There’s something truly enchanting about the moment you layer fresh strawberries with crispy kataifi dough and smooth pistachio cream, all drizzled with warm, melted chocolate. It’s like a mini culinary masterpiece right in your own kitchen! I discovered this delightful No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup recipe one evening when I yearned for an indulgent treat but didn’t want to face the fuss of baking. Each bite offers a sweet crunch and a velvety burst of flavor, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion—from surprise dinner parties to simple family nights at home.
Imagine the delight on your friends’ faces as you present these beautifully layered cups, showcasing the vibrant reds and greens, each spoonful a harmonious blend of textures. And the best part? You can whip these up quickly without breaking a sweat! Trust me; whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe will charm everyone with its exotic flair and irresistible taste. Let’s dive into how to make the viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup at home!

How to Make the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup?
Simplicity at Its Finest: Preparing the viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is a breeze, perfect for novice chefs and seasoned kitchen wizards alike.
Decadent Layers: The combination of crispy kataifi dough, smooth pistachio cream, and fresh strawberries creates an enchanting blend of flavors and textures.
No-Bake Joy: Enjoy the ease of a no-bake dessert that impresses—ideal for spontaneous gatherings!
Visual Delight: These cups are a feast for the eyes, showcasing vibrant layers that elevate any table setting.
Quick and Crowd-Pleasing: Get delightful results in no time, making it a go-to option for satisfying sweet cravings or wow-ing your guests!
For more delicious inspiration, check out our indulgent dessert ideas to complement this stunning recipe.
How to Make the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Ingredients
• Get ready to create magic with these key components for the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup!
For the Fruit and Filling
- Strawberries – Fresh fruit providing sweetness and a juicy contrast to the chocolate; you can substitute with various berries for a unique twist.
- Pistachio Cream – Adds richness and a smooth texture essential for authenticity; remember, it’s not the same as pistachio butter due to textural differences.
For the Crunch Layer
- Kataifi Dough (or Konafah) – Provides a crunchy element when toasted; cannot be replaced with shredded cereal, but thin strips of phyllo dough can be used as a last resort.
- Salted Butter – Used for toasting the kataifi dough, enhances flavor; unsalted butter works too if preferred.
- Salt – A pinch enhances the flavor profiles of the ingredients.
For the Coating
- Chocolate – Rich coating for the dessert, choose between milk or dark chocolate for flavor flexibility; if preferred, you can also sprinkle chocolate chips instead of melting.
- Chopped Pistachios – Optional garnish for added crunch and visual appeal; feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler finish.
Now that you have all the ingredients gathered, you’re just a few steps away from creating this delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy at home!
How to Make the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Prepare the Dough: Melt salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded kataifi dough in small batches, toasting until golden brown, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Transfer the toasted dough to paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Mix with Cream: Once the kataifi dough has cooled completely, combine it with the pistachio cream in a bowl, mixing gently until all the dough is evenly coated for a deliciously rich texture.
Melt the Chocolate: Set up a double boiler and melt your chosen chocolate until it’s smooth and creamy. This will serve as the delicious warm coating for your dessert.
Layer the Cups: In a clear cup or jar, start layering the dessert. Begin with sliced strawberries, followed by the kataifi-pistachio mixture, then drizzle melted chocolate on top. Repeat these layers until your cups are filled to the brim with all the delightful flavors.
Serve: Enjoy your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups right away for the best texture and flavor, ideally on the same day they are assembled.
Optional: Top with extra chopped pistachios for an added crunch and beautiful presentation.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Toast with Care: Keep an eye on the kataifi dough as it toasts. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure an even golden color, which is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality pistachio cream for richness. It elevates the dessert, helping you create the incredible Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup that will impress everyone.
Assemble Just Before Serving: To maintain structure and texture, avoid pre-assembling the layers. Layer your dessert right before serving to keep it fresh and delicious.
Make Ahead Wisely: If you plan on preparing ahead of time, store the kataifi-pistachio mixture separately. Layering it too early can lead to soggy cups, so keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve.
Experiment with Fruit: Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries or even bananas! Variety can make this dish even more exciting, and you can explore flavors based on what’s in season.
How to Store and Freeze the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Room Temperature: Enjoy the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups fresh for the best texture; they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours for serving.
Fridge: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The layers may soften slightly but will still be delightful!
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for assembled cups, as the textures will be compromised. However, you can freeze the kataifi-pistachio mixture for up to 1 month in an airtight container.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; simply assemble your frozen mixture with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate before serving for the best experience.
Chocolate Strawberry Cup Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize your dessert experience with these delightful variations!
Berry Mix: Substitute strawberries with a medley of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist. Each fruit brings a unique flavor!
Cream Alternates: Try almond or hazelnut cream in place of pistachio for a nutty depth. You’ll discover flavors reminiscent of a delightful bakery treat!
Chocolate Flavors: Enhance melted chocolate by mixing in orange zest or a sprinkle of sea salt, which adds a surprising depth of flavor to the rich chocolate coating.
Sweet Additions: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup between layers for a touch of extra sweetness. This brings a natural caramel note that beautifully complements the dessert.
Coconut Bliss: Incorporate shredded coconut within the layers or as a garnish for a tropical flair. Its subtle sweetness pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberries.
Spicy Kick: For a daring twist, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the melted chocolate. This playful heat creates a surprising contrast to the sweetness!
Garnish Magic: Experiment with different toppings like crushed Oreo cookies or colorful sprinkles besides pistachios for added visual appeal and crunch.
Banana Bliss: Swap out strawberries altogether for thin slices of fresh bananas. The creamy texture of banana beautifully complements the crunchy layers and chocolatey goodness!
What to Serve with Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups?
Looking to create the perfect dining experience to accompany your delectable dessert?
- Fluffy Pita Bread: Softer bread helps balance the dessert’s richness and offers a light contrast that prepares your palate for sweetness.
- Creamy Hummus Dip: The savory, nutty flavor of hummus pairs beautifully with the sweet nature of the chocolate strawberry cups, making it a delightful starter.
- Minty Green Salad: A fresh salad with mint helps cleanse the palate and adds a vibrant burst of color to your meal. The brightness of the mint complements the sweetness of the dessert.
- Rich Coffee: A cup of strong coffee creates a perfect harmony against the sweetness of the dessert, making each bite even more enjoyable. The bold flavors can bring out the richness of the chocolate.
- Charming Fruit Platter: Serve a selection of seasonal fruits as a light appetizer, providing refreshing flavors to contrast the richness of the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups.
- Rose Water Lemonade: A refreshing drink that adds a floral note, enhancing the dessert’s exotic flair while providing perfect hydration. Enjoy it chilled for a delightful pairing with your treat.
Make Ahead Options
These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the kataifi-pistachio mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crunch. Additionally, wash and slice your strawberries a few hours before serving—this will keep them fresh and juicy while making assembly a breeze. When you’re ready to impress, simply melt your chocolate and layer the prepped components in clear cups. The final assembly takes just minutes, ensuring that you can enjoy this delightful dessert with minimal effort and maximal flavor, allowing you to indulge without the stress on busy days!

How to Store and Freeze the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe strawberries for my cups?
Absolutely! Choose strawberries that are bright red, plump, and have a fresh green stem. Avoid any with white or green patches, as that indicates they are under-ripe. Opt for berries without soft spots or dark spots, indicating overripeness.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Although the layers may soften a bit, they will still taste wonderful and indulgent.
Can I freeze the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups?
I often advise against freezing the assembled cups, as the textures can suffer greatly once thawed. However, if you want to make ahead, you can freeze the kataifi-pistachio mixture in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Just remember to assemble with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate right before serving.
What do I do if my kataifi dough burns?
Keep stirring the kataifi dough frequently while toasting—to avoid burning, the key is to watch it closely as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly, usually within a few moments. If it does burn, don’t panic. Just start fresh with a new batch, ensuring that you toast it slowly.
Can I use it for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, feel free to replace the pistachio cream with almond or hazelnut versions for a creative twist that’s still delicious. Also, if you’re accommodating someone with nut allergies, you could omit the cream and simply use a different kind of fruit or sweet topping. Just remember to always check the labels of your bought products for allergens!
Can I prepare the layers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the kataifi-pistachio mixture up to 1 week in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Just remember to layer it right before you serve to keep everything fresh and crunchy!

Indulge at Home: How to Make the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded kataifi dough in small batches, toasting until golden brown for about 15-20 minutes. Transfer toasted dough to paper towels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Once the kataifi dough has cooled completely, combine it with the pistachio cream in a bowl, mixing gently until all the dough is evenly coated.
- Set up a double boiler and melt your chosen chocolate until it's smooth and creamy.
- In a clear cup or jar, layer sliced strawberries, followed by kataifi-pistachio mixture, then drizzle melted chocolate on top. Repeat the layers until the cups are filled.
- Enjoy your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups right away for the best texture and flavor.

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