Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Featured in: Seasonal Meal Ideas

This Middle Eastern-inspired delight features crispy kataifi nests filled with melted dark chocolate and topped with a smooth pistachio cream. Garnished with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, it's a perfect blend of textures and flavors. The kataifi pastry provides a delicate crunch, while the rich chocolate layer balances the nutty, creamy pistachio filling. Ideal for elegant occasions, this dessert offers a harmonious combination of sweet, nutty, and fruity notes.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:45:18 GMT
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream, a decadent Middle Eastern dessert with crisp pastry and creamy filling. Save
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream, a decadent Middle Eastern dessert with crisp pastry and creamy filling. | bellepantry.com

Experience the elegance of Middle Eastern flavors with these Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups. Crisp kataifi pastry forms delicate nests, filled with a rich dark chocolate layer and topped with a smooth pistachio cream. Fresh strawberries crown each cup, creating a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream, a decadent Middle Eastern dessert with crisp pastry and creamy filling. Save
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream, a decadent Middle Eastern dessert with crisp pastry and creamy filling. | bellepantry.com

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Each bite offers a luxurious mix of rich and fresh flavors inspired by Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene. The use of rose water in the pistachio cream brings a subtle fragrance that elevates this dessert beyond the ordinary.

Ingredients

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  • Kataifi Cups
    150 g kataifi pastry, thawed
    60 g unsalted butter, melted
    2 tbsp sugar
  • Chocolate Layer
    120 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
    2 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pistachio Cream
    100 g shelled pistachios, unsalted
    3 tbsp powdered sugar
    100 ml heavy cream, cold
    100 g mascarpone cheese
    1 tsp rose water (optional)
  • Strawberry Topping
    12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
    1 tbsp honey (optional, for glazing)
  • Garnish
    2 tbsp chopped pistachios
    Edible gold leaf or rose petals (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a standard muffin tin.
2. Gently separate and fluff the kataifi pastry. Toss with melted butter and sugar until evenly coated.
3. Divide kataifi pastry into 6 portions. Press each portion into a muffin cup, shaping to form a nest with a hollow center.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until crisp and golden. Let cool in the tin, then gently remove.
5. For the chocolate layer, melt dark chocolate with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Spoon a layer of chocolate into the bottom of each kataifi cup. Allow to set.
6. For the pistachio cream, finely grind pistachios in a food processor. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, ground pistachios, and rose water (if using); beat until smooth and creamy.
7. Fill a piping bag with pistachio cream and pipe generously into each chocolate-lined kataifi cup.
8. Arrange strawberry halves on top. Optionally, brush with honey for shine.
9. Garnish with chopped pistachios and, if desired, edible gold leaf or rose petals.
10. Serve immediately for best texture.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure the kataifi pastry is fully thawed and gently separated for maximum crispness. When melting the chocolate, use low heat or short microwave bursts to prevent burning. Chill the heavy cream before whipping to achieve perfect soft peaks for a light, airy pistachio cream.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap strawberries for raspberries or figs when they are in season for a different fruity twist. For extra flavor depth, add a pinch of cardamom to the pistachio cream. The rose water can be omitted or adjusted to taste depending on your preference.

Serviervorschläge

These cups shine when served immediately to maintain their crisp texture. Pair with refreshing mint tea or a delicate dessert wine to complement the rich and nutty flavors.

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| bellepantry.com

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream are a stunning way to bring a touch of Middle Eastern luxury to your dessert table. Their combination of textures and flavors makes them as memorable as they are delicious.

Recipe FAQ

What is kataifi pastry?

Kataifi is a shredded phyllo dough commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sweets. It crisps up beautifully when baked, providing a delicate crunchy texture.

Can I substitute the strawberries?

Yes, seasonal berries like raspberries or figs make excellent alternatives to fresh strawberries, adding a fresh fruity flavor.

How is the pistachio cream prepared?

The pistachio cream combines finely ground pistachios with mascarpone, cold heavy cream whipped to soft peaks, powdered sugar, and optional rose water for a floral hint.

How to prevent kataifi cups from becoming soggy?

Bake the kataifi nests until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool fully before adding any moist fillings to maintain their crunch.

Can this dessert be prepared in advance?

The kataifi cups and pistachio cream can be made ahead, but fresh strawberries should be added just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.

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Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Elegant Middle Eastern dessert featuring kataifi nests, dark chocolate, fresh strawberries, and pistachio cream.

Prep time
30 minutes
Cooking duration
15 minutes
Overall time
45 minutes
Created by Rebecca Holt


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Middle Eastern Fusion

Makes 6 Portions

Dietary details Meatless

What You'll Need

Kataifi Cups

01 5.3 oz kataifi pastry, thawed
02 2.1 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Chocolate Layer

01 4.2 oz dark chocolate 70% cocoa, chopped
02 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Pistachio Cream

01 3.5 oz shelled unsalted pistachios
02 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 3.4 fl oz heavy cream, cold
04 3.5 oz mascarpone cheese
05 1 teaspoon rose water, optional

Strawberry Topping

01 12 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
02 1 tablespoon honey, optional for glazing

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
02 Edible gold leaf or rose petals, optional

How to Make

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray.

Step 02

Prepare Kataifi Pastry: Gently separate and fluff the thawed kataifi pastry with your fingertips. Toss with melted butter and granulated sugar until evenly coated throughout.

Step 03

Shape Pastry Cups: Divide kataifi mixture into 6 equal portions. Press each portion firmly into a muffin cup, shaping it into a nest formation with a hollow center for filling.

Step 04

Bake Kataifi Cups: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then gently remove and set on a wire rack.

Step 05

Melt Chocolate: Combine chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Set over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely smooth.

Step 06

Fill with Chocolate: Spoon a thin layer of melted chocolate into the bottom of each cooled kataifi cup. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature for 10 minutes.

Step 07

Prepare Pistachio Cream: Finely grind shelled pistachios in a food processor until powder consistency. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks using an electric mixer or whisk.

Step 08

Make Pistachio Filling: Fold mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, ground pistachios, and rose water if using into the whipped cream until smooth and creamy. Avoid overmixing.

Step 09

Fill Cups: Transfer pistachio cream to a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip. Pipe generously into each chocolate-lined kataifi cup, creating a decorative swirl.

Step 10

Top with Strawberries: Arrange strawberry halves on top of each pistachio cream filling. Optionally brush with honey using a pastry brush for a glossy finish.

Step 11

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pistachios over each cup. Add edible gold leaf or rose petals if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and presentation.

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What You Need

  • 6-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls, various sizes
  • Food processor
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Piping bag with star tip
  • Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
  • Pastry brush
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy info

Review every item for allergens and check with a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts: pistachios
  • Contains dairy: butter, heavy cream, mascarpone cheese
  • Contains gluten: kataifi pastry
  • May contain soy: dark chocolate

Nutrition info (per serving)

These nutrition details are for your reference only and aren't a substitute for advice from a health professional.
  • Energy: 340
  • Total fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 5 g

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