Dubai chocolate strawberry cup

If you’ve been scrolling social media and craving that viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, you’re not alone. This indulgent dessert has taken over Instagram and TikTok for a reason: it’s rich, crunchy, fruity, and unapologetically luxurious. Combining crisp toasted kataifi pastry, silky pistachio paste, juicy fresh strawberries, and melted Nutella, this dessert delivers pure dessert drama in a glass — no baking required.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for guests, a trendy sweet treat to recreate at home, or simply a quick way to satisfy serious chocolate cravings, this Dubai chocolate strawberry cup hits all the right notes. Elegant yet easy, it perfectly captures the over-the-top dessert culture Dubai is famous for, while remaining totally doable in your own kitchen.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake & Quick – Comes together in under 30 minutes, with zero oven time
• Simple Yet Luxurious Ingredients – Just a handful of high-impact components
• Texture Heaven – Crunchy kataifi, creamy pistachio, silky Nutella, juicy berries
• Visually Stunning – Perfect for entertaining or social media-worthy desserts
• Customizable – Easy to adjust sweetness, layers, or portion sizes
• Crowd-Pleaser – Guaranteed “wow” factor for guests of all ages

What makes this version stand out is the balance. The nutty pistachio kataifi adds depth and crunch, the strawberries cut through the richness, and the warm Nutella ties everything together into a dessert that feels indulgent but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of treat that feels comforting yet impressive — the best of both worlds.

Ingredients Needed

Below is everything you need to make this Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, grouped for clarity and ease. The ingredient list is short, but each element plays a crucial role in flavor and texture.

For the Pistachio Kataifi Crunch

• 75g (2.6 oz) kataifi pastry, finely chopped
• 40g (1.4 oz) unsalted butter, melted gently over low heat
• 140g (5 oz) pistachio paste (a high-quality brand like Pisti works beautifully)

For the Strawberry Layer

• 600g (1.3 lb) fresh strawberries, washed and dried (smaller strawberries are ideal)
• 2 extra-large strawberries, reserved for garnish

For the Chocolate Layer

• 300g (10.6 oz) Nutella, gently warmed until pourable

Tip: Use ripe, fragrant strawberries — they’re essential for balancing the richness of the chocolate and pistachio layers.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Preparing the Kataifi

Step 1:
Start by chopping the kataifi pastry into small, fine pieces. This ensures even toasting and a delicate crunch rather than long, chewy strands.

Step 2:
Place a frying pan over low heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped kataifi pastry. Toss gently and continuously, keeping the heat low. This step is all about patience — slow toasting prevents burning and allows the pastry to turn evenly golden.

Step 3:
Cook until the kataifi becomes lightly golden and crisp, with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately once done.

Step 4:
Transfer the warm kataifi to a bowl and add the pistachio paste. Mix thoroughly until every strand is coated. The residual heat helps the pistachio paste spread evenly, creating a rich, cohesive crunch mixture. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Strawberries and Nutella

Step 5:
Wash the strawberries thoroughly, remove the green tops, and pat them completely dry. Excess moisture can water down the dessert and affect the layers.

Step 6:
Halve the small strawberries. If using larger ones, quarter them so each bite remains balanced and easy to eat.

Step 7:
Place the Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15–20 second intervals, stirring between each burst, until smooth and pourable.
Alternative method: Place the Nutella jar in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes, then stir until loosened.

Assembling the Cups

Step 8:
Choose clear glasses (stemless wine glasses or dessert cups work best). This allows the layers to shine visually.

Step 9:
Start with a base layer of strawberries at the bottom of the glass. This creates freshness and prevents the dessert from feeling overly rich.

Step 10:
Spoon a layer of pistachio kataifi over the strawberries, gently pressing it down for structure.

Step 11:
Drizzle a generous layer of warm Nutella over the kataifi, allowing it to naturally settle into the gaps.

Step 12:
Repeat the layers — strawberries, pistachio kataifi, Nutella — until the glass is nearly full.

Step 13:
Finish with a final layer of strawberries, then pour Nutella on top to create a smooth, glossy surface.

Step 14:
Garnish with one extra-large strawberry and a small scoop of pistachio kataifi for an elegant, professional finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Best Served Fresh: This dessert shines when served shortly after assembling, while the kataifi is still crisp.
• Chill Lightly: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving.
• Elegant Presentation: Serve with small spoons and wipe glass rims clean for a polished look.
• Storage: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Note that the kataifi will soften over time.
• Not Freezer-Friendly: Freezing affects the texture of strawberries and chocolate, so it’s not recommended.

Helpful Notes

• Use low heat when toasting kataifi — burnt pastry turns bitter fast.
• High-quality pistachio paste makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• If Nutella thickens while assembling, gently rewarm it.
• You can assemble mini versions in espresso cups for parties or dessert tables.
• For extra crunch, add a thin kataifi layer just before serving.

Conclusion

This Dubai chocolate strawberry cup is the ultimate example of how simple ingredients, when layered thoughtfully, can create a dessert that feels truly luxurious. With its irresistible contrast of crunchy pistachio kataifi, juicy strawberries, and silky melted Nutella, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s no-bake, visually stunning, and guaranteed to impress — whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself.

If you tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. Share your creations on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram and tag them — dessert inspiration is always better when shared. Did you add your own twist? Let us know what variations you experimented with!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, assemble it no more than 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Add the final garnish just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are highly recommended. Frozen ones release too much liquid and can make the dessert watery.

How do I make this dessert less sweet?

Use dark chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella and increase the strawberry-to-chocolate ratio.

Is kataifi the same as shredded phyllo?

Yes, kataifi is shredded phyllo dough. Just make sure it’s fresh and not dried out before toasting.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Traditional kataifi contains gluten, but you can substitute crushed gluten-free cornflakes or toasted gluten-free pastry strands for a similar crunch.

What consistency should the Nutella be?

It should be warm and pourable, thick enough to coat layers smoothly without running straight to the bottom.

Can I replace pistachio paste?

Yes, almond or hazelnut paste works, but pistachio gives the most authentic Dubai-style flavor.