Dubai Chocolate Strawberries: Delicious Recipe That Will Surprise You

There’s something magical about the combination of juicy strawberries and velvety chocolate – add a Middle Eastern twist, and you’ve got Dubai Chocolate Strawberries. This delightful dessert is creamy, rich, and fruity all at once.

Imagine biting into layers of sweet ripe strawberry, smooth melted chocolate, and a luscious pistachio-kataifi crunch that gives a surprise in every spoonful. Fun fact: Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside, which hints at the playful texture of this recipe – crunchy bits on the outside and a tender heart within, just like our dish! In my family, this treat quickly became a fan favorite. We first made it on a whim and now the kids beg for it every weekend; even my husband, a self-proclaimed chocoholic, can’t resist (proving true the saying that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach).

The creamy pistachio layer reminds us of a beloved childhood spread, and the rich chocolate drizzle… well, that brings everyone to the table in seconds. We once compared it side-by-side with our Chocolate Hazelnut Strawberry Parfait (remember that popular blog recipe everyone raved about last summer?), and guess what – the Dubai Chocolate Strawberries won our hearts hands-down! It’s lighter, fresher, and has an exotic crunch that surprises you. If you love classic chocolate-covered strawberries or fruity parfaits, this recipe will wow you with its unique spin.

Keep reading to discover how this quirky dessert came to be and why it’s a must-try. By the end, you’ll be running to your kitchen to whip up a batch – trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked. Ready to dive into this chocolatey, nutty strawberry bliss? Let’s get started (and prepare to be pleasantly surprised)!

What is Dubai Chocolate Strawberries?

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries is a playful name for a dessert that’s as whimsical as it sounds. First things first – no, the strawberries aren’t flown in from Dubai, and you don’t need a plane ticket to enjoy this treat! It’s actually a fun layered dessert featuring juicy fresh strawberries, luxurious chocolate, and a special crunchy topping inspired by Middle Eastern sweets. So why call it “Dubai” Chocolate Strawberries? There’s a bit of foodie lore here. Some say a famous cafe in Dubai put a fancy twist on chocolate-covered strawberries, layering them in a cup with pistachio cream and crispy shredded pastry.

Travelers and TikTok fans went wild over it, and the name stuck as this trend went viral around the world. The result is a dessert that looks ultra-indulgent (like something you’d find at a glamorous Dubai dessert bar) but is actually easy to make at home. Picture this: bright red strawberry halves stacked in a cup, drizzled generously with silky chocolate, and topped with a golden crunch of kataifi (a finely shredded phyllo dough) mixed with sweet pistachio butter.

It’s a bit like a parfait meets baklava – truly the best of both worlds! There’s even a humorous anecdote in our household that “Dubai” in the name stands for how dubbing this the ultimate romantic treat – because the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this dessert wins hearts fast.

😉 In reality, Dubai Chocolate Strawberries is just a catchy moniker for a layered chocolate strawberry cup with an exotic twist. It’s a modern, over-the-top take on chocolate strawberries that will make you feel like you’re dining in a fancy Middle Eastern café, even if you’re simply in your kitchen. And trust us, it tastes as dazzling as it sounds!

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Dubai Chocolate Strawberries recipe – not just because it’s downright delicious, but also because of the experience it offers. Here’s why this dessert will win you over:

• Irresistible Flavor & Texture: Every spoonful is an adventure. You get the fresh, fruity burst of strawberry, the creamy richness of chocolate, and the crunchy, nutty surprise of toasted kataifi pastry with pistachio. It’s like a party of textures – juicy, silky, and crispy all at once – making it way more exciting than a plain chocolate-covered. If you’re a fan of contrasting textures (think crunchy toppings on ice cream), this will be your new favorite treat.

• Unique Middle Eastern Twist: This recipe introduces two special ingredients – pistachio butter and kataifi – which give a delightful Middle Eastern flair. The pistachio butter (or cream) adds a nutty, creamy layer similar to a gourmet Nutella but made from pistachios, and the kataifi brings in that golden baklava-like crunch. These unique ingredients make the dessert feel extra fancy and worldly. Your friends will take a bite and go, “Wow, what is that interesting flavor?!” – it’s a conversation starter!

• Easy and Quick to Make: Despite its posh name and look, this is a quick recipe – chocolate strawberry goodness in about 20 minutes with no baking required. That’s right, you can satisfy your sweet tooth fast. It’s perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert but don’t have hours to spend. We’ll show you how to make chocolate strawberries at home in a way that looks straight out of a cafe. Even a beginner can ace this recipe, so you’ll feel like a pro pastry chef with minimal effort.

• Budget-Friendly Decadence: Making Dubai Chocolate Strawberries at home can save you money. Trendy dessert shops might charge a premium (we’ve heard some places sell similar strawberry cups for nearly $20 each – yikes!). By DIY-ing it, you get gourmet results on a budget. Plus, you can make multiple servings for the price of one store-bought treat. It’s an affordable way to indulge and impress guests without breaking the bank.

• Family & Crowd Pleaser: This dessert is fun to assemble and eat, making it great for family nights or parties. You can set up a little “dessert bar” with all the components and let everyone build their own strawberry cups. Kids love the interactive layering (and licking the chocolate spoon, of course). And because it’s served in individual cups or jars, it’s easy to serve and looks super cute. It has quickly become a family favorite in many homes – including ours – because everyone can customize their cup (more chocolate for some, extra strawberries for others!).

By now, you’re probably imagining digging into this delicious concoction. Honestly, you’re going to love everything about these Dubai Chocolate Strawberries – from the creamy, rich, fruity taste to the delightful crunch in each bite. Ready to make this decadent dessert part of your recipe repertoire? Let’s jump into the fun part: creating it! 👩‍🍳🍓 Try it once, and we guarantee you’ll be making it again and again.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Making Dubai Chocolate Strawberries at home is easier than you’d think. This is a quick recipe (chocolate + strawberry heaven in mere minutes!) and perfect for both special occasions and everyday cravings. Here’s a quick overview before we dive into details:

Quick Overview

You’ll be layering fresh strawberries, a creamy pistachio-kataifi mixture, and melted chocolate in cups or jars. The process is simple: toast the kataifi pastry with butter until it’s golden and crispy, mix it with pistachio butter (creating an addictive crunchy filling), melt some chocolate for a glossy sauce, then layer everything with the strawberries.

The prep time is around 15-20 minutes, and there’s no baking required – just a little stove-top toasting and microwave action. It’s the perfect example of how to make chocolate strawberries at home in a fun new way. The result? A rich, layered dessert that tastes gourmet but is totally doable in your own kitchen. Now, let’s look at the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step process.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create Dubai Chocolate Strawberries. Don’t be intimidated by the exotic-sounding items – they’re easier to find than you think, and we’ll explain each one:

Ingredient Notes: Kataifi is a type of very thin, shredded phyllo pastry. It usually comes in nests or bundles and is used in Middle Eastern desserts. For this recipe, you’ll want to chop it up a bit so it toasts evenly. When toasted in butter, kataifi turns golden brown and super crunchy, kind of like toasted vermicelli noodles or shredded wheat cereal in texture. If you can’t find kataifi at your local store, check a Middle Eastern or Greek grocery, or look in the freezer section where phyllo dough is sold (kataifi is often sold frozen). It’s worth it for the crunch it provides!

Pistachio butter (or pistachio cream) is a smooth spread made from pistachios – think peanut butter, but with pistachios. It has a lovely pale green color and a naturally sweet, nutty flavor. You can find jars of it in specialty stores or online. Using pistachio butter gives this dessert its signature flavor and creaminess. If you can’t find it, you could substitute with another nut butter or a sweet pistachio pudding, but then it wouldn’t be “Dubai” strawberries, would it? 😉 Tahini is listed as optional – it’s a sesame seed paste. Just a couple of tablespoons mixed in with the pistachio butter can add a subtle toasty depth, but if you don’t have it, no worries.

Fresh strawberries are the star fruit here – go for ripe, juicy ones. Since we’re halving them, try to pick medium to large strawberries that are sweet and bright red. They provide the fruity, juicy element that balances the richness of chocolate and nuts. And of course, chocolate chips – semi-sweet is a great choice for a balanced sweetness (not too bitter, not too sweet), especially since the pistachio cream is also sweet.

A teaspoon of coconut oil added to the chocolate chips helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives it a beautiful glossy shine. Lastly, a sprinkle of ground pistachios on top adds extra crunch and makes for a pretty garnish – those green bits look lovely against the chocolate and red berries.

In the image above, you can see one of the key components: golden toasted kataifi shredded pastry in a bowl, ready to be mixed with creamy green pistachio butter. The kataifi strands have been browned in butter until crispy, and that dollop of pistachio butter is about to be stirred in, creating the most addictively crunchy filling for our Dubai Chocolate Strawberries. This mixture will form a rich, nutty layer that contrasts beautifully with the fresh strawberries and smooth chocolate.

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1.Toast the Kataifi: In a large skillet or pan, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is foamy, add the 4 oz of chopped kataifi. Stir the kataifi continuously as it toasts – you’ll notice it slowly turning golden brown and your kitchen filling with a lovely nutty aroma. This takes about 5-10 minutes of gentle stirring. Tip: Keep an eye on it and stir often; kataifi can go from perfectly toasty to burnt quickly due to its fine strands. You want a golden color, not dark brown. Once it’s evenly crispy and golden, turn off the heat.

2.Mix in Pistachio Butter (and Tahini): With the heat off, immediately add the 1 cup of pistachio butter to the hot toasted kataifi in the pan. If you’re using 2 tbsp of tahini, drizzle that in now as well. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir the mixture until all the kataifi strands are well coated with the pistachio butter-tahini. It will form a coarse, crunchy paste – kind of like the filling of a pistachio baklava crumbled up. Spread it a bit in the pan and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes.

This cooling step is just so it’s not piping hot when you assemble (you don’t want it to melt the strawberries). The mixture might clump as it cools, but that’s okay – you can give it a little fluff with a fork later. Make-ahead option: You can prepare this kataifi-pistachio filling in advance and store it in the fridge once cooled. If it hardens or clumps, just warm it slightly or let it come to room temperature, and it’ll be ready to use.

3.Melt the Chocolate: While the kataifi mixture is cooling, let’s get that chocolate sauce ready. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in short bursts – try 30-second intervals on medium power. After each burst, take it out and stir well (even if it doesn’t look fully melted, stirring helps distribute the heat). It usually takes about 2-3 rounds (so roughly 1 to 1½ minutes total) to melt completely.

You should end up with a bowl of smooth, glossy melted chocolate. If you prefer, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler on the stovetop to avoid any risk of burning. Pro Tip: The coconut oil is our secret to a shiny, easy-to-drizzle chocolate. Also, let the melted chocolate cool for a minute or two so it’s warm but not scorching hot – this way, when we layer it with the fruit, it won’t start cooking or softening the strawberries on contact.

Melting the chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil results in a luscious, pourable chocolate sauce. In the image above, see that beautiful silky chocolate falling off the spoon? That’s the consistency you’re aiming for – it should ribbon smoothly. This glossy chocolate will slip into the crevices between the strawberries and kataifi, bringing everything together with its rich flavor. Make sure not to overheat the chocolate; slow melting and stirring will give you that perfect shine.

4.Layer the Dessert: Now for the fun part – assembling your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries cups! You can use small glass dessert cups, mason jars, or even wine glasses. Clear glass is nice so you can see the pretty layers. Here’s the layering process (feel free to adjust amounts based on your cup size):

• Start by adding a layer of strawberry halves at the bottom of each cup. For example, place about 6-8 strawberry halves (enough to cover the bottom).

• Spoon in a layer of the kataifi-pistachio mixture on top of the chocolate. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of the crunchy mixture and spread it slightly so it covers the layer. This gives that wonderful nutty crunch in the middle.

• Now repeat the layers: Add another layer of strawberry halves (filling the cup nearly to the top now), then another drizzle of chocolate. If your cups are tall enough or you want to be extra-decadent, you can add another spoon of the kataifi mixture. Otherwise, you can save the rest for another serving.

• Finish the cup with a final drizzle of chocolate on top and a generous sprinkle of ground pistachios. The pistachio crumbs on top not only look gorgeous (bright green pops of color) but also hint at the flavors inside.

You should see distinct layers of red strawberries, dark chocolate, and the pale green/golden kataifi mixture – so appetizing! Depending on cup size, you’ll get about 4 individual servings from this recipe (you can make more smaller servings or 2 very large ones as well).

5. Serve and Enjoy: These Dubai Chocolate Strawberries can be enjoyed right away. In fact, taking a spoon and digging in immediately means you’ll experience that contrast of warm chocolate and cool strawberry – divine! Alternatively, you can pop the assembled cups in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let the chocolate set and everything chill slightly.

Chilling will cause the chocolate to firm up a bit, giving the dessert more of a candy-bar vibe (with a slight snap in the chocolate layer). Both ways are delicious – it’s just a matter of preference. We love it chilled on a hot day, or slightly warm for a more gooey experience. Don’t forget to hand out spoons and maybe an extra napkin – it can get delightfully messy as you scoop through the layers. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, crunchy, chocolaty delight!

And that’s it – you’ve created a stunning Dubai Chocolate Strawberries dessert right at home. 🎉 Step back and admire those beautiful layers for a moment, then prepare to share (if you can resist eating it all yourself).

What to Serve With Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Now that your star dessert is ready, you might be wondering what pairs well with it. Because Dubai Chocolate Strawberries is rich and indulgent, it’s nice to serve it with something light or refreshing on the side. Here are a few serving ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

• Hot Beverages: A warm drink goes wonderfully with this chilled, fruity dessert. Try a cup of mint tea or Moroccan green tea with fresh mint – the herbal notes will cleanse the palate between sweet bites. If you’re a coffee lover, a small espresso or Turkish coffee would complement the sweetness and give a nice bitter contrast. Even a creamy cardamom-spiced chai latte could be a lovely pairing, playing on the Middle Eastern theme.

• Refreshing Drinks: If you prefer cold drinks, consider a glass of cold milk (classic with anything chocolate!) or a lightly sweetened iced tea with a slice of lemon. The acidity of lemon or a citrusy iced drink can cut through the richness. A sparkling water with a twist of lime is also great to have alongside – simple and cleansing.

• Fresh Fruit Sides: While strawberries are the star here, a small fruit salad or a few extra pieces of fruit on the side can complement the flavors. Slices of cool melon or fresh orange segments go well with chocolate and pistachio. The juicy melon or citrus can be a nice refreshing bite in between spoonfuls of the chocolate strawberry cup.

• Small Cookies or Biscuits: For added crunch, you can serve a couple of petite cookies alongside the dessert. Think butter cookies, shortbread, or biscotti. Not only do they add a nice crunch, but they’re also great for scooping up any leftover chocolate or pistachio cream from the cup! Sesame biscotti or pistachio shortbread would tie in with our flavors perfectly.

• Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: If you want to turn this into an even more elaborate dessert platter, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. The cold ice cream with warm chocolate is heavenly (like a sundae effect). Whipped cream, on the other hand, adds a fluffy lightness – you can even pipe a swirl on top of the cup for presentation. Just note this dessert is already rich, so a little goes a long way here.

Remember, the Dubai Chocolate Strawberries cups are quite indulgent and filling on their own, so keep any sides or drinks light. A good pairing will contrast the richness or complement the flavors without overwhelming. Whether you choose tea, fruit, or a crisp cookie, you’ll have a well-rounded dessert course that’s sure to impress. Enjoy your dessert and the delightful accompaniments! 🍓🍫☕️

Top Tips for Perfecting Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Even simple recipes have their tricks to make them shine. Here are our top tips to ensure your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries come out perfect every time, with all the flavor and fun intact:

• Melting Chocolate Like a Pro: Chocolate can be fickle when melting. To avoid burning it, use a microwave in short bursts (stirring in between) or melt it slowly over a double boiler. Adding that teaspoon of coconut oil is a game-changer – it keeps the chocolate smooth and fluid, making it easier to drizzle. Also, let the melted chocolate cool slightly (just a minute or two) before pouring it over strawberries. If it’s too hot, it might cook the fruit or seize up. Bonus tip: If you want fancy drizzles, you can pour the melted chocolate into a zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe it for a neat drizzle design.

• Adjusting Sweetness: This dessert is nicely balanced in sweetness – you’ve got the semi-sweet chocolate and naturally sweet pistachio cream. But you can tweak it to your taste. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier profile. You could even add a drizzle of honey into the pistachio-kataifi mix for extra sweetness (though it really doesn’t need it!). If you prefer less sweet or more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate (bittersweet) chips. Also, check if your pistachio butter is sweetened or unsweetened – some pistachio creams have sugar added. If yours is unsweetened and you find the mixture isn’t sweet enough, you can fold in a tablespoon of powdered sugar while mixing the kataifi. On the other hand, if everything is very sweet, a tiny pinch of salt in the pistachio mixture can balance it out. Always taste as you go and adjust – the beauty of making it at home is tailoring the sweetness to your liking.

• Handling Kataifi Pastry: Kataifi might be new to you, but don’t worry – it’s straightforward to use. Make sure to thaw it if it’s frozen (follow package instructions; usually leaving it in the fridge overnight or on the counter for an hour works). When ready to toast, pull apart and chop the kataifi a bit so you have small shreds – this helps it toast evenly without big clumps. Stir continuously while toasting in butter, as mentioned, to get an even golden color. If you notice it browning too fast, lower the heat. Once it’s toasted, work somewhat quickly to stir in the pistachio butter so that the heat helps everything combine. If the mixture cools and becomes stiff or clumpy, just warm it gently (you can put the pan back on low heat for a minute, or microwave a bowl of the mixture for 10 seconds) and stir to loosen it. No kataifi? In a pinch, you could try crushed toasted shredded wheat cereal or crumbled graham crackers mixed with pistachios as an alternative crunchy layer – it won’t be the same, but it’ll still give a nice texture.

• Perfecting the Pistachio Butter Layer: Pistachio butter can vary in consistency. Some jars are runnier (more like a sauce), while others are thick (like natural peanut butter). If your pistachio butter is very thick or has separated oil on top, give it a good stir before using. You want a spreadable consistency. If it’s too thick to mix well with the kataifi, you can warm it slightly or add that optional tahini to loosen it up (tahini’s oily nature can help thin it out). The tahini also adds a subtle flavor that pairs nicely with pistachio. Don’t go overboard with additions, though – you want the pistachio flavor to shine. Also, remember to save a little of that pistachio butter (unmixed) if you want to drizzle some pure pistachio cream in the layers or on top for visual effect. In some versions of this recipe, people pipe a bit of pistachio cream along the inside of the cup for decoration. Get creative if you like – the pistachio is what makes this dessert special, so highlight it!

• Layering and Serving with Style: When layering, try to press the strawberry halves against the glass wall of your cup/jar for a beautiful red-on-glass pattern that shows off the fruit. It makes the dessert look tempting and professional. Use clear cups if possible – seeing the layers is half the fun. Also, don’t shy away from topping with extras: that sprinkle of crushed pistachios, a small mint leaf for color, or even a few edible gold sprinkles can give it that “Dubai luxe” touch (after all, Dubai is known for gold and glam in its desserts!). Lastly, if you’re making these for a party, you can assemble them a few hours ahead. Keep them chilled, and just add any final chocolate drizzles or crunchy toppings right before serving so everything looks fresh and crisp.

Follow these tips, and you’ll nail the recipe every single time. Your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries will not only taste amazing, but they’ll also have the perfect texture and presentation. Happy layering and enjoy the compliments from anyone you share this with!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers (a rare occurrence with a dessert this yummy!), here’s how to store and enjoy your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries later on:

• Refrigeration: If you have assembled strawberry cups that didn’t get eaten immediately, simply cover each cup with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for about 2 days, maybe up to 3. Keep in mind that the strawberries are fresh – over time, they may release juices and soften. By day 2, the berries might be a bit softer, but the dessert will still taste delicious. The cold actually lets the flavors mingle; the kataifi might lose a touch of its crunch after a day, but it will still have a nice texture. Pro tip: If making ahead for the next day, you can hold off on the final sprinkle of crushed pistachios until serving time, so they stay crisp.

• Can You Freeze It? Freezing the fully assembled dessert is not recommended. Strawberries contain a lot of water, and when you freeze and thaw them, they tend to become mushy and release even more juice (so you’d end up with a watery mess). The chocolate can also develop a white haze (cocoa butter bloom) after freezing. However, you can freeze some components separately. For example, the toasted kataifi-pistachio mixture can be frozen: spread it out on a tray, freeze, then transfer to an airtight bag. Thaw it and re-crisp in a pan for a minute when you want to use it. You could also freeze pistachio butter in small portions, though it has a long shelf life in the fridge already. Fresh strawberries and assembled cups, though, are best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, not the freezer.

• Make-Ahead Tips: If you want to prep ahead for convenience (say, for a party), you can prepare all the components separately and store them. Toast the kataifi and mix with pistachio butter; once cooled, store that mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Melted chocolate sauce can be made ahead and kept in a covered container at room temp for a day, but it will solidify. It’s easy to reheat, though: just warm it gently in the microwave or double boiler until it’s liquid again. (Alternatively, simply store the chocolate chips and have the coconut oil measured – melting fresh on the day is so quick anyway.) Strawberries can be hulled and cut a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge – any longer and they might start to dry out or lose flavor, so same-day is best for the fruit.

• Reheating the Chocolate Sauce: If your chocolate has hardened (either from refrigeration or sitting out too long), don’t worry. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until it loosens up and is pourable again. Add an extra drop of coconut oil or a teaspoon of milk/heavy cream if it needs reviving – that can help restore its silkiness if it’s gotten too thick. Do be gentle with reheating – you don’t want to scorch it. You can also use a double boiler and stir until melted. Note: Only reheat what you plan to use; repeated cooling and heating can make chocolate grainy.

• Serving After Storage: When you’re ready to serve stored Dubai Chocolate Strawberries, check the layers. Sometimes after sitting, the layers may settle a bit. If the top looks a little flat, feel free to add a fresh drizzle of melted chocolate or an extra sprinkle of pistachios to liven it up. Serve the cups chilled straight from the fridge, or let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if you prefer the chocolate a bit softer. The dessert tastes wonderful chilled (almost like an icebox cake meets fruit cup vibe), but some people love it when the chocolate softens slightly. Either way, it’s indulgent and satisfying.

In summary, for best results make this dessert close to the time you’ll eat it, but you can store it short-term in the fridge. There probably won’t be much left once everyone gets a taste, though! With these storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy Dubai Chocolate Strawberries anytime and even have a late-night treat ready to go. Just open the fridge, grab a spoon, and relish that you have this delicious creation waiting for you. Happy indulging!