The Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Have you ever seen a dessert online that looked so good you just had to try it? That was me, completely mesmerized the first time I saw the viral Dubai chocolate bar. The incredible crunch echoed through my phone’s speakers, and I knew I had to capture that magic. After a bit of kitchen experimentation, these stunning Dubai chocolate strawberries were born, and I haven’t looked back since.

Prepare yourself for an unforgettable dessert experience. We’re about to combine the freshness of juicy strawberries with a heavenly, crunchy pistachio filling and top it all off with a layer of smooth, decadent chocolate. This isn’t just another sweet treat; it’s pure luxury in a cup. You’ll soon discover why this recipe has become my absolute go-to for everything from special occasions to quiet nights in.

This entire creation is a nod to that viral sensation, taking the best parts of it and turning them into a deconstructed masterpiece. We’re talking about layers of flavor and texture that work together in perfect harmony. Imagine digging your spoon through that glossy chocolate, feeling the satisfying crunch of the filling, and hitting the sweet, juicy burst of a fresh strawberry. It’s a culinary journey that looks as incredible as it tastes. Ready to bring a little bit of that viral magic into your own kitchen? Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Are Dubai Chocolate Strawberries?

So, what’s all the buzz about? At its heart, this Dubai chocolate strawberries recipe is a deconstructed, layered dessert inspired by that viral chocolate bar everyone’s been raving about. Instead of a solid bar, we’re creating a stunning parfait-style treat in a cup. This approach lets each individual component shine while creating a perfect symphony of flavors and textures in every single spoonful.

The magic comes from three core elements working in harmony. First, you have a base of fresh, juicy strawberries that bring a bright, tangy sweetness. Next comes the star of the show: a rich, nutty, and unbelievably crunchy filling made from toasted kataifi pastry and pistachio cream. Finally, it’s all brought together with a generous drizzle of silky, melted chocolate that hardens into a delightful shell.

What truly sets this dessert apart is that incredible textural contrast. You get the smooth, creamy chocolate, the crisp-crunchy satisfaction from the kataifi filling, and the soft, juicy burst from the fresh strawberries. It’s a multi-layered experience that feels incredibly luxurious and tastes even better than it looks.

Why This Recipe Will Become Your New Obsession

I promise you, from the very first bite, you’ll understand why I can’t stop making this. The flavor profile is simply out of this world. The richness of the pistachio cream and dark chocolate is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the fresh strawberries. It’s a sophisticated combination that feels both indulgent and surprisingly refreshing.

And can we talk about the “wow” factor? Assembling this dessert in clear cups creates a beautiful, layered effect that looks like something you’d get at a high-end pastry shop. It’s an absolute showstopper. Imagine placing these on the table at your next dinner party; your guests will be reaching for their phones to snap a picture before they even pick up a spoon.

Beyond its beauty, this recipe is also wonderfully versatile. It’s elegant enough for a special celebration, yet simple enough to whip up when you’re just craving a truly special treat. Have you ever wanted a dessert that works for a fancy occasion but doesn’t require hours of complicated baking? This is it. It’s your new secret weapon for effortless entertaining.

Your Shopping List: Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Before we start, let’s gather all our components. I’ve broken down the list into three parts to keep things organized: the crispy filling, the chocolate drizzle, and the final assembly.

For the Kataifi Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 oz kataifi shredded dough, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini (this is optional, but I highly recommend it for an extra layer of nutty richness!)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (this is the secret to that perfectly glossy finish!)

For Assembly:

• 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, halved
• Ground pistachios for garnish
• 4 clear 12-ounce cups for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Alright, are you ready to build your masterpiece? Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. I’ll walk you through every step of the process. We’ll have these gorgeous cups ready to devour before you know it.

Step 1: Toast the Kataifi to Golden Perfection

First, we create that incredible crunch. In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is shimmering, add your 4 ounces of chopped kataifi dough. You’ll need to stir constantly for about 10 minutes until the kataifi turns a beautiful golden brown and gets wonderfully crispy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!

Once it’s perfectly toasted, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the pistachio butter and the optional tahini until everything is well combined into a thick, fragrant paste. Set the pan aside and allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Next, let’s prepare the silky chocolate drizzle. Start by measuring one cup of chocolate chips and one teaspoon of coconut oil into a microwave-safe bow. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each one, until the chocolate is completely melted, smooth, and glossy. Make sure to stir between intervals, unless you enjoy the smell of burnt chocolate and shattered dreams. The coconut oil is a fantastic little trick that makes the chocolate perfectly shiny and easy to drizzle.

Step 3: Layering the Cups

Now for the assembly! Take your four clear cups and place 8 strawberry halves in the bottom of each one. I like to arrange them with the cut-side down against the glass for that beautiful, professional look. Generously pour about two tablespoons of the melted chocolate over the strawberry layer, letting it seep down and fill in all the little gaps.

Step 4: Adding the Crunchy Filling

This is the layer that provides that signature Dubai chocolate crunch. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the cooled kataifi-pistachio mixture over the chocolate-drizzled strawberries in each cup. This creates that rich, textural middle that is the true star of this dessert!

Step 5: The Finishing Touches

We’re almost there! To build the next level, arrange another layer of strawberry halves, placing them near the top of each cup. Follow this with more kataifi filling and a final, generous drizzle of the remaining melted chocolate. For that perfect finish, sprinkle a pinch of ground pistachios over the top. You can serve these immediately or pop them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help the chocolate set just a bit.

Pro Tips and Fun Variations

Once you get the hang of the basic recipe, you can start having fun and experimenting. Here are a few of my favorite tips and creative twists to elevate your Dubai chocolate strawberries and ensure they come out perfectly every single time.

The Ultimate Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

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• Author: Hilary PARKER
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Get ready to experience the most luxurious twist on chocolate-covered strawberries with these show-stopping Dubai chocolate strawberries! 

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Kataifi Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 oz kataifi shredded dough, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
• 2 tablespoons tahini (optional)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

For Assembly:

 

• 1½ pounds fresh strawberries, halved
• Ground pistachios for garnish
• 4 clear 12-ounce cups for serving

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Instructions

Create the Golden Filling: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped kataifi and cook, stirring constantly, until it becomes beautifully golden brown and crispy – about 10 minutes. The aroma will be absolutely divine! Remove from heat and stir in the pistachio butter and tahini until well combined. Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

② Prepare the Chocolate: Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and glossy. The coconut oil will make it perfectly drippy and shiny.

③ Start the First Layer: Place 8 strawberry halves in the bottom of each clear cup, arranging them cut-side down for the most beautiful presentation. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of the melted chocolate between and over the strawberries, letting it fill all the gaps.

④ Add the Magic Middle: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the cooled kataifi-pistachio mixture over the chocolate-drizzled strawberries in each cup, creating a rich, textural layer that’s the star of this dessert.

 

⑤ Finish with Flair: Add another layer of strawberry halves near the top of each cup, followed by more kataifi filling, a final drizzle of melted chocolate, and a generous sprinkle of ground pistachios for that gorgeous finishing touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.

Notes

Take your time toasting the kataifi until it reaches that perfect deep golden brown color – this is what gives the dessert its signature crunch and nutty flavor! Stir constantly and don’t walk away from the stove, as kataifi can go from golden to burnt very quickly. If you want an extra elegant presentation, use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off) to drizzle the chocolate in beautiful patterns. The contrast between the vibrant red strawberries, golden kataifi, and dark chocolate creates an absolutely stunning visual that’s worthy of any special occasion!

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: Middle-Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1cup
• Calories: 466kcal
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 142mg
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 59g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Tips for Success:

• Dry Your Strawberries Completely: This is my most important tip! After you wash your strawberries, make sure they are 100% dry. I pat mine gently with a paper towel. Even a little bit of water can cause the melted chocolate to seize up or prevent it from sticking to the fruit properly.
• Don’t Scorch the Kataifi: Keep a close eye on the kataifi as it toasts. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Stir it constantly and as soon as it reaches that beautiful brownish-gold color, take it off the heat immediately.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: With a simple recipe like this, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Using a good-quality pistachio butter (or cream) and your favorite kind of eating chocolate will make a world of difference in the final flavor.

Fun Variations to Try:

• Switch Up the Chocolate: While I love dark or semi-sweet chocolate here, don’t let that stop you from experimenting! Creamy white chocolate would create a sweeter, milder version, while milk chocolate offers a classic, comforting flavor.
• Experiment with Nuts: If you can’t find pistachio butter or just want to try something new, this recipe is delicious with almond butter or even a smooth hazelnut spread. A sprinkle of toasted, chopped almonds on top would be fantastic, too.
• Spice Things Up: Ever wondered how a dash of spice can transform your dish? Try adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or cardamom to your kataifi mixture as it cools. It adds a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and strawberries.

Serving Suggestions:

For the best experience, I recommend serving these cups immediately after assembling. This ensures the kataifi filling stays as crunchy as possible. If you need to prep ahead of time, you can toast the kataifi filling and wash/slice the strawberries a few hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers and assemble everything right before you plan to serve.

Conclusion

And there you have it! That is everything you need to know to create the most incredible, show-stopping Dubai chocolate strawberries in your own kitchen. By layering fresh fruit with that signature crunchy filling and rich chocolate, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re creating a memorable experience that’s a feast for the eyes and the palate.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try. When you do, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please drop a comment below to let me know how it turned out, or if you discovered any fun variations of your own. Did you try a different kind of chocolate? Maybe a different berry? Share all your delicious secrets!

Ultimately, the best part of cooking is sharing, whether that’s sharing the recipe or sharing the final dish with people you love. This dessert is a little piece of luxury, a bit of fun, and a guaranteed way to make any occasion feel special. Happy cooking!

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