Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Featured in: Sweet & Fruity Mixes

This elegant dessert combines crisp kataifi pastry cups baked to golden perfection with a smooth dark chocolate layer. A creamy pistachio filling, whipped to soft peaks with mascarpone and subtle rose water, adds a rich texture. Fresh strawberry halves crown the cups, optionally glazed with honey for a glossy finish. Garnished with chopped pistachios and edible petals, this treat delivers a luxurious Middle Eastern-inspired flavor balance ideal for sophisticated gatherings.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:40:04 GMT
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream in a golden pastry nest, filled with rich dark chocolate and creamy pistachio filling, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. Save to Pinterest
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream in a golden pastry nest, filled with rich dark chocolate and creamy pistachio filling, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. | funcockts.com

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream offer a luxurious indulgence inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Crisp kataifi pastry nests cradle a rich dark chocolate layer, topped with velvety pistachio cream and juicy strawberry halves. This elegant dessert is perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or savoring a refined treat.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream in a golden pastry nest, filled with rich dark chocolate and creamy pistachio filling, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. Save to Pinterest
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups with Kataifi and Pistachio Cream in a golden pastry nest, filled with rich dark chocolate and creamy pistachio filling, topped with fresh strawberries and chopped pistachios. | funcockts.com

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The interplay of crispness and creaminess makes these cups a memorable dessert that balances sweetness and nutty notes. Their visually stunning presentation makes them an irresistible centerpiece for your table.

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)

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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 well separated and coated evenly with butter and sugar to achieve an even crispness. When melting the chocolate, stir frequently to avoid burning and to create a glossy finish. Use chilled heavy cream for the pistachio cream to help it whip better and achieve a light, airy consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Swap strawberries for raspberries or figs in season to add different fruit flavors. For an aromatic twist, add a pinch of cardamom to the pistachio cream. The cups can be prepared ahead of time; however, assemble the strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these elegant cups as a highlight of your dessert menu, accompanied by refreshing mint tea or a glass of dessert wine. Their delicate presentation suits festive occasions and refined gatherings perfectly.

Save to Pinterest
| funcockts.com

These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups bring a touch of Middle Eastern luxury to your table, blending texture and flavor in a harmonious dessert that's sure to impress. Whether for a special celebration or an indulgent treat, these cups deliver an unforgettable experience.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What is kataifi pastry and how is it used here?

Kataifi is a shredded filo dough that becomes crispy when baked. Here, it's shaped into cups and baked to form a crunchy base.

How do you make the pistachio cream smooth?

The pistachios are finely ground, then blended with cold cream, mascarpone, and powdered sugar, whipped until creamy and light.

Can strawberries be substituted with other fruits?

Yes, seasonal fruits like raspberries or figs work well as toppings for a different flavor profile.

What is the purpose of the rose water in the pistachio cream?

Rose water adds a subtle floral aroma that enhances the pistachio cream’s flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

How should these cups be served for best texture?

Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crispness of the kataifi cups and freshness of the fruit.

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Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups

Crisp kataifi nests filled with smooth chocolate, topped by fresh strawberries and rich pistachio cream.

Prep Duration
30 minutes
Cook Duration
15 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Middle Eastern Fusion

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Facts Meat-Free

What You Need

Kataifi Cups

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

Chocolate Layer

01 4.2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
02 2 tbsp heavy cream

Pistachio Cream

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

Strawberry Topping

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

Garnish

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pastry: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a standard 6-cup muffin tin. Gently separate and fluff the kataifi pastry. Toss with melted butter and granulated sugar until evenly coated.

Step 02

Shape Kataifi Nests: Divide kataifi pastry into 6 equal portions. Press each portion into a muffin cup, shaping to form a nest with a hollow center for filling.

Step 03

Bake Pastry Shells: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Allow to cool in the tin, then gently remove each cup.

Step 04

Prepare Chocolate Layer: Melt chopped dark chocolate with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and glossy. Spoon a layer of chocolate into the bottom of each cooled kataifi cup. Allow to set completely.

Step 05

Make 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 desired. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 06

Fill Cups: Transfer pistachio cream to a piping bag. Pipe generously into each chocolate-lined kataifi cup.

Step 07

Top with Strawberries: Arrange strawberry halves on top of the pistachio cream. Optionally, brush lightly with honey for a glossy appearance.

Step 08

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

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Tools Needed

  • 6-cup muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Food processor
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Piping bag, optional
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy: butter, heavy cream, and mascarpone cheese
  • Contains tree nuts: pistachios
  • Contains gluten: kataifi pastry
  • May contain traces of soy in dark chocolate

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 340
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 5 g

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