If you are looking for a dessert that beautifully combines crunch, creaminess, and fresh fruity bursts, the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful treat layers fragrant kataifi pastry toasted to golden perfection with rich pistachio cream, luscious tahini, and juicy strawberries, all finished with a drizzle of dark chocolate and a sprinkle of pistachios. It’s an elegant yet approachable dessert that feels like a little celebration in a cup, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a decadent moment of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each item has a key role, whether it’s adding texture, flavor, or visual appeal, making them essential for achieving that perfect harmony in every spoonful.
- Salted butter (3 tablespoons, 42g): Helps toast the kataifi for a golden, crispy crunch with a buttery richness.
- Kataifi (4 ounces): Also known as shredded fillo dough, it provides the delicate, flaky base texture.
- Pistachio cream (7 ounces, 200g, or Nutella): Offers a creamy, nutty depth that contrasts beautifully with the strawberries.
- Tahini sesame paste (2 tablespoons, 30g): Adds a subtle earthiness and enhances the nutty profile.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the flavors and elevates the sweetness.
- Strawberries (21 pieces): Fresh, juicy, and slightly tart – the star fresh fruit component of the dish.
- Dark chocolate melting wafers (5 ounces, 141g): Brings indulgent richness and a beautiful glossy finish.
- Chopped pistachios (2 tablespoons): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi
Start by taking 4 ounces of kataifi and gently breaking it down into fine pieces about half an inch long. I find the easiest method is to use your hands so you can feel when the strands have separated well without turning into dust. This step is crucial because it ensures a wonderfully crisp texture once toasted.
Step 2: Toast Kataifi with Butter
Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet on medium-low heat, then add the kataifi. Lower the heat to low and keep stirring often until the strands turn golden brown and fragrant. The butter-toasted kataifi forms the unmistakable crunchy base layer that will delight your palate.
Step 3: Mix the Pistachio-Cream Base
In a medium bowl, combine 7 ounces of pistachio cream with 2 tablespoons of tahini and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir well until everything is evenly incorporated. This blend is sinful in taste—earthy, nutty, creamy, and slightly savory—and it perfectly complements the crispy kataifi.
Step 4: Coat the Kataifi
Pour your golden toasted kataifi into the bowl with the pistachio-tahini mixture and gently fold until the crunchy strands are thoroughly coated. Set this aside to cool, allowing the flavors to meld as you prepare the strawberries.
Step 5: Prep the Strawberries
Wash and dry all 21 strawberries carefully to maintain their juiciness. Reserve 3 whole strawberries for later decoration. Remove the stems from the remaining berries and quarter them. Divide 12 strawberry quarters evenly at the bottom of your serving cups—three 12-ounce ones work perfectly for portion control and presentation.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate
Heat the 5 ounces of dark chocolate melting wafers in 30-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals until smooth and fully melted. Drizzle about one tablespoon of the melted chocolate over the strawberries in each cup for a luscious layer of rich chocolate flavor.
Step 7: Add the Pistachios
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the chocolate-drizzled strawberries. This not only adds a delightful crunch but also introduces a beautiful pop of green color that will make your dessert look irresistible.
Step 8: Layer the Kataifi Mixture
Scoop two generous portions of the kataifi mixture into each cup on top of the pistachios. Press it down gently so it settles against the sides, creating lovely layers visible through the cup. This layering is part of what makes the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe so visually stunning.
Step 9: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the strawberry, chocolate, pistachio, and kataifi layers once more to build height and complexity, making sure each cup ends up balanced and delicious.
Step 10: Garnish with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Dip the reserved whole strawberries into the remaining melted chocolate, then place one atop each cup. Drizzle any leftover chocolate over the tops and finish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. This final touch adds elegance and a hint of luxury to your dessert.
How to Serve Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh mint leaves or an extra dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation even further. The key is to keep it light so the colors and textures of the strawberries, pistachios, and chocolate remain the stars of the show.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you want a beverage pairing, a light sparkling rosé or a mild mint tea can complement the nutty and fruity flavors gracefully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe in clear glass jars or mini trifle bowls for a party-friendly option. You can also assemble it in small mason jars as delightful, grab-and-go treats. Adding edible gold leaf or platinum dust makes for a stunning festive version perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the kataifi will lose some of its crispness over time but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberries and delicate textures, freezing this dessert is not recommended. The moisture from the berries tends to thaw poorly, causing sogginess and loss of the delightful crunch that makes this dish special.
Reheating
The Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to refresh the kataifi crunch, you can briefly pop the kataifi layer in a warm oven before assembling, but reheating after assembly can damage the fresh fruit and cream textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute Nutella for pistachio cream?
Absolutely! Nutella offers a similarly creamy sweetness with a chocolate-hazelnut twist, which works well in this recipe if pistachio cream is unavailable. The flavor will shift a bit but still delicious.
What can I use instead of kataifi dough?
If you can’t find kataifi, shredded phyllo dough or even finely chopped filo sheets can be an alternative, but make sure to toast them well to mimic the signature crunch.
How do I keep the strawberries fresh and prevent them from sogging the layers?
Use the freshest strawberries possible, wash and dry them thoroughly, and add them just before serving. Quartering the berries evenly also helps distribute their juice and minimizes sogginess.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Traditional kataifi dough contains gluten, so if you need a gluten-free alternative, you might consider experimenting with crushed nuts or gluten-free crisp layers, though it will alter the texture and traditional experience.
Can I prepare this dessert for a large crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the quantities accordingly and assemble in individual cups or large trifle dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s relatively simple to scale without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
Final Thoughts
Making the Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe is like giving yourself a moment of pure delight filled with layers of texture, flavor, and love. I can’t recommend enough trying this recipe whether you’re new to Middle Eastern-inspired desserts or a seasoned baker looking for a fresh twist. It’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire—go ahead and treat yourself and those around you!
Print
Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dubai Strawberry Cup recipe combines the crispiness of toasted kataifi pastry with rich pistachio cream, tahini, fresh strawberries, and decadent dark chocolate. Layered in individual cups and garnished with chopped pistachios and chocolate-dipped strawberries, this dessert offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for a unique and elegant treat.
Ingredients
For the Kataifi Mixture
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (42g)
- 4 ounces Kataifi (shredded fillo dough)
- 7 ounces pistachio cream (200g) or Nutella
- 2 tablespoons tahini sesame paste (30g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Strawberry Cups
- 21 strawberries
- 5 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers (141g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Kataifi Dough: Add 4 ounces of kataifi to a large bowl and crush it into fine pieces approximately ½-inch in length. Using your hands is the easiest way to break down the shredded dough.
- Toast the Kataifi: Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the kataifi dough to the melted butter.
- Cook Until Golden Brown: Reduce the heat to low and stir the kataifi often until it turns a golden brown color, ensuring an even toast.
- Mix Pistachio Cream and Tahini: In a medium bowl, combine 7 ounces of pistachio cream, 2 tablespoons of tahini sesame paste, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix well until smooth and uniform.
- Combine Toasted Kataifi and Cream Mixture: Pour the toasted kataifi into the pistachio and tahini mixture, stirring to coat the kataifi evenly. Let this mixture cool while you prepare the strawberries.
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and dry 21 strawberries. Set aside 3 whole strawberries for garnish. Hull and quarter the remaining strawberries, then place 12 quarters at the bottom of three 12-ounce cups (or two 16-ounce cups).
- Melt Dark Chocolate: Melt 5 ounces of dark chocolate melting wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until fully melted and smooth.
- Assemble First Layer: Drizzle about one tablespoon of melted chocolate over the strawberries in each cup. Sprinkle chopped pistachios evenly on the chocolate layer.
- Add Kataifi Mixture: Spoon two scoops of the kataifi mixture over the pistachio layer in each cup. Gently press it down to compact and reach the edges of the cups.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the chocolate drizzle, pistachio sprinkle, and kataifi mixture layering process once more to build height and flavor.
- Garnish and Finish: Dip the reserved 3 whole strawberries in the remaining melted chocolate. Place one on top of each cup. Drizzle any remaining chocolate over the tops and sprinkle remaining chopped pistachios to finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- Kataifi dough can be found in Middle Eastern or specialty grocery stores, usually frozen—thaw before use.
- If pistachio cream is unavailable, Nutella can be used as a substitute for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
- Be sure to toast kataifi on low heat to prevent burning and ensure even crispness.
- Dark chocolate melting wafers melt smoothly but regular chocolate chips can work if melted carefully to avoid seizing.
