This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup recipe brings together simple, delicious ingredients. This treat combines the sweetness of strawberries with rich chocolate and the unique crunch of pistachio-flavored kataifi. It’s a dessert that’s easy to make and fun to eat.
I first saw a version of this dessert at a local food festival. The combination of textures and flavors was something I hadn’t experienced before. It was so good I was trying to figure out ways to make it even better, which got me into perfecting it with this recipe. One of the secrets that will make this recipe shine more is to choose high-quality chocolate, you really feel how it melts in your mouth, and try to find really good and ripe strawberries. These two things will take your recipe quality and flavor to the next level.
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Reasons to Try Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
This recipe stands out because it mixes different tastes and textures. The fresh, juicy strawberries pair with smooth, melted chocolate. The crispy, buttery kataifi adds a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. It’s a simple dessert, but it feels fancy and special. It is incredibly easy to customize it to your own preference, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Another big plus is how easy it is to put together. You don’t need to be a baking expert. Kids can even help make it, which makes it perfect for a fun activity.
Where did Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup come from?
The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a new take on the viral Dubai chocolate bar. The original chocolate bar was created by chocolatier Sarah Hamouda at Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. This dessert gained popularity on social media for its unique blend of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and knafeh (a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded filo pastry). The strawberry cup version takes these elements and layers them with fresh strawberries in a cup, offering an easier, no-bake approach. The trend builds upon existing chocolate-covered strawberry trends, particularly those popularized by places like Borough Market in London.
Ingredients Notes
- Strawberries: Use fresh, ripe strawberries. Look for bright red berries that are firm to the touch. The sweetness of the strawberries is key to balancing the other flavors.
- Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mix of both. Choose a good-quality chocolate that melts well.
- Kataifi (Shredded Filo Dough): This is a shredded pastry dough found in Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores. It adds a unique, crispy texture. If you can’t find kataifi, you can use regular filo dough, but you’ll need to shred it yourself.
- Pistachio Butter/Cream: This provides a nutty, creamy element. Look for it at Middle Eastern grocery stores, Italian specialty shops, or online.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used to toast the Kataifi.
- Tahini (optional): This sesame seed paste adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness. It’s optional but recommended.
- Pistachios (optional): Crushed pistachios are for garnish and extra crunch.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Prepare the Kataifi:
Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the kataifi and cook, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and crispy. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and, if using, stir in the pistachio butter and tahini until well combined.
Melt the Chocolate:
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. You can add a teaspoon of coconut oil to make the chocolate smoother, but it is not necessary.
Assemble the Cups:
Start with a layer of halved or quartered strawberries at the bottom of your cup or glass.
Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the strawberries.
Sprinkle a layer of the toasted kataifi mixture on top.
Repeat these layers until the cup is full.
Finish with a final layer of strawberries, a drizzle of chocolate, and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios (if using).
What You Must Know About Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
- Kataifi Browning: Watch the kataifi closely while toasting. It can burn quickly. Stir it constantly and keep the heat at medium or medium-low.
- Chocolate Melting: Don’t overheat the chocolate. If it gets too hot, it can seize up and become grainy. Microwave in short bursts and stir well.
- Serving Immediately: The dessert tastes best when served immediately, so the kataifi is crispy and the chocolate is a bit fluid.
- Strawberry Quality: Using fresh, high-quality strawberries will significantly improve the taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Fruit: Instead of strawberries, try raspberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas.
- Nut Butter Variety: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of pistachio butter.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with white chocolate or flavored chocolates.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Add Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the cup.
Serving Suggestions for Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Serve these cups as a dessert for a special occasion or a casual treat. They are great for parties, potlucks, or a simple family dessert.
Garnish: Besides crushed pistachios, you can add a sprig of mint or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Side Dishes: These cups are rich, so a light side like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of plain yogurt can complement them well.
Storage
Store any leftover Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups in the refrigerator. Cover them with plastic wrap. They are best eaten within a day or two, as the kataifi will soften over time. The strawberries may also release some juice. This dessert isn’t ideal for freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Can I make this recipe without kataifi?
Yes, but the texture will be different. You can use crushed cookies, granola, or toasted shredded coconut as a substitute, but kataifi gives the best texture.
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
What if I don’t have tahini?
Tahini adds a nice depth of flavor, but it’s optional. You can skip it, or add a tiny pinch of salt to the pistachio butter to balance the sweetness.
How do I prevent the chocolate from hardening too quickly?
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate while melting can help keep it smooth and pourable for longer.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
It’s best assembled just before serving to keep the kataifi crunchy. However, you can prepare the individual components (toasted kataifi, melted chocolate, cut strawberries) ahead of time and store them separately.
Unforgettable Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups: Easy Recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries halved or quartered
- 1 cup chocolate chips milk, dark, or a combination
- 4 ounces kataifi shredded filo dough
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup pistachio butter or cream
- 2 tablespoons tahini optional
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional, for smoother chocolate
- Ground pistachios for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kataifi and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Turn off heat and stir in pistachio butter and tahini (if using) until well combined.
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Add a layer of strawberry halves to the bottom of 4 clear cups. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate to fill the gaps.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of the kataifi filling on top.
- Repeat layers of strawberries, kataifi filling, and melted chocolate until cups are filled.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios (if using). Enjoy immediately, or chill for about 10 minutes to allow chocolate to set slightly.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 450-600 (depending on the size of the cup and the specific ingredients used).
- Fat: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Sugar: 30-40g
- Protein: 5-10g
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