There’s something unforgettable about the first time you bite into chocolate-covered fruit. I remember being a little girl in my grandmother’s kitchen, dipping strawberries into melted chocolate with clumsy fingers and an eager smile. We’d line them up on a plate like tiny jewels, waiting (not very patiently) for the chocolate to set. Years later, when I stumbled across Dubai chocolate strawberries online—loaded with layers of pistachio cream, crispy kataifi, and silky chocolate—it felt like those childhood memories had grown up and moved to a five-star dessert bar.
Dubai chocolate strawberries are more than a trend. They’re a flavor-packed, luxurious version of a classic treat, with rich Middle Eastern influences that make them stand out. In this article, I’ll guide you through the story, ingredients, easy steps, and clever tips for making this stunning dessert right at home. If you’ve ever made decadent chocolate trifles or love something fancier than a simple fruit dip, you’re going to love what’s coming next.
What Makes Dubai Chocolate Strawberries So Special?
Back when I first made chocolate-dipped strawberries, I had no idea they’d become such a symbol of romance and indulgence. But Dubai chocolate strawberries are in another league entirely. Inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar, this dessert layers juicy strawberries with pistachio butter, toasted kataifi, and glossy melted chocolate. It’s elegant, crunchy, creamy, and just sweet enough—no wonder it’s all over social media.
What makes them so appealing is the balance. The strawberries cut through the richness of the pistachio, the kataifi adds texture, and the melted chocolate ties it all together in a sweet little glass cup. I first tried making them after seeing a video that had been shared over 200,000 times. And let me tell you—it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
If you’re a fan of cherry chocolate chip cookies or other fruit-meets-chocolate recipes, this is going to be your new favorite.
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What Makes Dubai Chocolate Strawberries So Special?
Dubai chocolate strawberries stand out because they celebrate richness in both flavor and presentation. Unlike simple dipped berries, this treat builds in layers—starting with halved strawberries, followed by a swirl of chocolate, then a scoop of buttery, nutty pistachio cream folded into crunchy kataifi dough.
The golden color, the shine of the chocolate, and the creamy green pistachio give it that signature Dubai elegance. Gold dust or edible gold sprinkles are often added to highlight that luxurious vibe. They’re typically served in clear dessert cups so the layers are visible, making them perfect for parties or gifting.
Dubai chocolate strawberries also reflect the city’s love for bold, sweet, and globally inspired food trends. They’re not just popular—they’re part of a food moment, combining Western dessert favorites with Middle Eastern staples like tahini and pistachios.
The Core Ingredients Behind the Layers
What makes Dubai chocalate strawberries cups truly unforgettable is their combination of just a few decadent ingredients. You don’t need anything fancy—but you do need the right stuff to recreate the magic at home.
Here’s what goes into these layered beauties:

- Fresh strawberries: The base of this dessert. Use ripe, firm berries for the best texture. Halve or quarter them depending on your serving cups.
- Chocolate chips or bars: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate work best. They melt smoothly and balance the sweetness of the berries and pistachio cream.
- Coconut oil or butter: Helps the chocolate drizzle more easily and adds shine.
- Pistachio butter or cream: This is the heart of the Dubai chocolate flavor. You can find it at specialty stores or online, or try making your own.
- Kataifi dough : is a shredded pastry used in many Middle Eastern desserts like knafeh. Here’s a helpful overview if you haven’t worked with it before.
- Tahini (optional): Adds a hint of bitterness that balances the dessert. Stir it into the pistachio butter for depth.
If you’re already familiar with desserts like brown butter chocolate chip cookies, this recipe will feel just as satisfying—only with a more luxurious twist.
You can even swap the strawberries for sliced bananas or mixed berries if you want variety. Just be sure to use fruits that hold their shape well.
Smart Prep Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew
Let’s face it—layered desserts can get messy. But with a few prep tips, your Dubai strawberry chocolate cups will look as impressive as they taste.
- Toast the kataifi properly: Don’t rush this part. Take your time stirring it with butter until golden brown. Crunch is key.
- Make ahead when possible: You can toast the kataifi and mix it with pistachio cream a day ahead. Just keep it in the fridge until ready to assemble.
- Melt chocolate slowly: Use short microwave bursts or a double boiler to prevent burning. Add a little coconut oil or butter to keep it smooth.
- Use a piping bag: If you want neat layers, drizzle chocolate using a piping bag or a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped.
- Layer carefully: Start with berries, then chocolate, then kataifi-pistachio. Repeat. The key is balance and structure.
For fans of rich textures like those in German chocolate poke cake, this dessert hits all the right notes—crunchy, creamy, fruity, and smooth. That’s what makes Dubai chocolate strawberries such a crowd-pleaser.
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Dubai Chocolate Strawberries: The Viral Treat That’s Stealing Hearts
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A layered dessert featuring strawberries, melted chocolate, toasted kataifi dough, and pistachio butter—easy to assemble and elegant to serve.
Ingredients
1½ lbs fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 oz kataifi dough, chopped
1 cup pistachio butter
2 tbsp tahini (optional)
Crushed pistachios for topping
Instructions
1. Toast kataifi in butter until golden.
2. Stir in pistachio butter and tahini. Let cool.
3. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil.
4. Layer strawberries in dessert cup.
5. Drizzle chocolate, then spoon pistachio-kataifi mix.
6. Repeat layers once more.
7. Top with crushed pistachios.
8. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Kataifi can be prepped ahead.
Use white chocolate for a different flavor.
Best served within 2 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 467
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 142mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Dubai chocolate strawberries, pistachio dessert, strawberry cups
Step-by-Step: Easy Dubai Strawberry Dessert at Home
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Dubai chocolate strawberries at home, the good news is—it’s easier than it looks. The key is prepping each layer before assembly, so once you start, it all comes together quickly. Here’s how to do it:
- Toast the kataifi
Chop the kataifi dough into small pieces. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, then stir in the dough. Cook until golden brown and crispy—about 10 minutes. - Mix the pistachio layer
Remove the pan from heat and stir in pistachio butter. You can also add a spoonful of tahini if you’d like a deeper flavor. Let this mix cool for at least 10 minutes. - Melt the chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips with coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth and glossy. - Prep the strawberries
Wash, dry, and slice your strawberries in halves or quarters, depending on the size of your dessert cups. - Layer it all up
In a clear cup or dessert dish, start with a layer of strawberries. Drizzle with chocolate, then spoon in the kataifi-pistachio mixture. - Repeat the layers
Add a second layer of strawberries, followed by more chocolate and more crunchy pistachio filling. Finish with crushed pistachios or edible gold dust if desired. - Chill before serving
Let the cups sit in the fridge for 10 minutes so the chocolate can firm up just slightly. This makes the texture even more satisfying.
It’s a lot like making a fancy chocolate parfait—but with even more texture and flavor. If you’ve enjoyed recipes like rocky road fudge, this recipe gives you that same multi-textured magic, just with a fruity twist.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
No worries if things don’t go perfectly the first time. Here are a few easy fixes for common hiccups:
- Chocolate hardened too fast?
Microwave it again in short bursts and stir in a bit more coconut oil. - Kataifi got soggy?
This usually means it wasn’t toasted long enough. Try gently re-toasting it in a pan until crispy again—just don’t burn it. - Strawberries released too much juice?
Dry them thoroughly before slicing, and serve shortly after layering. The longer they sit, the more juice they release. - Dessert turned out too sweet?
Cut the sweetness by using dark chocolate and adding a little extra tahini to the pistachio mix. - Layers not holding up?
Use firmer strawberries and chill the dessert slightly before serving—it helps everything stay together beautifully.
This dessert might feel fancy, but it’s surprisingly forgiving. Even if you’re new to making Dubai chocolate strawberries, you’ll be surprised at how fun and simple it can be.
How to Store & Serve It Like a Pro
The best part of any Dubai chocolate dessert is the wow factor it brings when served. Whether you’re prepping ahead or making it fresh for guests, storing it right helps keep the textures just how they should be—crunchy, creamy, and juicy.
Here’s how to get it right:

- Chill before serving: Let your dessert cups rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes after assembling. It helps the chocolate set just enough for a cleaner presentation.
- Cover tightly for storage: Wrap each cup with plastic wrap to keep moisture out. Refrigerated, they’ll stay good for up to 5 days—though the strawberries are best within the first 2.
- Don’t freeze it: The strawberries and kataifi don’t freeze well. You’ll lose the juicy texture and the crispy crunch.
- Serve in clear dessert cups: Seeing the layers makes this dessert even more appealing. Mini trifle bowls, mason jars, or plastic parfait cups work great.
For an extra boost of presentation, try topping your cups with crushed pistachios or even a swirl of whipped cream just before serving. That glossy drizzle of chocolate on top? It always gets compliments.
If you enjoy layered, rich treats like strawberry cheesecake dump cake, these cups are going to become your new favorite.
Fun Twists to Try: Gold Dust, White Chocolate & More
One reason the Dubai chocolate dessert has gone viral is how versatile it is. With a few playful changes, you can reinvent it to match any theme, event, or taste preference.
Try these variations:
- White chocolate drizzle: Add a swirl of melted white chocolate between layers or on top for a creamy contrast.
- Go for gold: Dubai is known for luxury, so edible gold sprinkles or gold foil pieces bring that extra shine.
- Switch the fruit: Strawberries are classic, but you can also use raspberries, blackberries, or sliced bananas.
- Make it a parfait: Add whipped cream between layers for a taller, softer version—like a chocolate-strawberry trifle.
- Add a crunch topping: Sprinkle crushed pistachio cookies or graham crackers on top for a little extra bite.
No matter how you mix it up, Dubai chocolate strawberries keep their charm. And if you’re a fan of creative mashups like banana pudding cookies, this belongs in your recipe collection.
Why Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Are Perfect for Special Occasions
When you’re looking for a dessert that feels special without being too complicated, Dubai chocolate strawberries are your answer. Their eye-catching layers, rich flavor, and elegant presentation make them perfect for celebrations, gifting, or anytime you want something impressive.

Here are some favorite ways to serve them:
- Date night dessert
Make them in mini wine glasses for a romantic at-home dinner. A little gold dust or white chocolate drizzle turns them into a luxe finale. - Mother’s Day or birthday surprise
Pack these in clear dessert cups with lids, place in a gift box, and refrigerate before gifting. Add a handwritten tag and ribbon for a personal touch. - Holiday parties or Iftar treats
Because Dubai chocolate strawberries include pistachio and kataifi—flavors familiar in many Middle Eastern kitchens—they’re a great addition to Ramadan or Eid tables. - Brunch or bridal shower
Serve in small cups alongside other fruit-based desserts or pastries. They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or even prosecco.
What makes this dessert stand out isn’t just the taste—it’s how it looks and feels. Guests will think you spent hours on them, but only you’ll know it took 25 minutes.
FAQs
Why is Dubai chocolate so expensive?
Dubai chocolate is often expensive because of its high-quality ingredients, luxury packaging, and branding. Many brands use rich imported cocoa, real gold leaf, and handcrafted techniques that drive up the price. In desserts like Dubai chocolate strawberries, this adds to the indulgent feel.
What is so special about Dubai chocolate?
Dubai chocolate is known for its unique flavor pairings and luxurious textures. It often includes pistachio butter, rosewater, and exotic nuts, blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with European techniques. That’s what gives Dubai chocolate strawberries their signature taste—rich, nutty, creamy, and elegant.
Is Costco selling Dubai chocolate?
As of now, Costco isn’t widely selling official Dubai chocolate brands. However, you may find chocolate-covered fruit or pistachio-based sweets in their seasonal offerings. To get the full experience of Dubai chocolate strawberries, it’s best to make them fresh at home.
What is Dubai chocolate strawberries?
Dubai chocolate strawberries are a layered dessert that features halved strawberries, pistachio cream, melted chocolate, and toasted kataifi dough. They’re typically served in a cup, highlighting the different textures and flavors in each spoonful. It’s a trendy, sweet treat inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate bar.
Conclusion
Dubai chocolate strawberries have taken the dessert world by storm—and for good reason. They’re easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any special moment. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, brunch with friends, or simply treating yourself, this Dubai chocolate dessert is unforgettable.
With fresh strawberries, smooth chocolate, and nutty pistachio cream layered in every bite, these strawberry cups offer a stunning twist on a classic. Plus, they’re fun to assemble, easy to customize, and guaranteed to wow.
Try them this weekend—and you’ll see why everyone’s falling for Dubai chocolate strawberries.