Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups aren’t your average dessert — they’re a full experience. Imagine soft strawberries layered between ribbons of melted chocolate, pistachio cream, and crispy golden kataifi. Each spoonful is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and just a little bit luxurious.

And here’s a sweet bonus: strawberries aren’t just delicious — they’re incredibly nutritious too. According to Harvard’s Nutrition Source, berries like strawberries are loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants that may protect your heart and reduce inflammation.

The first time I saw this trending online, I thought: “This is what dessert would taste like at a five-star hotel in Dubai.” And guess what? You can make it right in your own kitchen — no pastry chef required.

This dessert is a twist on tradition. It combines Middle Eastern textures (hello, kataifi and pistachio) with modern, shareable presentation. Let’s layer it up.

Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups

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Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups aren’t your average dessert — they’re a full experience. Layers of fresh strawberries, pistachio cream, crispy kataifi, and silky chocolate — a luxurious bite every time.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough (chopped)
• 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, halved
• 2 tablespoons ground pistachios

Instructions

1. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, letting it melt completely.
2. Add chopped kataifi and stir constantly until golden and crisp (about 8–10 minutes).
3. Take off the heat and stir in the pistachio butter along with the tahini until well combined. Let cool 10 minutes.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.
5. In 4 clear dessert cups, add a layer of strawberry halves.
6. Drizzle 2 tbsp melted chocolate over strawberries.
7. Add 2–3 tbsp kataifi-pistachio mixture.
8. Repeat the layers, ending with kataifi on top.
9. Top with remaining chocolate drizzle and ground pistachios.
10. Chill 10 minutes to set, or serve immediately.

Notes

Best served within 24 hours for optimal texture. You can prep ingredients ahead but assemble just before serving to keep kataifi crispy.

• Author: Anna Gomez
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Layered
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: strawberries, chocolate, kataifi, pistachio, dessert, layered dessert

What Are Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups?

It’s a Modern Take on a Classic Flavor Combo

We all know chocolate + strawberries = perfect match. But Dubai-style cups go way beyond the basic dip. These are layered desserts made with:

• Fresh strawberry halves
• Kataifi dough (a phyllo-style pastry shredded into fine threads)
• Pistachio butter or cream
• Melted chocolate, usually dark
• And often a touch of tahini or coconut oil for richness

The whole thing is built in a transparent glass or cup so you can see every mouthwatering layer.

Inspired by Middle Eastern Luxury

Dubai’s dessert scene is known for combining tradition with elegance — and this treat is no exception. The blend of pistachio and crispy kataifi echoes the spirit of Middle Eastern desserts, while the chocolate-dipped strawberries add a modern, universally loved twist., It’s the kind of dish that says: “I made an effort,” even if it only took 15 minutes.

Ingredients & Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Base & Crunch

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough (chopped)

Filling

• 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)

Chocolate Layer

• 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Fruit

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, halved

Topping

• 2 tablespoons ground pistachios

Instructions

• Toast the kataifi
  Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, letting it melt completely. Add chopped kataifi and stir constantly until golden and crisp (about 8–10 minutes). Take off the heat and stir in the pistachio butter along with the tahini until well combined. Let cool 10 minutes.

• Melt the chocolate
  In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.

• Assemble the layers
  In 4 clear dessert cups:
  • Add a layer of strawberry halves
  • Drizzle 2 tbsp melted chocolate
  • Add 2–3 tbsp kataifi-pistachio mixture
  • Repeat the layers (ending with kataifi)

• Finish and serve
  Top with remaining chocolate drizzle and ground pistachios. Chill 10 minutes to set, or serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Want more recipes with Middle Eastern flair? Try our Pistachio Butter & Pink Salt combo — it’s salty, sweet, and totally addictive.

How Long Do Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups Stay Fresh?

Best Enjoyed Within 2 Days

Because this dessert includes fresh strawberries and a crunchy kataifi layer, it’s best served the same day or within 24 hours. That’s when the layers hold their best texture — crispy on top, soft in the middle, rich all around.

Storing Leftovers the Right Way

If you have leftovers (honestly, rare at my house), here’s what works:

• Refrigerate immediately, covered lightly with plastic wrap
• Store for up to 3–4 days
• By the third day, the strawberries tend to soften slightly and the kataifi becomes less crispy, but the taste remains absolutely delicious.,

Avoid freezing — the texture doesn’t survive well once thawed.

Can You Prep These Cups Ahead of Time?

Ideal for Make-Ahead (With a Trick!)

Yes! These Dubai Strawberry Cups are great for prepping in advance — just build the first layer (strawberries + chocolate) and store the kataifi-pistachio mixture separately.

Add the final layer right before serving so it stays perfectly crisp.

Hosting Tip from My Kitchen

When I make these for brunches or family dinners, I prep all three parts:

• Toast the kataifi and stir in pistachio cream
• Warm the chocolate until fully melted, then transfer it into a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
• Wash and slice the strawberries

Then, I assemble everything right before we eat — it feels freshly made, but takes 2 minutes flat.

If you’re prepping for a party, this dessert pairs beautifully with small bites like our 10-minute mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto — sweet and savory, all in one spread.

What Makes These Cups Different from Classic Chocolate Strawberry Desserts?

It’s All About Layers, Texture, and Influence

Classic chocolate-covered strawberries are lovely — simple, sweet, and easy. But Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups bring something totally new to the table.

It’s not just about dipping fruit in chocolate.

It’s about:

• Texture – creamy pistachio meets crunchy kataifi
• Flavor depth – tahini, coconut oil, and nutty layers build richness
• Visual drama – the layered look in clear glass cups feels luxurious
• Middle Eastern inspiration – ingredients like pistachio cream and kataifi bring cultural depth

Dessert That Feels Like a Statement

These cups turn an everyday combo into a plated experience — no fork and knife required. They look high-end, but are still quick and real-life friendly.

The saffron twist in these strawberries reminds me of another indulgent favorite — our lobster bisque with saffron infusion. It’s creamy, bold, and made to impress.

Can You Find Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups in the US?

Not in Stores… Yet

You probably won’t find these specific pistachio-kataifi-strawberry cups at your local grocery store — they’re still a bit of a hidden gem.

While high-end Middle Eastern bakeries in cities like New York, L.A., or Houston might serve something similar, these cups are best made at home where you control every layer.

Make-At-Home = Ultimate Luxury

And that’s the fun part — building them fresh means:

• You get full control over sweetness, crunch, and flavor
• It’s fresher (and usually cheaper)
• It becomes your signature recipe — the one guests talk about long after dessert

Explore more practical tips for stress-free kitchen wins in our other related yummy recipes like this one on How I Save Time in the Kitchen Without Losing My Mind. You’ll thank yourself later.

Make It Yours — Customizing the Layers

Add Your Own Flavor Twist

This dessert is already pretty luxurious, but you can easily make it reflect your taste (or your pantry). Here are a few ideas I’ve tested and loved:

• You can replace pistachio butter with almond cream or a rich hazelnut spread for a delicious twist.
• Use ruby chocolate for a pink drizzle — it adds a tangy, berry-like note
• Add a splash of orange blossom water to the kataifi filling for fragrance
• Layer with mascarpone or whipped Greek yogurt between the strawberries
• Top with candied rose petals or even a pinch of sea salt for contrast

Play With Presentation

Instead of individual cups, you could:

• Make a large trifle bowl version for dinner parties
• Use mini shot glasses for tastings or dessert boards
• Try wide champagne coupes for a fancy plated look

Love remixing desserts with a twist? Don’t miss our other related yummy recipes like Mozzarella Wrapped in Prosciutto: The Perfect 10-Minute Appetizer

FAQs – Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups

Final Thoughts from Anna’s Kitchen

This dessert may look like it came out of a pastry shop in Dubai, but trust me — it’s built for real life. Dubai Chocolate Covered Strawberries Cups take everything I love about food: flavor, texture, culture, and creativity — and layer it into one beautiful bite.

It’s a reminder that we don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something memorable. With a handful of pantry staples and a little layering magic, we get a dessert that feels like a celebration.

So the next time you want to wow your family, impress your guests, or just treat yourself on a regular Tuesday — grab some strawberries, melt some chocolate, and pull out that pistachio butter. You’ve got this.

Whether it’s fancy desserts or down-home appetizers, I always say balance is key. Serve these strawberries next to a crowd-pleaser like our buffalo chicken dip and watch your guests come back for seconds… and thirds.

Thanks for layering something sweet with me,
Anna