If you have a hankering for something that blends crunchy textures with rich, fruity flavors, then you are in for a treat with the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe. This delightful dessert layers golden toasted kataifi dough with luscious pistachio cream, ripe strawberries, and decadent dark chocolate, creating an irresistible cup of sweet indulgence. Each spoonful delivers a marvelous combination of nutty, creamy, fruity, and crispy elements that make this recipe a standout favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—kataifi provides a crisp and flaky texture, pistachio cream adds a rich nuttiness, strawberries bring fresh juiciness and a pop of color, while dark chocolate offers a silky depth of flavor.
- Salted butter (3 tablespoons): Essential for toasting the kataifi dough, giving it a rich, golden crunch.
- Kataifi (4 ounces): The shredded fillo dough forms the crispy base that contrasts beautifully with creamy layers.
- Pistachio cream (7 ounces): Adds a smooth, nutty sweetness to complement the strawberries perfectly.
- Tahini sesame paste (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle, earthy undertone that enhances the richness of the dish.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
- Strawberries (21 pieces): Fresh and juicy, they inject vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- Dark chocolate melting wafers (5 ounces): For luscious drizzles and dips adding that decadent chocolatey finish.
- Chopped pistachios (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled for a final crunchy nutty garnish.
How to Make Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Kataifi Dough
Start by breaking the kataifi dough into fine, half-inch-long pieces; this helps it toast evenly. Melt the salted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the kataifi. Turn the heat down to low and stir frequently until the strands turn beautifully golden brown. This step brings out a delightful crunch and buttery aroma that forms the cornerstone texture of the dessert.
Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Mixture
While the kataifi cools, whisk together the pistachio cream, tahini sesame paste, and salt in a medium bowl. This mixture forms a creamy, nutty layer that perfectly complements the crunchy kataifi. When the kataifi is no longer hot, stir it into the pistachio mix until everything is evenly coated. Let this cool so it’s easier to layer later.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and dry your strawberries thoroughly. Set aside three whole strawberries for decoration later. Hull and quarter the remaining strawberries, then divide 12 quarters among your serving cups, placing them at the bottom to create a juicy base layer. The strawberries provide fresh, fruity brightness to offset the richness of the other layers.
Step 4: Melt and Drizzle the Chocolate
Melt your dark chocolate wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each burst to make sure it’s smooth and glossy. Drizzle about one tablespoon of this luscious chocolate over the strawberries in each cup, then sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top. This adds a beautiful layer of bittersweet richness and a satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Spoon two generous scoops of the kataifi-pistachio mixture over the chocolate and pistachios in each cup. Press gently to spread it to the edges, creating a snug layer. Repeat the strawberry, chocolate drizzle, pistachio sprinkle, and kataifi layering process one more time to build tall, impressive cups packed with flavor and texture.
Step 6: Finish with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Dip the reserved whole strawberries into the remaining melted chocolate and place one atop each cup. Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the top and finish with a scattering of chopped pistachios. These final touches turn the dessert into a showstopper that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe even further. A few fresh mint leaves or edible rose petals add a burst of color and freshness. For a textured contrast, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt flakes over the chocolate drizzle to enhance all those layered flavors.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to balance the nuttiness. A small glass of rose tea or sparkling water with a lemon wedge can also cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything with this recipe. Try serving the cups in clear glass tumblers or mini mason jars to showcase the striking layers. For a twist, use colorful cocktail picks to skewer the chocolate-dipped strawberries on top. You could even assemble mini versions in shot glasses for a fun party appetizer style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, for the best texture, it’s ideal to consume them fresh since the kataifi might soften over time.
Freezing
This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh strawberries and delicate kataifi dough. Freezing can make the strawberries mushy and the kataifi soggy, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as noted.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended because the dessert is best served cold or at room temperature to preserve the crisp kataifi and fresh strawberries. If needed, allow refrigerated cups to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular filo dough instead of kataifi?
Kataifi is shredded filo dough with a unique texture that delivers the signature crunch of this recipe. Regular filo won’t give the same effect, but in a pinch, you might carefully slice filo sheets into thin strips to toast similarly.
Is pistachio cream hard to find?
Pistachio cream is usually available at specialty grocery stores or online. You can also substitute with Nutella or another nut butter, but the flavor profile will differ slightly from the original Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe.
How ripe should the strawberries be?
Choose bright red, firm strawberries that are ripe but not mushy. They should be juicy and fragrant to add fresh sweetness and texture to the dessert.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use dairy-free pistachio cream, and check that your chocolate wafers are dairy-free. The tahini paste is naturally vegan, so it fits perfectly.
What’s the best way to crush the kataifi dough?
Breaking it into small, roughly half-inch pieces with your hands lends the best uniformity for even toasting. Avoid using a blender or processor to keep the strands from becoming powdery.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe—a blend of textures and flavors that tantalize your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Whether you’re making a treat for yourself or a wow-worthy dessert for guests, this recipe is a gem that’s easy to love and share. Dive in, have fun assembling, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This delightful Dubai Strawberry Cup recipe features crispy, butter-toasted kataifi layered with rich pistachio cream, tahini, fresh strawberries, and drizzled dark chocolate for an indulgent, multi-textured dessert that’s quick to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Butter and Dough
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (42g)
- 4 ounces kataifi (shredded fillo dough)
Filling
- 7 ounces pistachio cream (200g, or Nutella as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons tahini sesame paste (30g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Fresh Fruit
- 21 strawberries
Chocolate and Garnish
- 5 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers (141g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare Kataifi: Add 4 ounces of kataifi shredded fillo dough into a large bowl and crush the strands into finer pieces approximately ½-inch long by hand for even toasting.
- Toast Kataifi: Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the kataifi to the skillet and reduce heat to low. Stir frequently until the kataifi is evenly golden brown and crisp.
- Mix Pistachio Filling: Using the bowl where the kataifi was crushed, combine 7 ounces of pistachio cream, 2 tablespoons of tahini sesame paste, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Combine Toasted Kataifi with Filling: Pour the toasted kataifi into the pistachio mixture and stir until all the dough is evenly coated. Set aside to cool while you prepare the strawberries.
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and dry all 21 strawberries. Set 3 whole strawberries aside for garnish. Remove the stems from the remaining strawberries and cut them into quarters. Place 12 strawberry quarters at the bottom of three 12-ounce cups or alternatively two 16-ounce cups.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt 5 ounces of dark chocolate wafers using 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring in between until fully smooth and melted.
- Layer Chocolate and Nuts: Drizzle about one tablespoon of melted chocolate over the strawberries in each cup. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the chocolate layer.
- Add Kataifi Mixture Layer: Spoon two scoops of the kataifi and pistachio mixture onto each cup, gently pressing the mixture down to the sides of the cup to form a neat layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with more strawberry quarters, melted chocolate, chopped pistachios, and kataifi mixture to fill the cups as desired.
- Garnish with Strawberries and Chocolate: Dip the reserved 3 whole strawberries in the remaining melted chocolate and place one on top of each cup. Drizzle remaining chocolate over the tops and sprinkle with leftover chopped pistachios for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Be attentive while toasting kataifi to prevent burning – stir constantly on low heat to achieve an even golden color.
- If pistachio cream is unavailable, Nutella or another nut-based spread can be used as an alternative but will alter the flavor profile.
- Use quality dark chocolate wafers for smoother melting and a richer taste.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours for a cooler dessert experience.
- Ensure strawberries are thoroughly dried to help chocolate adhere better during dipping and drizzling.
