Welcome back to my cozy kitchen, where we’re diving into the luxurious world of the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup! In this article, I’ll share how this viral treat became a dessert sensation, what makes it tick, and why it’s easy enough to whip up at home. You’ll learn about its crunchy layers, juicy strawberries, and creamy pistachio filling. Plus, I’ll sprinkle in tips on how to customize it for any occasion.
From Dubai Street-Treat to Viral Sensation
I first discovered the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup scrolling through TikTok, where creators layered strawberries, kataifi pastry, pistachio cream, and melted chocolate in clear cups—it looked too good to ignore. Viral recipes describe it as a mix of “juicy fresh strawberries, creamy nutty pistachio cream, crunchy buttery kataifi pastry and rich chocolate sauce”.
The concept stems from the famous “Dubai chocolate” bar created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021—a milk chocolate treat filled with pistachio-tahini cream and shredded kadayif.
Buzz built in 2024 when bakeries and cafés in places like Houston and San Antonio began offering strawberry cups—fresh fruit versions of the original bar. That first crunchy bite hooked me—the kataifi’s golden, crispy threads with a warm, nutty aroma contrasted perfectly with fresh berries and smooth chocolate. I immediately knew I had to recreate it in my own cozy kitchen.
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Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup: Crunchy, Creamy, and Easy to Make
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, rich chocolate, pistachio-tahini cream, and crunchy kataifi. This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is easy, no-bake, and full of texture.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
100g dark or milk chocolate, melted
1/2 cup pistachio paste
1 tbsp tahini
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup kataifi pastry, thawed and toasted
1 tbsp butter or ghee (optional)
Instructions
1. Melt the chocolate and spoon into the bottom of a clear dessert cup.
2. Add a layer of sliced strawberries over the chocolate.
3. Whip pistachio paste, tahini, and maple syrup into a creamy mixture and spoon over the strawberries.
4. Sprinkle toasted kataifi generously over the cream layer.
5. Add another strawberry layer and a final drizzle of chocolate, then top with more kataifi. Chill before serving.
Notes
Make sure kataifi is fully cooled before layering.
For extra crunch, toast kataifi dry or add ghee for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
What’s Inside a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?
You might be wondering, what is in a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup? At its core, this luscious dessert layers fresh strawberries, indulgent chocolate, creamy pistachio filling, and a crisp kataifi topping into one irresistible bite.
Fresh strawberries & chocolate base
Start with plump, ripe strawberries—sliced and ready to anchor your layers. Then, add a drizzle of smooth milk or dark chocolate ganache. It pools into the base of your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup and sets the tone: sweet, rich, and decadent. If you’re new to combining fruit with chocolate, this cup is a dreamy introduction. It answers “What is Dubai chocolate with strawberries?”—a luxurious fusion of juicy berries and velvety richness.
Creamy pistachio–tahini filling
What makes every Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup special is its middle layer. A whipped pistachio–tahini cream brings nutty warmth and smooth texture. Ground pistachios, a dash of maple or powdered sugar, and a spoonful of tahini deliver creamy depth with a hint of Middle Eastern flair. It ties each element together into a flavor that feels both indulgent and authentic.
Now for that satisfying crunch—what is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate? The answer is kataifi. These thin, golden shreds crisp up in ghee or butter and cool into the perfect topping. A bite into a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup without kataifi just wouldn’t be the same. The contrast between creamy and crisp is what turns this from a dessert into an experience.
For more sweet inspiration, visit similar delights like the Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Pistachio bundt cake or Pistachio milk cake from our recipe archives.
The Secret Crunch—Kataifi Revealed
Ever taken a bite of a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup and wondered what gives it that signature crispy crunch? Meet kataifi—a shredded phyllo pastry that toasts up golden and crackly, making every bite a contrast of creamy and crisp. Let’s break down what this ingredient is and how you can get that restaurant-worthy crunch at home.
What is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate?
Kataifi is the unsung hero of this dessert. These delicate, hair-thin strands of dough are traditionally used in Middle Eastern sweets and bring the crunch factor to the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Once pan-toasted, they create a layer that crackles under your spoon, offering a delightful contrast to the smooth pistachio cream and chocolate drizzle.
How to toast kataifi perfectly
The trick to kataifi is in the toasting. Always start with thawed pastry. Gently separate the strands—don’t rush this step. Then, heat a dry skillet over medium-low and toss in your kataifi. Stir continuously until golden brown. Want even more flavor? Use a small knob of clarified butter or ghee while stirring.
Once toasted, cool your kataifi completely. This ensures it stays crisp when layered over the chocolate and fruit. You can even store it in an airtight container for later use—it keeps its crunch for up to a week.
Every Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup shines brighter with that delicate crunch on top. Whether you’re making one for a party or a sweet treat just for yourself, don’t skip this step. The kataifi is what sets this dessert apart.
DIY Cup at Home—Simple Layers for Stunning Flavor
Now it’s go-time! You’ve toasted your kataifi, prepped the pistachio cream, sliced the strawberries, and have rich chocolate ready. Here’s how to layer your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup beautifully—and enjoy a show-stopping dessert.
Step‑by‑Step Assembly
- Chocolate layer
Spoon a generous swirl of melted chocolate or ganache into the bottom of a clear serving cup. This sets the base for your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup and anchors the layers.
- First strawberry layer
Arrange sliced strawberries on top of the chocolate, pressing gently so they stick and infuse into the base. - Pistachio–tahini cream
Pipe or spoon in pistachio–tahini cream until it fills about one third of the cup. The creamy middle is essential—it’s what makes the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup feel luxurious. - Kataifi crunch
Sprinkle a layer of toasted kataifi over the cream. This adds that signature snap and texture everyone loves in a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. - Strawberries and drizzle
Add another layer of strawberries, then finish with a final drizzle of warm chocolate. - Final kataifi flourish
Top with a light dusting of kataifi for visual pop and crispy texture on the very first bite.
Pro Tips for Show‑stopping Results
- Chill before serving – Let your cups rest 10–15 minutes in the fridge. This helps flavors meld while keeping textures contrastive.
- Portion control – Use 4–6 oz clear cups so each spoonful is balanced and beautiful.
- Fresh is best – Assemble kataifi layers just before serving to avoid sogginess—once layered, keep in fridge up to 2 hours.
- Customization options – Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries, or drizzle white chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
By following these steps, you’ll create a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup that dazzles with every spoonful. The chocolate base sets a rich tone, the strawberries add freshness, the pistachio cream brings creaminess, and the crunchy kataifi seals the experience.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup—a dessert that fuses rich Middle Eastern ingredients with vibrant textures and bold, comforting flavors. What began as a viral chocolate bar evolved into a layered delight full of contrast and charm. Whether you’re drawn to the juicy strawberries, the silky pistachio–tahini cream, or that irresistible kataifi crunch, this dessert delivers joy in every spoonful.
What I love most is how accessible it is—no baking required, no special tools needed. Just a few thoughtfully layered ingredients, and you’ve got a showstopper perfect for celebrations, gifting, or quiet moments with tea.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a Dubai strawberry cup?
It’s layers of fresh strawberries, melted chocolate, pistachio–tahini cream, and crispy kataifi.
What is Dubai chocolate with strawberries?
That’s the juicy fruit layer combined with rich chocolate ganache—the heart of the cup’s flavor.
What is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate?
Kataifi—a shredded, pan‑toasted pastry that adds signature texture.
What’s in the Dubai chocolate?
Beyond the chocolate layer: it includes pistachio–tahini cream and topped with toasted kataifi strands for crunch.