Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
These Dubai strawberry cups are a must-try dessert! Layers of crispy, buttery kataifi, rich pistachio-tahini cream, smooth melted chocolate, and fresh strawberries come together for the ultimate indulgence. Inspired by the viral TikTok trend, this homemade version is easy to make and absolutely delicious. Perfect for parties or a special treat!
It all started when my son saw this viral dessert making waves on TikTok. He excitedly came running to me, asking if I could make it at home. And, of course, how could I say no? With its crispy, buttery kataifi, rich pistachio-tahini cream, smooth chocolate, and fresh strawberries, it was a flavor combination too tempting to resist.
The first time I made it, the kids were instantly hooked! Now, it’s become a regular treat in our home, and I love how easy it is to put together. Instead of those towering, oversized glasses you see online, I prefer making smaller, more manageable portions—just the right size for the kids to enjoy without overwhelming them. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and practicality, and seeing their happy faces with every bite makes it all worth it!
Why is this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups recipe the Best?
- Perfect Balance of Textures – The combination of crispy, buttery kataifi, creamy pistachio-tahini filling, smooth melted chocolate, and fresh, juicy strawberries creates an irresistible contrast in every bite.
- Not Overly Sweet – Unlike some overly rich chocolate desserts, this recipe has just the right amount of sweetness, thanks to the natural nuttiness of tahini and pistachios, balanced by fresh fruit.
- Customizable & Easy to Make – You can adjust the layers to your preference—add more chocolate, switch up the fruits, or even make smaller servings for kids. Plus, it’s simple enough to prepare in under 30 minutes!
- A Viral Treat Made Even Better – Inspired by the TikTok-famous Dubai chocolate bar, this homemade version lets you enjoy the same luxurious flavors in a fresh, made-from-scratch dessert without the wait or the high price tag.
Ingredients & Substitutes
- Kataifi Pastry: Adds a crispy, buttery texture to the dessert. You can substitute it with crushed toasted phyllo sheets, crispy puff pastry shreds, or even crushed biscuit crumbs for a different texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to toast the kataifi to golden perfection. Use ghee for a richer flavor or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Pistachio Cream: Provides a nutty, creamy base for the filling. Store-bought pistachio cream works well, but make sure it’s high quality and not overly sweet. If making at home, blend pistachios with a little oil and honey for a natural version. Use Almond butter or hazelnut spread for a different nutty twist.
- Tahini: Balances the sweetness with a deep, sesame flavor. Use almond butter or cashew butter for a milder taste.
- Dark or Milk Chocolate: Adds a smooth and indulgent chocolate layer. Use white chocolate for a sweeter variation or Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate combo.
- Fresh Strawberries: Brings freshness and a juicy contrast to the layers. Use raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped mango for a fruity variation.
Step-by-step: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
- Toast the Kataifi – Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the melted butter. Add the kataifi pastry and toast, stirring continuously, for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Add the Pistachio & Tahini Cream – While the kataifi is still warm, mix in the pistachio cream and tahini. Stir well until evenly coated. Let cool completely.
- Melt the Chocolate – Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Assemble the Cups – In a tall dessert cup or small dessert cups
- Layer 1: Add a handful of chopped strawberries.
- Layer 2: Start with a generous spoonful of kataifi-pistachio mixture at the base of the cup.
- Layer 3: Drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Repeat the layers as desired, starting with strawberries, a spoonful of Kataifi-pistachio mixture, followed by a drizzle of chocolate.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberry and mint or chopped pistachios.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes! You can prepare the toasted kataifi and pistachio-tahini cream a day in advance. However, assemble the layers just before serving to keep the kataifi crisp.
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The kataifi may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
To keep the chocolate smooth and creamy, add a teaspoon of heavy cream or coconut oil when melting it. This prevents it from solidifying too fast when layered.
The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups trace their origins to the innovative creations of Dubai-based chocolatier Sarah Hamouda, founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier. In 2021, Hamouda introduced a unique chocolate bar filled with pistachio cream and knafeh—a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made from shredded phyllo dough.
The viral success of this chocolate bar inspired dessert enthusiasts worldwide to recreate its distinctive components in various forms. One popular adaptation is the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. This dessert has become a social media sensation, with numerous recipes and reviews circulating online.
The trend has also influenced established brands. For instance, Ghirardelli introduced a limited-time Dubai Chocolate Sundae, featuring pistachio butter, white chocolate, crispy kataifi, vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, and a gold-leafed Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Square, drawing direct inspiration from the viral treat.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
These decadent Dubai strawberry cups combine crispy kataifi pastry, a luxurious pistachio creme, tahini, and melted chocolate, and fresh strawberries, layered in elegant tall cups for a stunning dessert.
Video
Ingredients
- 200 g Kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough)
- 50 g Unsalted butter melted
- 100 g Pistachio cream (store-bought or homemade*)
- 2 tbsp Tahini
- 150 g Dark or milk chocolate melted
- 250 g Fresh strawberries chopped
Method
- Toast the Kataifi – Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the melted butter. Add the kataifi pastry and toast, stirring continuously, for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.200 g Kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough), 50 g Unsalted butter
- Add the Pistachio & Tahini Cream – While the kataifi is still warm, mix in the pistachio cream and tahini. Stir well until evenly coated. Let cool completely.100 g Pistachio cream , 2 tbsp Tahini
- Melt the Chocolate – Melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.150 g Dark or milk chocolate
- Assemble the Cups – In a tall dessert cup or small dessert cupsLayer 1: Add a handful of chopped strawberries.Layer 2: Start with a generous spoonful of kataifi-pistachio mixture at the base of the cup.Layer 3: Drizzle with melted chocolate.Repeat the layers as desired, starting with strawberries, spoonful of Kataifi-pistachio mixture followed by a drizzle of chocolate.250 g Fresh strawberries
- Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberry and mint or chopped pistachios. .
Notes
- Toast the Kataifi Properly – Keep stirring the kataifi while toasting in butter to ensure even golden color and crispiness. Let it cool before layering to maintain crunch.
- Use High-Quality Pistachio Cream & Tahini – The flavor of the pistachio-tahini filling depends on using pure pistachio cream and good-quality tahini without additional sugars or fillers.
- Melt Chocolate Correctly – Avoid overheating chocolate; melt it in 30-second intervals in the microwave or use a double boiler to prevent seizing.
- Use Fresh, Sweet Strawberries – Since strawberries are a key flavor, pick ripe, naturally sweet berries for the best contrast with the creamy and chocolatey layers.
- Make Smaller Portions – Instead of tall, oversized glasses, serve in smaller cups to keep portions manageable.
- Customize Layers – Want more crunch? Add extra kataifi. Prefer a richer taste? Increase the chocolate drizzle. This dessert is flexible—adjust it to your liking!
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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Made these for my wife’s birthday — served them in little glass jars and topped them with edible gold flakes. She thought I bought them from a fancy dessert bar ?
Okay, now that’s a dessert upgrade! Edible gold flakes? You win presentation points for sure. So happy she loved them — sounds like you nailed it!
This looks incredible! Could I use raspberries instead of strawberries? I have a box in the fridge I need to use up.
Absolutely — raspberries would be just as lovely and add a nice tart contrast to the chocolate. Go for it! You can even mix berries for extra color and flavor.
So easy and soooo indulgent! I didn’t even wait to let the layers set properly — just grabbed a spoon and went in warm ? That filling is dangerous!
Haha I don’t blame you! That warm gooey chocolate is impossible to resist. Honestly, it’s just as good warm as it is chilled — glad you enjoyed it either way!
Can I prep these a day in advance? Thinking of serving them at a dinner party but not sure if the strawberries will get soggy overnight.
Great question! You can make the chocolate filling and layer everything the night before — just hold off on adding the fresh strawberries until closer to serving. Keeps them nice and juicy!
These were divine! I made them for Eid and my cousins were OBSESSED. That chocolate filling reminded me of something I had in Dubai once — so rich and velvety.
Yesss I love that you made them for Eid! That filling is totally inspired by those decadent Dubai-style desserts — smooth, lush, and a little extra. So glad your cousins loved it!
These reminded me so much of desserts I’ve had at cafes in Jumeirah! The flavor combo was perfect and the rosewater twist was subtle but beautiful.
That’s exactly the vibe I was going for — a little elegant Middle Eastern flair! So happy it brought back good memories. Thank you for trying it, Reema!
Do you think I could make the chocolate cups a day ahead and fill them the next morning? Want to prep these for a dinner party but don’t want them to get soggy.
Yes, absolutely! You can make the chocolate cups ahead and store them in the fridge (or at room temp if it’s not too warm). Just fill them right before serving so the strawberries stay juicy and the cups crisp.
Tried these over the weekend for my sister’s bridal shower and they disappeared in minutes! Everyone thought they looked super fancy but I didn’t even tell them how easy they were ?
Haha I love that! That’s exactly what I was going for — elegant but secretly simple. So glad they were a hit at the bridal shower!