Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Dubai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 ounces kataifi shredded dough, chopped; 1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream; 2 tablespoons tahini (optional); 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon coconut oil; 1 ½ pounds strawberries, halved; Ground pistachios

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in the mood for an exotic yet approachable dessert, Dubai Chocolate Strawberries will absolutely sweep you off your feet. This stunning dish pairs crisp, golden kataifi, luscious pistachio butter, and glossy melted chocolate with the freshest strawberries, creating vibrant layers of flavor and texture. Every spoonful is a celebration—crunchy, creamy, rich, and fruity all at once. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party or looking to impress family and friends with a unique treat, Dubai Chocolate Strawberries promise a memorable experience for everyone lucky enough to dig in.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Dubai Chocolate Strawberries comes from a short list of ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each item plays a unique part in the layers: the kataifi for crunch, pistachio butter for creaminess, chocolate for decadence, and—of course—sweet, juicy strawberries that shine through every bite.

Unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness to the kataifi, ensuring it toasts up beautifully without overpowering other flavors.
Kataifi shredded dough (chopped): This Middle Eastern pastry gives the dessert its irresistible crunch—make sure it’s golden and crisp!
Pistachio butter (or pistachio cream): Adds nutty, creamy depth that pairs perfectly with chocolate and strawberries.
Tahini (optional): Contributes an earthy note and extra silkiness to the filling, but feel free to leave it out if you want the pistachio flavor to shine.
Chocolate chips: Melted for drizzling, turning every bite into a decadent chocolate dream.
Coconut oil: Helps thin out the chocolate so it coats the strawberries and trickles smoothly between layers.
Strawberries (halved): The sweet and tangy star of the show—choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor.
Ground pistachios: A vibrant, nutty garnish that adds color, crunch, and a little luxury to the final presentation.

How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Step 1: Toast the Kataifi and Prepare the Filling

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped kataifi and stir it constantly—don’t wander away, as it browns fast once it gets going! After about ten minutes, the strands will transform from pale to golden and deliciously crisp. Turn off the heat, then stir in your pistachio butter and optional tahini, letting everything melt and mingle together. Give the mixture a good toss so every bit of kataifi picks up some of that nutty, creamy flavor. Let it cool for about ten minutes right in the pan—this will help it set up and become even crunchier.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

While your filling cools down, it’s time to prep the chocolate drizzle. Add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl, then heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between so nothing scorches. In just a couple of rounds, your chocolate will turn shiny and smooth, with just enough coconut oil mixed in to make it glossy and pourable. This effortless step guarantees each layer of Dubai Chocolate Strawberries will have that perfect, professional-looking chocolate finish.

Step 3: Layer the Strawberries, Chocolate, and Kataifi Filling

Now comes the fun part! Take four clear 12-ounce cups: Lay about eight strawberry halves in the bottom of each cup. Pour a generous drizzle of that warm molten chocolate over the berries, letting some of it fill the little spaces in between. Spoon about three tablespoons of the kataifi filling over the chocolate. Then repeat—another layer of strawberry halves, more kataifi mix, another chocolate swirl, and cap it all off with crushed pistachios. Watching the vibrant layers build up in each glass is half the fun (and a sneak peek at all the flavors to come).

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries can be enjoyed immediately if you just can’t wait—or, pop them in the fridge for about ten minutes. This quick chill sets the chocolate just enough to add a little snap and keep the layers looking clean and impressive. Either way, these parfaits are pure joy to dig into, with every bite delivering crunch, creaminess, fruit, and chocolate in perfect balance.

How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Garnishes

For a truly showstopping finish, sprinkle each cup generously with ground pistachios—they add a gorgeous color contrast and a nutty perfume that hints at the dessert’s Middle Eastern inspiration. If you’re feeling festive, a few extra strawberry slices or even edible gold leaf can take your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries from stunning to utterly spectacular.

Side Dishes

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are delightfully rich, so keep any accompaniments light. A glass of mint tea pairs beautifully, or you could offer a simple yogurt or citrus sorbet on the side to refresh the palate between bites. If you’re serving them as part of a dessert buffet, try small almond cookies or fresh fruit to complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual clear cups work best for admiring those gorgeous layers, but you can get playful! Arrange the ingredients in a large trifle bowl for a striking centerpiece, or assemble them in mini dessert glasses for a chic party treat. Tiny jars with ribbon-wrapped spoons make Dubai Chocolate Strawberries the perfect picnic or gift-worthy dessert, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Dubai Chocolate Strawberries can be stored in their cups in the refrigerator, loosely covered. They’re best within 24 hours, as the kataifi will gradually lose its crunch. If you know you’ll have extras, consider keeping some components (like strawberries and kataifi filling) separate until just before serving to keep flavors and textures at their freshest.

Freezing

While you can freeze chocolate-dipped strawberries and pistachio mixtures separately, the assembled parfaits don’t freeze well—the berries will release water and the crisp kataifi will soften. For longer storage, freeze the kataifi and pistachio filling in an airtight bag, then thaw and layer with fresh strawberries and melted chocolate when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat the assembled Dubai Chocolate Strawberries, but if you’ve made the kataifi filling in advance and it feels firm, just give it a quick zap in the microwave or a minute in a skillet to loosen it up before layering. Serve everything chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use white or dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Dubai Chocolate Strawberries are flexible—use milk, dark, or white chocolate chips, or a mix. Just be sure to add a little coconut oil to keep the melted chocolate smooth and drizzle-friendly.

What is kataifi, and where can I find it?

Kataifi is a shredded dough popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts, known for its crispy texture. Look for it in the freezer section at Middle Eastern or Greek markets, or check online specialty stores. In a pinch, you can substitute with crushed phyllo, but kataifi’s texture is truly special in this recipe.

How do I make my own pistachio butter?

If you can’t find pistachio butter or cream, make it at home by blending shelled, roasted pistachios with a bit of neutral oil until creamy. Sweeten lightly or leave it plain to let the nutty flavor shine through in your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries.

Can I prepare Dubai Chocolate Strawberries ahead for a party?

Yes! You can toast the kataifi and stir in the pistachio butter, melt the chocolate, and slice your strawberries a day ahead. Store components separately and assemble the parfaits a couple of hours before serving for best texture and presentation.

Are there any nut-free alternatives to pistachio butter?

If you’re avoiding nuts, try using sunflower seed butter or a smooth tahini for an equally creamy layer. It will change the flavor profile a bit, but your Dubai Chocolate Strawberries will still be luscious and unique!

Final Thoughts

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries truly bring a burst of joy to any dessert table. They’re as dazzling to look at as they are scrumptious to eat, blending classic flavors with a little Middle Eastern magic. I can’t wait for you to taste this crowd-pleaser—give it a try and let each spoonful transport you somewhere a little more special!

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Dubai Chocolate Strawberries, a decadent dessert featuring a fusion of pistachio, chocolate, and fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Kataifi Filling:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 ounces kataifi shredded dough, chopped

For the Pistachio Cream:

1 cup pistachio butter or pistachio cream
2 tablespoons tahini (optional)

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

1 cup chocolate chips
1 teaspoon coconut oil

For Assembly:

1 ½ pounds strawberries, halved
Ground pistachios

Instructions

Prepare the Kataifi Filling: Melt butter in a skillet, add kataifi, cook until browned and crispy. Stir in pistachio butter and tahini, let cool.
Make the Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
Assemble the Dessert: Layer strawberry halves, chocolate drizzle, kataifi filling, and crushed pistachios in clear cups.
Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for 10 minutes to set.