetop toasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 467 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 142 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 59 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Conclusion
The Dubai strawberry chocolate cup is more than just a viral trend. It’s a show-stopping dessert that combines bold flavors and textures in every spoonful. The crispy kataifi, smooth pistachio layer, juicy strawberries, and rich chocolate make it a standout recipe that’s easy to recreate at home.
Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party or treating yourself on a weekend, this dessert never fails to impress. It’s quick to make, visually stunning, and endlessly satisfying.
If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and give it a star rating below. Your feedback helps others and makes this community stronger. Share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook to inspire friends and family.
Personal Note
When I first tested this recipe, I found that the secret to perfectly crisp kataifi is to toast it low and slow while stirring often. Watching the chocolate melt over the chilled layers is still one of my favorite kitchen moments. This dessert never fails to impress my guests.
What twist did you try with your version? Did you go vegan or stick with the classic? Let us know in the comments.
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FAQs
What is in a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup?
This dessert features layers of toasted kataifi pastry, creamy pistachio filling, fresh strawberries, and melted chocolate. It’s served in a clear cup to showcase the vibrant layers and textures.
What is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate called?
The crunchy part is made from kataifi, a type of shredded phyllo dough. It turns golden and crispy when toasted in butter and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
What is the green stuff in Dubai chocolate?
The green layer is pistachio cream or pistachio butter. It brings a nutty, smooth contrast to the other textures in the cup and gives the dessert its rich, signature flavor.
How is Dubai chocolate different?
Dubai chocolate desserts often blend Middle Eastern ingredients like kataifi and pistachio with luxurious presentation. This recipe takes that idea and combines it with fresh fruit and ganache for a unique twist.
Why are Dubai strawberry cups so expensive?
They use premium ingredients like imported pistachio cream and high-quality chocolate. Presentation also plays a big role, as these desserts are crafted to look elegant and eye-catching.
Where did the Dubai chocolate cup trend start?
The trend began at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai and quickly spread through viral videos on social media. The bold layers and dramatic pouring of chocolate made it a hit online.
