Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup: Easy No-Bake Layered Dessert

Strawberry Dubai chocolate cup is the kind of dessert that turns heads and sparks cravings at first glance. I first discovered it during a warm afternoon in Dubai, where cafés were buzzing with trays of chilled, layered sweets. This one stood out a transparent cup packed with juicy strawberries, creamy pistachio, crispy kataifi pastry, and warm milk chocolate dripping from the rim. The flavor? Absolute luxury in a spoonful.

When I came back to Asheville, I knew I had to recreate it. The strawberry Dubai chocolate cup isn’t just a pretty dessert it’s a sensory moment. You get the crunch of golden kunafa pastry, the richness of pistachio cream, the smoothness of melted chocolate, and the freshness of sweet strawberries. It’s layered but easy, indulgent but light, and it keeps you going back for “just one more bite.”

What I love most about this cup is how approachable it is to make. With just a handful of quality ingredients and 15 minutes, you can whip up a version that feels like it came from a boutique dessert bar. Whether you’re prepping ahead for guests or treating yourself mid-week, the strawberry Dubai chocolate cup brings elegance without effort.

In this article, we’ll unpack every layer of this dreamy treat. You’ll learn what makes Dubai-style chocolate so different, what the crunchy kataifi topping really is, and how to blend pistachio and strawberry into an unforgettable cup. Plus, we’ll walk through FAQs like how to store it, what variations you can try, and even how to make that famous pistachio chocolate from scratch.

Let’s get started your spoon will thank you.

Ingredients for strawberry Dubai chocolate dessert
Strawberry Dubai chocolate cup with pistachio drizzle

strawberry dubai chocolate cup​

A delicious Middle Eastern fusion dessert featuring crispy kataifi, pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, and silky chocolate ganache.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Cuisine Middle Eastern Fusion
Servings 1 cup
Calories 1029 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 75 g kataifi (shredded filo pastry) cut into small pieces
  • 50 g unsalted butter
  • 100 g pistachio cream store-bought or homemade
  • 30 g milk chocolate
  • 20 g heavy cream or substitute with single cream
  • 150 g fresh strawberries quartered

Optional Garnish

  • chopped pistachios optional
  • extra melted chocolate optional drizzle

EQUIPEMENTS

  • Skillet
  • Microwave or Double Boiler
  • Serving Glass

Instructions
 

  • Heat a skillet over medium-low and melt the butter.
  • Add kataifi and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring, until deep golden and crisp. Remove from heat and let cool (~15 minutes).
  • In a small bowl, stir together kataifi and pistachio cream until fully coated.
  • Prepare chocolate ganache: combine chocolate and cream in microwave or double boiler; heat in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Set aside.
  • Spoon a layer of pistachio‑kataifi mixture into bottom of your serving glass.
  • Add a layer of quartered strawberries.
  • Drizzle with some chocolate ganache.
  • Repeat layers (pistachio kataifi → strawberries → chocolate) until cup is filled.
  • Finish with a drizzle of ganache and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

Notes

You can prepare the crispy kataifi in advance and store in an airtight container for later assembly.

Inside the Flavor Layers of the Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup

The strawberry Dubai chocolate cup isn’t just pretty it’s packed with flavor layers that surprise you from the very first spoonful. From rich chocolate to crunchy pastry and sweet, ripe berries, it’s the contrast that makes this dessert unforgettable.

One of the most asked questions is: what exactly is Dubai chocolate with strawberries? In this dessert, chocolate is more than a drizzle it’s a silky, melted layer poured over the base and the fruit, often infused with pistachio or paired with creamy toppings. The chocolate brings deep richness that complements the natural tartness of strawberries, and when you’re working with high-quality chocolate, that flavor balance is heavenly.

Another element that sets the strawberry Dubai chocolate cup apart is the texture. The crispy layer that surprises you under or on top is made from kataifi also known as kunafa pastry. This is the “crunchy stuff” people often ask about in Dubai-style chocolate bars. It’s shredded phyllo dough, brushed with butter and toasted until golden brown. It gives the cup a crackly bite that plays perfectly with the soft strawberries and melted chocolate.

Then there’s the fruit juicy, fresh strawberries layered generously between textures. They brighten the entire cup, breaking up the richness with vibrant sweetness. Their natural juices seep slightly into the other layers, making each bite more flavorful.

Together, these layers define the strawberry Dubai chocolate cup. It’s a balance of bold, creamy, crispy, and fruity. Every spoonful offers something different one bite gives chocolate and crunch, the next pistachio and berry. This is more than dessert. It’s a sensory experience built on simple but powerful ingredients.

How to Make the Strawberry Dubai Chocolate Cup at Home

Making a strawberry Dubai chocolate cup at home might sound fancy, but it’s easier than you think. With a few quality ingredients and 15–20 minutes, you’ll have a chilled dessert that rivals anything from a Dubai café.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1/2 cup crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
  • 1/3 cup shredded kataifi (kunafa pastry), toasted
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 100g milk or dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 6–8 fresh strawberries (preferably chilled), sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pistachio cream (or pistachio butter)
  • Optional: chopped pistachios, edible rose petals, mint leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Toast the crunch: In a skillet, add shredded kataifi and a bit of butter. Toast until golden brown and crispy. Let it cool.
  2. Melt the chocolate: In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy.
  3. Prepare the base: Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter. Press this into the bottom of small clear cups.
  4. Build the layers: Add a spoonful of toasted kataifi, followed by a layer of pistachio cream. Top with sliced strawberries and drizzle over warm chocolate.
  5. Repeat if desired: Add a second round of kataifi and strawberries for extra volume and texture.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.

This homemade strawberry Dubai chocolate cup gives you all the signature textures crunch, cream, fruit, and ganache in one elegant jar. It’s perfect for prepping ahead or impressing guests with something beautifully unique. And if you’re looking for more visual inspiration, check out our Pinterest filled with stunning dessert presentations.

Tips, Storage, and Answering Your Strawberry Dubai Cup Questions

The strawberry Dubai chocolate cup is a fusion dessert that works just as well at brunch as it does for elegant evenings. Once you understand the layers, storing and customizing it becomes second nature.

How to Store It & When to Serve

To keep that crispy texture intact, assemble the dessert shortly before serving. You can prepare the biscuit base, toast the kataifi, and melt the chocolate in advance but don’t layer until you’re ready. If you need to store leftovers, keep them chilled and covered for up to 24 hours. The strawberries may soften slightly but still taste great.

FAQs You’ve Been Asking

What is in a strawberry Dubai cup?

It’s a layered dessert made with crushed biscuits, shredded kataifi pastry, pistachio cream, melted chocolate, and fresh strawberries. Some versions also include rosewater or crushed nuts.

What is Dubai chocolate with strawberries?

It refers to a popular dessert trend from Dubai where strawberries are paired with silky chocolate ganache and often topped with pistachio cream or sauce. It’s decadent and visually striking.

What is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate bar?

The crispy element is usually kataifi (kunafa) pastry, toasted in butter until golden. It gives that signature bite and texture contrast.

How to make famous Dubai pistachio chocolate?

Melt high-quality chocolate with a touch of cream. Layer it with pistachio cream or fold chopped pistachios directly into the chocolate. Chill until set and serve as cups or bars.

Conclusion

The strawberry Dubai chocolate cup isn’t just a trend it’s a flavor experience built on quality, contrast, and visual wow-factor. With layers of rich chocolate, buttery crunch, creamy pistachio, and juicy Dubai strawberries, it’s the kind of dessert that’s indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re prepping ahead or assembling just before serving, it’s guaranteed to impress.

What makes this dessert even more irresistible is its versatility. Want to keep it dairy-free? Swap in coconut cream and vegan chocolate. Need to simplify? Use granola instead of kataifi. Once you try the base concept, you’ll find yourself experimenting with all kinds of creative twists.

If you’re craving even more variations and a slightly different take, check out our original Dubai strawberries chocolate cup recipe for another delicious version using oat crumble, rich ganache, and minimal prep time. Both recipes share one goal: giving you that chilled, layered delight with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Love layered no-bake desserts like this? Be sure to explore our Quick & Easy collections for more crave-worthy recipes. And don’t forget to tag us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Medium if you make your own version we’d love to see your twist on this dreamy Dubai delight.

Video Youtube

Watch how @eatsbyrachel brings the iconic strawberry Dubai chocolate cup to life in this crave-worthy YouTube Short. With every drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkle of pistachio over fresh strawberries, this quick video captures exactly why the dessert has gone viral. It’s a perfect visual guide for layering textures from crispy kataifi to creamy ganache all in one indulgent cup.

Looking to recreate the trend at home? Let this short inspire your own dreamy version.

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