Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Featured in: Oven & Stovetop Plates

Discover a luxurious blend of textures and flavors in these Dubai-inspired chocolate strawberry cups. The crisp kataifi pastry nests provide a delicate crunch, perfectly contrasted by a smooth layer of rich dark chocolate. Topped with a luscious pistachio cream and fresh strawberry halves, this dessert offers an elegant balance of richness and freshness. Ideal for special occasions or refined gatherings, it combines traditional Middle Eastern elements with indulgent ingredients for a memorable treat.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 06:32:44 GMT
Elegant Dubai chocolate strawberry cups with kataifi pastry and pistachio cream, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. Save Pin
Elegant Dubai chocolate strawberry cups with kataifi pastry and pistachio cream, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. | belleamezray.com

Discover the exquisite fusion of Middle Eastern flavors in these Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream. This luxurious dessert combines the crisp texture of golden kataifi nests with the rich depth of dark chocolate, the freshness of ripe strawberries, and the smooth indulgence of pistachio cream. Perfect for elegant entertaining, these cups offer a visually stunning treat that delights both the eye and the palate.

Elegant Dubai chocolate strawberry cups with kataifi pastry and pistachio cream, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. Save Pin
Elegant Dubai chocolate strawberry cups with kataifi pastry and pistachio cream, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. | belleamezray.com

From traditional Middle Eastern influences to contemporary luxury, this dessert brings together the best of both worlds. The subtle aroma of rose water in the pistachio cream adds a refined floral note, while the option of edible gold leaf elevates the presentation to a truly celebratory level.

Ingredients

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  • Kataifi Cups
    150 g kataifi pastry, thawed
    60 g unsalted butter, melted
    2 tbsp sugar
  • Chocolate Layer
    120 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
    2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pistachio Cream
    100 g shelled pistachios, unsalted
    3 tbsp powdered sugar
    100 ml heavy cream, cold
    100 g mascarpone cheese
    1 tsp rose water (optional)
  • Strawberry Topping
    12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
    1 tbsp honey (optional, for glazing)
  • Garnish
    2 tbsp chopped pistachios
    Edible gold leaf or rose petals (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard muffin tin.
2. Prepare kataifi pastry
Gently separate and fluff the kataifi pastry. Toss with melted butter and sugar until evenly coated.
3. Shape kataifi nests
Divide kataifi pastry into 6 portions. Press each portion into a muffin cup, shaping to form a nest with a hollow center.
4. Bake kataifi cups
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crisp and golden. Let cool in the tin, then gently remove.
5. Make chocolate layer
Melt dark chocolate with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Spoon a layer of chocolate into the bottom of each kataifi cup. Allow to set.
6. Prepare pistachio cream
Finely grind pistachios in a food processor. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, ground pistachios, and rose water (if using); beat until smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble cups
Fill a piping bag with pistachio cream and pipe generously into each chocolate-lined kataifi cup.
8. Add strawberry topping
Arrange strawberry halves on top. Optionally, brush with honey for shine.
9. Garnish
Garnish with chopped pistachios and, if desired, edible gold leaf or rose petals.
10. Serve
Serve immediately for best texture.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve perfectly crisp kataifi cups, ensure the pastry strands are well separated before coating with butter and sugar. Use chilled heavy cream for the pistachio cream to help it whip better and hold its shape. When melting the chocolate, be careful not to overheat to maintain a smooth texture and avoid burning.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute fresh strawberries with raspberries or figs when in season for a different fruity accent. Adding a pinch of cardamom to the pistachio cream adds a warm spice twist. The rose water is optional but highly recommended for an authentic Middle Eastern aroma.

Serviervorschläge

These elegant cups pair beautifully with refreshing mint tea or a delicate dessert wine. Assemble the strawberry topping just before serving to keep the fruit fresh and vibrant. For a stunning presentation, add edible gold leaf or rose petals as a finishing touch.

Luxurious Middle Eastern dessert cups featuring crisp kataifi nests filled with dark chocolate and rose-scented pistachio cream, garnished with strawberries. Save Pin
Luxurious Middle Eastern dessert cups featuring crisp kataifi nests filled with dark chocolate and rose-scented pistachio cream, garnished with strawberries. | belleamezray.com

With every bite, these Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups invite you to savor the irresistible textures and flavors of a dessert inspired by Middle Eastern luxury and modern elegance. Ideal for impressing guests or indulging yourself, they celebrate the art of refined sweets in every delicate nest.

Recipe Questions

What is kataifi pastry and how is it used?

Kataifi is a shredded filo pastry that crisps up beautifully when baked. It forms the delicate cup shells that hold the chocolate and pistachio layers.

Can I substitute the pistachio cream with another nut cream?

Yes, alternative nut creams like almond or cashew can be used, but pistachios offer a distinctive flavor and color that complements the chocolate well.

How do I ensure the kataifi cups stay crisp after assembly?

Allow the kataifi cups to cool completely before adding the chocolate and pistachio cream layers. This helps maintain their crisp texture.

Is rose water essential in the pistachio cream?

Rose water is optional; it adds a subtle floral note but can be omitted if preferred or unavailable.

What are some good serving suggestions for these cups?

Serve them chilled or at room temperature alongside mint tea or a lightly sweetened dessert wine to enhance the flavors.

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Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Crisp kataifi cups layered with dark chocolate, creamy pistachio, and fresh strawberries for a decadent dessert experience.

Time to Prep
30 minutes
Time to Cook
15 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
By Belle Amezray Bennett Olson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Middle Eastern Fusion

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You’ll Need

Kataifi Cups

01 5.3 oz kataifi pastry, thawed
02 2.1 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp granulated sugar

Chocolate Layer

01 4.2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
02 2 tbsp heavy cream

Pistachio Cream

01 3.5 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
02 3 tbsp powdered sugar
03 3.4 fl oz heavy cream, cold
04 3.5 oz mascarpone cheese
05 1 tsp rose water, optional

Strawberry Topping

01 12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 1 tbsp honey, optional for glazing

Garnish

01 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
02 Edible gold leaf or rose petals, optional

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

Step 02

Prepare Kataifi Pastry: Gently separate and fluff the thawed kataifi pastry using your fingers. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar, tossing gently until evenly coated throughout.

Step 03

Form Pastry Cups: Divide buttered kataifi into 6 equal portions. Press each portion firmly into a muffin cup, shaping into a nest with a hollow center for filling.

Step 04

Bake Kataifi Nests: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until pastry is crisp and golden brown. Cool in tin for 5 minutes, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 05

Prepare Chocolate Layer: Chop dark chocolate finely. Combine with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth and melted.

Step 06

Fill with Chocolate: Spoon approximately 1 tbsp of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cooled kataifi cup, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set completely.

Step 07

Make Pistachio Cream: Process shelled pistachios in a food processor until finely ground. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold in mascarpone, powdered sugar, ground pistachios, and rose water if using. Beat until smooth and light.

Step 08

Fill Cups with Cream: Transfer pistachio cream to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe generous portions into each chocolate-lined kataifi cup, creating an attractive dome shape.

Step 09

Top with Strawberries: Arrange strawberry halves on top of each filled cup. If desired, lightly brush berries with honey for an elegant shine.

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each cup. Add edible gold leaf or rose petals if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and temperature contrast.

Tools Needed

  • Standard 6-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls (at least 3)
  • Food processor
  • Electric mixer or wire whisk
  • Piping bag with decorative tip
  • Heatproof bowl for double boiler method
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and get advice from a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy products: butter, heavy cream, and mascarpone cheese
  • Contains tree nuts: pistachios
  • Contains gluten: kataifi pastry
  • Dark chocolate may contain traces of soy or sesame
  • Always verify all product labels for undisclosed allergens and cross-contamination warnings

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition facts here are for reference only and don’t replace professional guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fat Content: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams

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