If you have scrolled through TikTok or Instagram recently, you have likely seen food creators raving about a highly texturized, vibrant green and brown dessert. This treat perfectly balances the bright acidity of fresh fruit with the decadent richness of Middle Eastern-inspired chocolate bars. Food critic Keith Lee famously reviewed the Crave Cookies version, sending demand for these treats through the roof across the United States.
What Are Dubai Chocolate Strawberries?
Dubai chocolate strawberries are a layered dessert served in a cup or jar, featuring fresh strawberry pieces, toasted kataifi (shredded filo dough) mixed with pistachio cream, and a rich chocolate ganache. The dish adapts the famous Dubai chocolate bar into a fruit-forward, spoonable format.
The Viral Strawberry Cup Trend
The craze began when boutique bakeries, notably Crave Cookies, introduced the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. Food reviewers like Keith Lee amplified the hype by showcasing the satisfying crunch of the kataifi pastry against the juicy strawberries. The visual contrast of the bright red berries, the vibrant green pistachio cream, and the glossy brown chocolate makes it highly shareable on social media.
What is the crunchy stuff on the Dubai chocolate strawberries?
The crunchy stuff on Dubai chocolate strawberries is kataifi, a finely shredded Middle Eastern filo pastry. To achieve the signature crunch, bakers toast the raw kataifi strands in butter until golden brown, then mix them with creamy pistachio butter to lock in the texture.
How to make a Dubai strawberry cup at home?
To make a Dubai strawberry cup at home, chop fresh strawberries and place a layer at the bottom of a cup. Toast shredded kataifi dough in butter, mix it with pistachio cream, and spoon it over the berries. Drizzle melted chocolate on top, then repeat the layers. Chill for 10 minutes before eating.
Dubai chocolate strawberries recipe easy
Making this dessert at home requires minimal equipment and zero baking. The easy process relies on simple assembly and careful ingredient preparation.
Recipe Information Table
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 dessert cups |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner |
| Calories | 467 kcal per serving |
Ingredients
Gathering high-quality ingredients ensures your dessert tastes exactly like the premium bakery versions.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1.5 lbs, washed, dried, and quartered.
- Kataifi Pastry: 4 ounces, finely chopped.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (use vegan butter for dairy-free).
- Pistachio Cream: 1 cup (look for sweetened pistachio cream or extra creamy pistachio butter).
- Chocolate: 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks.
- Coconut Oil: 1 teaspoon (helps the chocolate melt smoothly).
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons crushed raw pistachios.
What is the best chocolate to use for Dubai strawberries?
The best chocolate to use for Dubai strawberries is a high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate (50% to 70% cacao). Darker chocolate cuts through the intense sweetness of the pistachio cream, while semi-sweet chocolate perfectly mimics the classic flavor profile of the original viral dessert.
Instructions
Follow these specific steps to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- Prepare the Berries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly. Dry them completely with a paper towel. Moisture causes melted chocolate to seize. Chop the berries into bite-sized quarters.
- Toast the Kataifi: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter. Add the chopped kataifi. Stir continuously for 8 to 10 minutes until the pastry turns deep golden brown.
- Mix the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the kataifi cool for two minutes. Stir in the pistachio cream until the pastry is completely coated.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments. Stir after each interval until the chocolate is glossy and smooth.
Strawberry Cup Recipe (with kataifi crunch)
Assembly requires a specific layering technique to maintain the crunch.
- First Layer: Place a scoop of quartered strawberries at the bottom of a clear 12-ounce glass cup.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add one tablespoon of melted chocolate over the berries.
- The Crunch Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the pistachio-kataifi mixture over the chocolate.
- Repeat: Add another layer of strawberries, more pistachio crunch, and top with a final thick drizzle of chocolate.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.
Dubai chocolate strawberries recipe with tahini
Adding tahini introduces a sophisticated, slightly bitter sesame flavor that balances the heavy sweetness of the dessert.
To make this variation, stir 2 tablespoons of high-quality tahini into your 1 cup of pistachio cream before mixing it into the toasted kataifi. Choose this option if you prefer desserts with complex, nutty undertones rather than straightforward sugar profiles.
Dubai chocolate strawberries recipe with shredded wheat
If you cannot locate traditional kataifi dough, shredded wheat cereal makes an excellent substitute.
Crush 2 cups of plain shredded wheat cereal into small pieces. Toast the cereal in 2 tablespoons of butter for 3-4 minutes to revive its crispness. Remove from heat and fold in the pistachio cream. This shortcut saves cooking time while delivering a remarkably similar crunch.
Dubai chocolate covered strawberries recipe
For a bite-sized variation, you can adapt the cup recipe into traditional chocolate-covered strawberries.
- Leave the strawberries whole, keeping the green stems attached.
- Dip each strawberry halfway into the pistachio-kataifi mixture (you may need to press it on with your fingers).
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 10 minutes.
- Dip the entire coated strawberry into melted chocolate.
- Chill until set.
Dubai chocolate strawberries cup recipe
The cup format remains the most popular way to serve this treat because it contains the messy, crumbly elements perfectly. Use clear glass cups or small mason jars to show off the beautiful green, red, and brown layers. Ensure your strawberry pieces are chopped small enough to easily scoop up with a spoon alongside the crunch layer.
Dubai chocolate strawberry cake
You can easily translate these viral flavors into a full-sized cake. Bake a standard chocolate sponge cake. Use the pistachio-kataifi mixture as a crunchy filling between the cake layers. Top the cake with chocolate ganache and border the edges with fresh strawberries. This format works exceptionally well for birthdays and large dinner parties.
Where can I buy ingredients to make Dubai chocolate strawberries?
You can buy the ingredients for Dubai chocolate strawberries at Middle Eastern grocery stores, specialty Italian markets, and major online retailers. Kataifi sits in the freezer section near regular phyllo dough, while pistachio cream typically rests in the baking or international aisles.
Where to Buy Near Me (by city)
If you prefer to purchase the finished dessert rather than making it, several bakeries across the country currently offer it.
- Las Vegas, NV: Bake the Cookie Shoppe (6430 South Decatur Blvd) offers exclusive Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups for local pickup.
- Los Angeles, CA: Various specialty dessert pop-ups in West Hollywood feature seasonal Middle Eastern-inspired fruit cups.
- New York, NY: Look for artisanal chocolate shops in Brooklyn that specialize in viral TikTok desserts.
- Online/National: Crave Cookies frequently runs limited-time drops of their famous cup for local delivery in participating franchise areas.
Best Online Sellers
If your local grocery store lacks specialty items, use these trusted online sources:
- Amazon: Excellent for finding Jarred Pistachio Cream (like Pisti or Wilderness Poets) and vacuum-sealed kataifi.
- Wilderness Poets: Offers a highly rated, raw, vegan extra-creamy pistachio butter.
- Nuts.com: A reliable source for bulk raw pistachios and high-quality chocolate melting wafers.
Price Guide ($15-50 per box)
Buying pre-made Dubai chocolate strawberries comes at a premium due to the high cost of pistachio butter and labor.
| Product Type | Average Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cup (Bakery) | $15.00 - $18.99 | A quick solo treat. |
| Combo Box (Cup + Cookies) | $18.99 - $25.00 | Sharing with a friend. |
| Box of 12 Cups | $40.00 - $50.00 | Parties and events. |
| DIY Ingredient Cost | $20.00 - $30.00 (yields 4-6 cups) | Budget-conscious dessert lovers. |
Storage & Shelf Life
Moisture from the strawberries represents the biggest threat to this dessert's texture.
| Storage Method | Maximum Shelf Life | Texture Result |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 Hours | Perfect crunch, soft chocolate. |
| Refrigerator | 2 to 3 Days | Hardened chocolate, slightly softened crunch. |
| Freezer | Not Recommended | Mushy strawberries upon thawing. |
Gift Packaging Ideas
Presenting these strawberry cups as gifts elevates them for holidays and special events.
- Glass Jars: Build the recipe inside small, clear mason jars. Tie a ribbon around the lid and attach a wooden tasting spoon.
- Trifle Boxes: Use clear, disposable bakery boxes with a flat bottom for an elegant, professional look.
- Layered Care Packages: Gift the dry toasted kataifi in one bag, a jar of pistachio cream, and a gourmet chocolate bar with a recipe card, allowing the recipient to build the fresh dessert themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to toast the kataifi pastry?
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Why did my melted chocolate turn clumpy?
Is pistachio butter the same as pistachio cream?
What can I use instead of kataifi?
Can I freeze Dubai chocolate strawberry cups?
How many calories are in one Dubai chocolate strawberry cup?
Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
How do I thin out thick pistachio cream?
Can I prep the components ahead of time?
Dubai Chocolate Strawberries
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs fresh strawberries, washed, dried & quartered
- 4 oz kataifi pastry, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
- 1 cup pistachio cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp crushed raw pistachios (garnish)
Instructions
- Wash strawberries thoroughly. Dry completely with a paper towel. Chop into bite-sized quarters.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter. Add chopped kataifi.
- Stir continuously for 8 to 10 minutes until pastry turns deep golden brown.
- Remove skillet from heat. Let kataifi cool 2 minutes. Stir in pistachio cream until coated.
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until glossy and smooth.
- Place a scoop of quartered strawberries at the bottom of a clear 12-oz glass cup.
- Add 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over the berries.
- Spoon a generous layer of pistachio-kataifi mixture over the chocolate.
- Add another layer of strawberries, more pistachio crunch, and a final thick chocolate drizzle.
- Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. Chill 10 minutes before serving.