Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup: A Viral Dessert You Can Make at Home

The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup has quickly become one of the most talked-about treats on social media. Known for its rich texture, vibrant presentation, and unique combination of ingredients, this viral dessert offers the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and fruitiness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this decadent cup is as photogenic as it is delicious.

What sets this treat apart is its use of kataifi dough, pistachio cream, and fresh strawberries, all topped with a generous layer of melted chocolate. If you’re new to ingredients like kataifi or unsure how to get the perfect chocolate drizzle, check out this helpful guide on how to melt chocolate properly at home for the smoothest results. Also, if you’ve never worked with kataifi dough before, here’s a breakdown from The Spruce Eats on understanding kataifi pastry dough—a must-read before starting.

🍰 What Is a Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?

The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a no-bake, layered dessert that combines:

Buttery, toasted kataifi dough
Creamy, sweet pistachio cream
Sliced fresh strawberries
Melted milk or dark chocolate
Chopped pistachios for garnish

It’s typically served in small glass cups or dessert bowls, making it ideal for presentation at events, holidays like Valentine’s Day, or an indulgent dinner-party finale.

🥄 Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup at home is much easier than it looks, but its success heavily depends on using the right ingredients. Each component contributes to the iconic crunchy-creamy-fruity experience that makes this dessert so irresistible.

Below is a detailed list of everything you’ll need, along with tips, substitutions, and where to find hard-to-source items.

🍓 1. Fresh Strawberries

Use 1 quart of fresh strawberries, sliced or chopped
They provide a juicy, sweet contrast to the rich pistachio cream and melted chocolate
Avoid frozen strawberries—they release too much water and can make the dessert soggy

Tip: Choose ripe, firm berries for the best texture and presentation.

🌰 2. Pistachio Cream

Use one 10.5 oz jar of pistachio cream (not pistachio butter)
It’s sweet, smooth, and spreadable—similar in texture to Nutella but with a nutty flavor
Look for brands like Crema al Pistacchio or Sicania at Middle Eastern or European food markets

Why it matters: Unlike pistachio butter, pistachio cream has a velvet-like texture and sweetened flavor that binds the kataifi perfectly. Read about the health benefits of pistachios if you’re curious!

🥄 3. Kataifi Dough (a.k.a. Konafah Dough)

Use one 17.6 oz package of kataifi dough, thawed
This finely shredded pastry is used in many Middle Eastern desserts and is essential for that crispy layer
Available frozen in Middle Eastern grocery stores or international sections of specialty markets

💡 Do not substitute with cereal or phyllo sheets! Kataifi’s texture is unique and provides the golden, crispy bite the dessert is known for.

🧈 4. Salted Butter

You’ll need 2 to 3 tablespoons of salted butter
Used to toast the kataifi dough until golden brown and crunchy
Adds depth of flavor and brings out the nutty aroma of the pastry

Optional: Add a pinch of sea salt during toasting for a sweet-salty contrast.

🍫 5. Chocolate (Milk or Dark)

Melt down 1 full chocolate bar (like Tony’s or Lindt), or use chocolate chips
Milk chocolate is the most traditional choice, but dark chocolate works great if you prefer less sweetness
Can be drizzled while warm or sprinkled as solid chips

Need help melting? Check out how to melt chocolate properly at home.

🥄 6. Chopped Pistachios (Optional)

For garnish and crunch
Use roasted, unsalted pistachios for best flavor
Sprinkle on top just before serving for a professional touch

✅ Quick Ingredient Recap

1 quart fresh strawberries 🍓
10.5 oz jar pistachio cream 🌰
17.6 oz kataifi dough, thawed and chopped
2–3 tbsp salted butter 🧈
1 bar milk or dark chocolate 🍫
Pinch of salt 🧂
Optional: chopped pistachios for topping

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to create the ultimate Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup—a dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better.

🛒 Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Pistachio cream: This isn’t the same as pistachio butter or paste. Look for a silky, sweet spread (often labeled “Crema al Pistacchio”). Curious about the health perks? Here’s a deep dive into the nutrition benefits of pistachios.
Kataifi dough: A Middle Eastern staple that looks like shredded phyllo. Do NOT substitute with cereal or chopped phyllo sheets—texture matters!
Chocolate: You can use any kind—milk, dark, or white. Just be sure to melt it gently.
Strawberries: Fresh is best. Frozen will release too much moisture and make the dessert soggy.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Here’s how to bring this stunning dessert to life:

1. Toast the Kataifi Dough

Thaw frozen kataifi dough completely.
Chop it finely using scissors or a sharp knife.
In a skillet, melt salted butter over medium-low heat.
Add kataifi in small batches and toast for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

2. Mix With Pistachio Cream

Allow toasted dough to cool fully.
Mix with pistachio cream (start with one jar, add more if needed).
The result should be rich, slightly sticky, and spoonable.

3. Melt the Chocolate

Use a double boiler or the bowl-over-simmering-water method.
Stir gently until smooth and pourable.

4. Assemble the Cups

In a clear dessert glass or cup, layer in this order:

A spoonful of fresh strawberries
A dollop of the kataifi-pistachio mixture
Drizzle with melted chocolate
Repeat layers if desired
Top with chopped pistachios for texture

🌟 Why Everyone Loves This Dessert

Easy to prepare: No baking required!
Visually stunning: Layers show beautifully in glass
Customizable: Swap chocolate types or add fruit
Unique texture: Crispy + creamy + juicy

🧁 Delicious Variations to Try

White Chocolate & Rose Petal: Swap dark chocolate for white and sprinkle rose petals on top 🌹
Cardamom Twist: Add a pinch of cardamom to the pistachio cream for a Middle Eastern flair
Nutella Cup: Substitute Nutella for pistachio cream if unavailable
Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for extra color

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

While Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep parts in advance:

✅ Make Ahead

Toasted kataifi dough mixed with pistachio cream: store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Sliced strawberries: prep the same day, cover and refrigerate
Melted chocolate: reheat gently before serving

❌ Avoid

Assembling early: the strawberries can release water and ruin the crunch
Using frozen fruit: creates excess moisture

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Not recommended. They’ll become watery and compromise texture. Stick to fresh.

What is kataifi dough, and where do I find it?

Kataifi dough is finely shredded phyllo pastry, common in Middle Eastern and Turkish desserts. It’s available at most Middle Eastern grocery stores or online.

Can I use pistachio butter instead of cream?

No—pistachio butter is too thick and gritty. Use only smooth, sweet pistachio cream.

How far ahead can I make this dessert?

You can prep the components up to 5 days in advance but assemble just before serving.

Do I need a double boiler to melt chocolate?

Not necessarily! You can place a heat-safe bowl over simmering water. Learn how in this chocolate melting guide.

🎁 Serving Ideas & Occasions

The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup isn’t just another dessert—it’s a showstopper. With its layers of crispy kataifi, luxurious pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, and drizzled chocolate, it’s perfect for both everyday indulgence and special celebrations. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or planning a festive gathering, this dessert fits the vibe.

🍽️ Best Ways to Serve

In clear glass cups or dessert jars
Showcase the beautiful layers—presentation is half the wow factor!
As individual portions
Pre-portioned servings make it easier for guests and look elegant on dessert tables.
Topped with extras
Add a final flourish like edible gold leaf, rose petals, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra glam.

📅 Ideal Occasions to Impress

Valentine’s Day ❤️
What says romance better than chocolate and strawberries? Add a candle and you’ve got the perfect dessert for two.
Dinner Parties & Entertaining
Your guests will be amazed when you bring out these layered dessert cups after a meal. Easy to prep, but looks luxurious!
Ramadan & Eid Celebrations 🌙
The use of kataifi and pistachios adds a cultural twist, making it ideal for festive Middle Eastern occasions.
Bridal Showers or Baby Showers
Delicate, colorful, and indulgent—these cups are just as pretty as they are tasty.
Mother’s Day or Birthdays
Elevate your celebration by serving these instead of traditional cake.

🔚 Final Thoughts

The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is more than just a viral dessert—it’s a celebration of texture, flavor, and visual beauty in every spoonful. Combining crispy kataifi dough, silky pistachio cream, juicy strawberries, and rich chocolate, it’s the kind of treat that impresses both on the table and across your social feed.

What makes this dessert so special is how it fuses traditional Middle Eastern elements like kataifi and pistachios with universally loved flavors like chocolate and strawberries. It’s a true culinary crossover—easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for a five-star dinner party. Whether you’re making this for a date night, a holiday gathering, or simply to satisfy your own sweet cravings, it delivers on all fronts. 🍓🍫

It’s also incredibly customizable. Want it sweeter? Go with white chocolate. Prefer a nut-free version? Swap out the pistachio cream for a hazelnut spread. Craving something festive? Add rose petals or gold flakes. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can make this dessert entirely your own.

Just remember: freshness is key. Use fresh strawberries, melt your chocolate slowly, and don’t skip that pinch of salt—it brings all the sweetness to life.

In the end, the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is more than just food—it’s a moment. A moment of indulgence, of discovery, of elegance. And once you make it at home, don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature dessert. 🌟