Step into a world of exquisite flavors with the incredible Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Inspired by the viral sensation of the Dubai Pistachio Chocolate Bar, this delightful dessert offers a fresh and fruity twist that is equally captivating. Imagine layers of unbelievably crispy, golden kataifi dough, generously enrobed in a rich, velvety pistachio cream, complemented by premium quality chocolate, and crowned with the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sensory experience, a perfect symphony of textures and tastes designed to satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings and transport your palate to the bustling souks of Dubai. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a dessert enthusiast seeking an easy yet impressive treat, this recipe is your gateway to creating a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen.
Crafting this stunning dessert begins with foundational elements that elevate its flavor profile. For an unparalleled taste and texture, we highly recommend making your own Homemade Pistachio Cream. Not only does it offer a cleaner, more authentic flavor free from additives, but any leftover cream can also be used to recreate the famous Viral Dubai Chocolate Bar itself! Mastering the art of melting chocolate is also crucial for a smooth, glossy finish, so be sure to learn How To Melt Chocolate properly for the best results in this recipe and beyond.
Why You’ll Adore These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are more than just a dessert; they are an embodiment of luxury and indulgence, yet surprisingly simple to create. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite treat:
- Viral Sensation, Homemade Twist: Capture the magic of the trendy Dubai dessert scene with a unique strawberry infusion, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
- Irresistible Textural Contrast: Experience the satisfying crunch of toasted kataifi, the silky smoothness of pistachio cream, and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, all complemented by fresh, juicy strawberries.
- No-Bake Perfection: Enjoy a sophisticated dessert without turning on your oven. This no-bake recipe is perfect for any skill level and ideal for warmer weather.
- Gourmet Flavor Profile: The rich, nutty notes of pistachio, the earthy depth of tahini, the sweetness of chocolate, and the tartness of strawberries create a complex, balanced, and utterly delicious flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for special gatherings, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat, these cups are versatile and always impressive.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the type of chocolate, the sweetness level, and even add other fruits or nuts to make it truly your own.
Essential Ingredients for Your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Creating these delightful Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building their incredible flavor and texture. Quality ingredients truly make a difference, so let’s dive into what you’ll need and why:
- Milk or Dark Chocolate: The foundation of our luxurious chocolate layer. While you can use a good quality store-bought brand, I personally adore using Callebaut Belgian Chocolate for its superior flavor and smooth melt. However, for everyday indulgence, feel free to use your favorite affordable premium chocolate. The choice between milk and dark chocolate depends on your preference for sweetness and intensity – milk chocolate offers a sweeter, creamier profile, while dark chocolate provides a richer, more profound cocoa flavor.
- Kataifi Dough (Shredded Phyllo Dough): This is the secret to the irresistible crispy layer. Kataifi is a type of shredded phyllo pastry, commonly found in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. When toasted, it develops an incredibly light and crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy fillings. If you can’t find it, a finely crushed biscuit base (like digestive biscuits or graham crackers) could be a very distant alternative, but kataifi is highly recommended for authenticity and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for toasting the kataifi dough to golden perfection. Butter not only adds a rich, nutty flavor but also helps achieve that desirable crispy texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of your dessert.
- Tahini Paste: A key ingredient in many Middle Eastern desserts, tahini (pureed sesame seeds) adds a distinctive earthy, slightly nutty flavor that beautifully complements the pistachio and chocolate. It contributes to the authentic taste profile and a wonderful depth of flavor. Ensure you use a good quality, smooth tahini for the best results.
- Pistachio Cream: The star ingredient, bringing vibrant color and rich, nutty taste. You can use a high-quality store-bought pistachio cream, often found in specialty food stores or online. However, for the purest flavor and to avoid additives, I highly recommend making your own Homemade Pistachio Cream. It’s surprisingly simple and yields a far superior result.
- Fresh Strawberries: The fresh, sweet, and slightly tart element that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and pistachio. Opt for sweet, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and juiciness. Their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to the cups.
- Heavy Cream: Used to create a smooth and luscious chocolate ganache. Heavy cream (or whipping cream) helps thin out the melted chocolate, preventing it from hardening too quickly and giving it a wonderfully pourable, creamy consistency that is perfect for layering.
- Chopped Pistachios (for garnishing): A final touch that adds extra crunch, flavor, and visual appeal, reinforcing the pistachio theme.
Crafting Your Own Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these gourmet Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups is a straightforward process, combining simple techniques to create an impressive dessert. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and chocolaty layers.
Expert Tips for Perfect Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Achieving the perfect Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is all about attention to detail. These expert tips will help you elevate your dessert from good to absolutely unforgettable:
- Strawberry Selection is Key: Always opt for the sweetest, freshest strawberries you can find. Ripe, in-season berries will provide the best flavor contrast to the rich chocolate and pistachio. Avoid overly soft or under-ripe strawberries, as they won’t offer the desired sweetness and texture.
- Homemade Pistachio Cream for Superior Flavor: While store-bought pistachio cream is convenient, homemade versions truly shine. Commercial creams often contain a high amount of sugar, oils, and artificial flavorings or colors. Making your own from scratch ensures a cleaner, more intense pistachio flavor and allows you to control the sweetness and texture. It’s a small effort for a huge flavor reward!
- Ganache Over Melted Chocolate for Texture: If you plan to store these cups for more than an hour before serving, making a chocolate ganache instead of just using plain melted chocolate is highly recommended. Melted chocolate, especially pure tempered chocolate, will become quite hard and brittle when refrigerated. Ganache, with the addition of heavy cream, remains softer, creamier, and more enjoyable straight from the fridge, providing a smooth, luxurious mouthfeel.
- Store Components Separately for Optimal Freshness: To maintain the crispness of the kataifi and the freshness of the strawberries, it’s best to store the prepared ingredients separately until just before serving. Keep the toasted kataifi mixture in an airtight container at room temperature, the chocolate ganache refrigerated, and the cut strawberries chilled. Assemble the cups just 30-60 minutes before you plan to eat them to ensure every layer retains its ideal texture and flavor.
- Don’t Over-Toast the Kataifi: Keep a close eye on the kataifi dough as it toasts. It can go from golden to burnt very quickly. A light golden-brown color is perfect for achieving that desired crispiness without any bitterness.
- Even Layers are Pleasing: For an aesthetically pleasing presentation and a balanced bite, try to create even layers of each component when assembling the cups.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups
Yes, you can prepare many components of this dessert in advance. The toasted kataifi mixture can be made up to 2-3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crispy. The chocolate ganache can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge; gently reheat it slightly or let it come to room temperature to achieve a pourable consistency before assembly. However, for the best experience, especially regarding the texture of the strawberries and the crispness of the kataifi, it is highly recommended to assemble the cups no more than 1-2 hours before serving. Strawberries tend to release moisture and can change texture once combined with other ingredients and chilled for too long.
While technically possible, fresh strawberries are highly recommended for this recipe. Frozen strawberries contain more water, which, upon thawing, can make the dessert watery and soggy, compromising the delicate textures of the kataifi and ganache. Fresh strawberries offer the best flavor, texture, and vibrant appearance for these cups.
Any leftover assembled Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups should be stored in an airtight container or individual cups sealed completely with plastic wrap (saran wrap) in the refrigerator. Consume them within 1-2 days for the best quality, as the kataifi may start to soften over time due to moisture from the strawberries and ganache. If you have stored the components separately, you can simply assemble fresh cups as needed.
Tahini provides a unique, slightly bitter and earthy flavor that is characteristic of Middle Eastern desserts and pairs beautifully with pistachio. While you could technically use almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile, it would significantly change the authentic taste of the Dubai-inspired dessert. For the best and most traditional result, stick with tahini.
If your ganache is too thick, gently warm it over a double boiler or in 10-second intervals in the microwave, stirring well, until it reaches a pourable consistency. You can also stir in an additional teaspoon of heavy cream at a time. If it’s too thin, allow it to cool slightly at room temperature, or even place it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
More Indulgent Chocolate Dessert Recipes to Explore
If you loved the rich flavors and delightful textures of these Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups, you’re in for a treat! Here are more chocolate-centric dessert recipes that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests:
- Flourless Chocolate Torte (Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake): A decadent and intensely chocolatey cake, naturally gluten-free, perfect for any special occasion.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups: A healthier, wholesome option that’s great for breakfast or a light dessert, combining the goodness of oats with chocolate and banana.
- Chocolate Cake with Pears: A sophisticated dessert that marries rich chocolate cake with tender, juicy pears, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
- Easy Mini Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe: Individual-sized cheesecakes that are creamy, chocolatey, and perfect for portion control and elegant serving.
These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are truly a remarkable creation: an easy, delightful no-bake chocolate dessert that is incredibly delicious and perfectly suited for any occasion, from casual family treats to elegant dinner parties. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can effortlessly recreate this Middle Eastern-inspired gourmet treat right at home. The blend of crispy kataifi, rich pistachio, smooth chocolate, and fresh strawberries offers a unique taste adventure that everyone will adore.
If you embark on the journey of trying this recipe or any of my other culinary creations, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment in the section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps others discover these wonderful recipes. Also, connect with me and stay updated on all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and new recipes by following Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Ingredients
- 1½ cup shredded kataifi dough
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp tahini paste
- 1 cup milk chocolate, or dark chocolate
- ¾ cup pistachio cream
- 1½ cup fresh strawberries
- chopped pistachios, for garnishing
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, melt some butter and toast the Kataifi dough until golden brown. Once golden, add in the tahini and pistachio cream. Mix until well combined.
- Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once all the chocolate melts, add in the heavy cream and mix until ganache is smooth. If you prefer your ganache to be more fluid, add in 1 tbsp more heavy cream at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Wash and cut up the strawberries. At this point, you should have everything ready for layering your strawberry cups.
- Start layering the strawberry cups. Place each ingredient in layers and repeat the process until you fill the cups. Garnish with chopped pistachios.
Notes
- Use sweet strawberries for better flavor.
- Make your pistachio cream at home for a cleaner version. Store-bought pistachio cream can have many additives and preservatives.
- It’s best to make a chocolate ganache instead of using just melted chocolate if you are not consuming it right away. Plain melted chocolate will harden significantly in the fridge.
- I recommend storing all ingredients separately and assembling right before you’re ready to eat. This way, the ingredients stay fresh and crunchy.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 172g |
Protein: 37g |
Fat: 104g |
Saturated Fat: 31g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 16g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 49g |
Trans Fat: 0.5g |
Cholesterol: 30mg |
Sodium: 880mg |
Potassium: 1255mg |
Fiber: 20g |
Sugar: 55g |
Vitamin A: 364IU |
Vitamin C: 64mg |
Calcium: 386mg |
Iron: 12mg