Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 3 cups kataifi pastry; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup pistachio cream or pistachio butter; 1 tablespoon tahini (optional); 1 pound strawberries, cut into pieces; 10 ounces milk chocolate; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup pistachios, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios for garnish; 1 fresh strawberry, halved for garnish

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Short description: I make this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup when I want a dessert that feels elegant without being complicated. I layer juicy strawberries, buttery toasted kataifi, rich pistachio cream, and smooth chocolate ganache to create a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups kataifi pastry

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup pistachio cream or pistachio butter

1 tablespoon tahini (optional)

1 pound strawberries, cut into pieces

10 ounces milk chocolate

⅓ cup heavy cream

¼ cup pistachios, finely chopped

1 tablespoon chopped pistachios for garnish

1 fresh strawberry, halved for garnish

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. I add the kataifi pastry and toast it, stirring often, until it turns golden and crispy, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Then I let it cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, I combine the toasted kataifi with the pistachio cream and tahini until the mixture is evenly coated and well blended.

For the ganache, I heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it is just about to simmer. I pour it over the chopped milk chocolate in a bowl, let it sit for 1 minute, and then stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

To assemble the dessert, I place a layer of chopped strawberries at the bottom of each serving cup. I spoon some of the pistachio kataifi mixture over the strawberries, then add a layer of chocolate ganache.

I repeat the layers with more strawberries, more pistachio kataifi mixture, and more chocolate ganache until the cups are filled.

To finish, I sprinkle chopped pistachios on top and garnish each cup with a halved fresh strawberry before serving.

Servings and timing

I get 4 servings from this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes switch the milk chocolate for dark chocolate when I want a deeper and less sweet flavor. I also like using white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier twist. When I want even more texture, I add an extra sprinkle of chopped pistachios between the layers. For a slightly more floral Middle Eastern touch, I sometimes add a very small drizzle of rose water to the pistachio mixture. If I want a more dramatic presentation, I serve the dessert in clear glasses so the layers stand out beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store these dessert cups in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. I find they are best when served chilled, although the kataifi is at its crispiest on the day I make it. I do not reheat this dessert because the fresh strawberries and ganache are meant to be enjoyed cold or lightly cool from the fridge. If I want the best texture, I prepare the kataifi mixture shortly before assembling.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, I can make it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for several hours before serving. I just keep in mind that the kataifi softens a bit as it sits.

Can I use pistachio butter instead of pistachio cream?

Yes, I can use pistachio butter instead of pistachio cream. I find that pistachio cream usually gives a slightly sweeter and smoother result, while pistachio butter has a more natural nutty taste.

What can I use instead of kataifi pastry?

If I cannot find kataifi pastry, I can try using crushed crisp pastry layers or another light crunchy topping, but the traditional texture of kataifi gives this dessert its signature character.

Can I use other fruit besides strawberries?

Yes, I can use raspberries, bananas, or even chopped cherries. I like strawberries best because they balance the richness of the pistachio and chocolate very well.

How do I keep the ganache smooth?

I keep the ganache smooth by heating the cream just until it is about to simmer and then letting it sit over the chocolate for a minute before stirring. I stir gently until it becomes glossy and fully melted.

Conclusion

I love how this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup turns a few simple ingredients into a dessert that feels luxurious and memorable. The layers of fruit, crunch, creaminess, and chocolate make every bite satisfying, and I find it perfect for dinner parties, celebrations, or anytime I want to make something beautiful with very little effort.

📖 Recipe:

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A layered dessert featuring juicy strawberries, crispy toasted kataifi, rich pistachio cream, and smooth chocolate ganache for an elegant yet simple treat.

Instructions

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the kataifi pastry and toast, stirring often, until golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the toasted kataifi with pistachio cream and tahini until evenly coated.
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just about to simmer. Pour over the chopped milk chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Place a layer of chopped strawberries at the bottom of each serving cup.
Add a layer of the pistachio kataifi mixture, followed by a layer of chocolate ganache.
Repeat layering with strawberries, pistachio mixture, and ganache until cups are filled.
Top with chopped pistachios and garnish each cup with a halved strawberry before serving.