If you’re ready to dive into a dazzling dessert that bursts with vibrant flavors and textures, the Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe is exactly what your sweet tooth has been craving. This delightful treat layers juicy, fresh strawberries with crunchy, buttery kataifi and luscious pistachio cream, all crowned by a drizzle of rich dark chocolate and a sprinkle of pistachios. It’s a perfect celebration of Middle Eastern-inspired ingredients transformed into a refreshing, elegant cup that’s as fun to eat as it is stunning to look at. Trust me, once you try these cups, they’ll become an instant favorite to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and fresh fruitiness. Simplicity meets luxurious flavor here, making it a dish that’s accessible but never boring.
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: This adds rich, buttery depth to the kataifi, helping it toast to golden perfection.
- 4 ounces Kataifi (shredded fillo dough): Provides an irresistible crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
- 7 ounces pistachio cream: The star ingredient offering a nutty, smooth creaminess that infuses the recipe with Middle Eastern charm.
- 2 tablespoons tahini sesame paste: Adds a subtle, earthy nuttiness that complements the pistachio and deepens the flavor profile.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and bringing everything together.
- 21 strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and vibrant, these bring natural sweetness and a pop of color to your dessert.
- 5 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers: For a glossy, rich finish that drizzles beautifully and adds a bittersweet punch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios: A final crunchy garnish that boosts texture and looks gorgeous sprinkled on top.
How to Make Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi
Start by breaking down the kataifi into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This shredding step is key—it ensures each strand crisps up evenly and makes a perfect crunchy nest in your cups. Using your hands is the easiest way to get that ½-inch length just right.
Step 2: Toast the Kataifi
Melt the salted butter over medium-low heat and toss in the kataifi. Keep the heat low and stir frequently to create an even golden color and toasty aroma. This process draws out a wonderful nutty flavor while maintaining a delicate crunch—essential for those irresistible layers.
Step 3: Mix the Pistachio Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the pistachio cream, tahini paste, and salt. These ingredients blend into a luscious, creamy layer that will soak into the toasted kataifi. Once the kataifi is done, fold it into this mixture, making sure every shred is coated with nutty, creamy goodness. Let this cool to room temperature before layering to keep your textures just right.
Step 4: Prepare the Strawberries
Next up, wash and dry the strawberries thoroughly. Set aside three whole strawberries for garnish. Hull and quarter the remaining berries. These juicy strawberry pieces will form the fresh, tangy base that balances the buttery, nutty layers above.
Step 5: Layer the Cups
Place quartered strawberries into the bottom of your chosen cups—three 12-ounce cups or two 16-ounce cups work perfectly. Melt the dark chocolate wafers in 30-second increments, stirring frequently to achieve a silky smooth texture. Drizzle about a tablespoon of this molten chocolate over the berries, then sprinkle some chopped pistachios right on top.
Step 6: Add Layers of Kataifi Mixture
Carefully spoon two scoops of the kataifi and pistachio mixture into each cup, gently pressing it to the sides for a neat presentation. Repeat the layering process with strawberries, chocolate, pistachios, and kataifi mixture to build beautiful, alternating layers bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Final Touches
Dip the reserved whole strawberries in the remaining melted chocolate and place them atop each cup. Drizzle the leftover chocolate over the cups generously, then sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios for a dazzling finish that invites you to grab a spoon and dig in.
How to Serve Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves can add a vibrant, refreshing contrast and an extra pop of color. You might even sprinkle a little edible rose petal if you’re feeling fancy — it echoes the Middle Eastern inspiration of the dish beautifully. Garnishes should complement without overpowering, and these choices play nicely with the nuts and chocolate.
Side Dishes
To keep the focus on your Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe, pair it with light, simple sides such as a small bowl of citrus fruit salad or a delicate cardamom-spiced tea. These help cleanse the palate and highlight the dessert’s unique textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the cups layered in clear glass containers, showcasing all the gorgeous layers. For celebrations, try mini versions using shot glasses or small jars for an elegant finger-food dessert option. Adding a gold or silver spoon elevates the presentation even more, turning your cups into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, keep the cups covered tightly in the refrigerator. The strawberries and kataifi mixture will retain their texture best if eaten within 1-2 days. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature to maintain freshness and food safety.
Freezing
Because this dessert relies on fresh strawberries and crunchy kataifi, freezing is not recommended as it will alter the texture, especially making the strawberries watery and the kataifi soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
Reheating is unnecessary and not advised, as the dessert is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature. Heating would melt the chocolate and change the delightful contrasts between crisp and creamy, so it’s best to savor it as is.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pistachio cream?
Yes, you can use Nutella or any nut-based cream if pistachio cream isn’t available. The flavor will shift slightly but remain delicious and creamy, complementing the kataifi and strawberries nicely.
What if I can’t find kataifi dough?
While kataifi is ideal for that unique shredded crispiness, you can substitute with finely shredded phyllo dough or even crushed filo pastry sheets if needed, though the texture might be a bit different.
How should I store the cups before serving?
Keep your assembled cups refrigerated and covered lightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps them fresh and prevents the kataifi from absorbing moisture too quickly.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
You could make some adjustments such as swapping out the butter for vegan margarine and using a nut butter that suits your diet. The key textures might vary slightly, but you can definitely create a dairy-free version.
What’s the best way to melt the chocolate wafers?
Melting in 30-second intervals in the microwave while stirring between each interval prevents burning and ensures smooth, even melting—a must for that luxurious chocolate drizzle.
Final Thoughts
The Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh, nutty, and crunchy elements married together in an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re sharing these with close friends or treating yourself to a special indulgence, these cups offer layers of flavor that surprise and delight in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly these cups become a new favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Dubai Strawberry Cups with Pistachio-Kataifi Layers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 3.3 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dubai Strawberry Cup is a delightful layered dessert featuring golden toasted kataifi dough mixed with creamy pistachio and tahini paste, fresh strawberries, and rich dark chocolate. This visually appealing and flavorful treat combines crunchy textures and sweet, nutty flavors, perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (42g)
- 4 ounces Kataifi (shredded fillo dough)
- 7 ounces pistachio cream (200g, or Nutella)
- 2 tablespoons tahini sesame paste (30g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 21 strawberries
- 5 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers (141g)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare Kataifi: Add 4 ounces of shredded kataifi dough to a large bowl and crush it into fine pieces about ½-inch in length using your hands for ease.
- Melt Butter and Toast Kataifi: Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Add the kataifi dough to the melted butter.
- Toast Until Golden: Reduce the heat to low and stir the kataifi dough continuously until it turns golden brown and crispy.
- Mix Pistachio Cream and Tahini: In the same bowl used for crushing kataifi, combine 7 ounces of pistachio cream, 2 tablespoons of tahini sesame paste, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Toasted Kataifi with Cream: Pour the toasted kataifi into the pistachio-tahini mixture and stir until evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to cool while preparing the strawberries.
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and dry all 21 strawberries. Reserve 3 whole strawberries for topping. Remove the stems from the remaining strawberries and quarter them. Place 12 quarters evenly at the bottom of three 12-ounce cups (or two 16-ounce cups).
- Melt Dark Chocolate: Melt 5 ounces of dark chocolate melting wafers by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval until smooth and fully melted.
- Layer Chocolate and Pistachios: Drizzle approximately 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate over the strawberries in each cup. Sprinkle some of the 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios over the chocolate layer.
- Add Kataifi Mixture Layer: Spoon 2 scoops of the kataifi mixture onto the pistachio layer in each cup and gently press it down to reach the cup edges for an even layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of quartered strawberries, melted chocolate drizzle, pistachios, and kataifi mixture following the same process to build up the dessert.
- Finish and Garnish: Dip the 3 reserved whole strawberries into the remaining melted chocolate and place them on top of each cup. Drizzle with remaining chocolate and sprinkle the rest of the chopped pistachios to garnish.
Notes
- Ensure the kataifi dough is evenly toasted to get a crunchy texture without burning it.
- You can substitute pistachio cream with Nutella for a different flavor profile.
- Use fresh, firm strawberries for best texture and appearance.
- Melt chocolate carefully to avoid burning; use short bursts in the microwave with stirring.
- This dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature shortly after assembly.
