Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you’re looking for a new dessert to make, try this viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup.
This is a refreshing treat that is a perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy.
Plus, it just looks so awesome and decadent. It’s perfect for a romantic evening or any day when you want something sweet to treat yourself.
What is the Viral Dubai Strawberry Cup?
We’ve all seen the viral Dubai chocolate bar all over social media—now there’s a strawberry cup version.
It features whole (or sliced) strawberries layered with rich chocolate sauce, crispy and buttery shredded filo (kataifi) tossed in creamy pistachio butter and tahini (sesame seed puree), then topped with crunchy pistachios.
I also added whipped cream because why not.
Why Try the Viral Dubai Strawberry Cup?
If you’ve tried the viral Dubai chocolate bar and want a new twist, don’t have a chocolate mold, or simply love strawberries, this recipe is for you.
It’s especially great for commercially grown strawberries, which are often big but too tart. The sweetness of the other ingredients balances the tartness perfectly, creating a delicious combination.
And since it’s red, it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients & Substitutions
If you want to give this viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup (or bowl) a try, gather the following ingredients:
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of the show here, but you can also use fresh raspberries, blue berries or even sliced bananas. However, I like to stick to tart fruit so it counterbalance the sweetness from the other components.
- Kataifi: Fine strings of filo pastry (also known as phyllo dough). It resembles fine vermicelli noodles or shredded wheat when nicely toasted. This adds the amazing crunch. Look for it in the international or Middle Eastern grocery stores. If you’re in the Sacramento area, KP international Market in Rancho Cordova has them in the freezer section.
- Salted Butter: Used to toast the kataifi until it’s flaky and golden brown. If you only have unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the kataifi.
- Pistachio Nut Butter: I got pistachio nut butter from Walmart. They are located in the peanut butter aisle. I’m only using half of a 6.7 oz jar. This pistachio butter adds a creamy, sweet pistachio flavor and is the main source of sweetness in the recipe. What does it taste like? Think Nutella hazelnut spread, but with pistachio flavor. If you can’t find pistachio butter, Nutella and Biscoff spread are also great substitutes. Feeling ambitious? You can make pistachio butter by blending pistachios in a food processor until smooth.
- Tahini: Tahini is simply sesame seed paste. This is used to balance the sweetness from the pistachio butter. I also purchased this from Walmart.
- Chocolate Sauce: I’m making my own dark chocolate ganache. It’s a smooth blend of dark chocolate and cream—so much better than chocolate syrup! Of course, you can use store-bought chocolate sauce for a quick alternative. To make the ganache, I’m using Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers and heavy whipping cream. Since I didn’t have heavy whipping cream on hand, I improvised by doubling the amount of aerosol whipped cream and heating it to return it to a liquid state. If you prefer a white chocolate version, use Ghirardelli white chocolate melting wafers instead.
- Chopped Pistachios: A final sprinkle of pistachios adds texture and extra nutty flavor.
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Pistachio Tahini Kataifi
Make the crunchy green kataifi filling below and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Ganache (Chocolate Sauce)
If you’re using store-bought chocolate sauce, skip this step.
Otherwise, spray about 1 cup of aerosol whipped cream (or 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream) into a microwave safe container, add melting wafers and heat in the microwave for one minute.
Stir with a whisk until smooth and glossy. If the chocolate wafers do not incorporate into the cream, pop it back into the microwave for a little longer and mix again. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberries & Pistachios
Wash the strawberries with water and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with paper towels. Cut off the top leafy ends and set the strawberries aside.
Deshell the pistachio and chop them up coarsely. I like to put the deshelled pistachios in a ziploc bag and smash them with rolling pin. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cup (or Bowl)
Now that you got all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble (the fun part).
In a tall cup or medium bowl, layer your delicious Dubai strawberry dessert.
Begin with strawberries, followed by a drizzle of chocolate sauce, 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pistachio filo, and repeat with more strawberries, more sauce and more filo.
Top it off whipped cream (if using), chopped pistachios and enjoy.
Prepare Ahead of Time
If you’re short on time, you can prep ahead by making the filo mixture and chocolate ganache in advance. Store them separately, and assemble just before serving to keep everything perfectly crunchy.
If the filo pistachio cream mixture clumps up, give it a quick reheat in the microwave to loosen it. The toasted filo will remain crispy, as if you freshly made it.
Chocolate ganache thickens into a paste when refrigerated. If that happens, simply warm it in the microwave until it returns to a smooth, pourable consistency—good as new, as well.
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Description
Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar, this strawberry cup version is perfect for Valentine’s Day! It features fresh strawberries layered with rich chocolate ganache, crispy kataifi tossed in pistachio butter and tahini—tasty and quick to make!
- Make the Pistachio Tahini Kataifi: Cut the kataifi into short pieces if needed. In a large pan, melt butter then add kataifi. Toast for 8-10 minutes over medium heat until golden brown while tossing for even toasting. Turn off the heat. Mix in the pistachio butter and tahini until fully combined. Set aside.
- Make the Ganache (Chocolate Sauce): If you’re using store-bought chocolate sauce, skip this step. Otherwise, combine aerosol whipped cream (or heavy whipping cream) into a microwave safe container, add melting wafers and heat in the microwave for one minute. Stir with a whisk until smooth and glossy. If the chocolate wafers do not incorporate into the cream, pop it back into the microwave to get it hotter and mix again until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the Strawberries & Pistachios: Wash the strawberries with water and rinse thoroughly. Drain dry. Cut off the top leafy ends and set aside. Deshell the pistachio and chop them up coarsely. I like to put the deshelled pistachios in a ziploc bag and smash them with rolling pin. Set aside as well.
- Assemble: In a tall cup or medium bowl, layer the Dubai strawberry dessert. Begin with strawberries, followed by a drizzle of chocolate sauce, 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pistachio filo, and repeat with more strawberries, more sauce, and more filo. Top it off whipped cream (if using), chopped pistachios and enjoy.
Notes
If you’re short on time, you can prep ahead by making the filo mixture and chocolate ganache in advance. Store them separately, give them a simple reheat in the microwave if they harden and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern