Dubai Chocolate Strawberries (Viral Pistachio Dessert You’ll Crave)

Why I Love This Recipe

Dubai chocolate strawberries have quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts—and not just because they’re trending. What I love most is how effortlessly they bring together bold flavor and beautiful presentation. With just a few ingredients, you get something that looks like it came from a fancy patisserie, but it’s easy enough to make in your own kitchen.

The real magic is in the layers. You start with fresh, juicy strawberries, then add creamy pistachio butter and a warm chocolate drizzle that melts into every bite. But the secret star? Crispy, golden kataifi. If you’ve never cooked with it before, it’s worth trying—here’s my full kataifi pastry how-to to help you get started.

This dessert also reminds me of the sweet flavors I grew up around—nutty, rich, and full of texture. It shares the same spirit as Middle Eastern classics, like mulberry jam or pistachio-filled pastries. There’s something deeply comforting about those flavors, especially when wrapped in a modern twist like this.

Even better? These come together in under 30 minutes and can be made ahead for gatherings or holidays. I usually make a few cups, chill them in the fridge, and let the flavors blend. The chocolate firms up just slightly, giving you that perfect scoop of soft, crunchy, and sweet. It’s also a beautiful option for summer when strawberries are in season—just like my strawberry freezer jam.

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels special but fits into everyday life, Dubai chocolate strawberries are it.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Making Dubai chocolate strawberries might look impressive, but it’s surprisingly easy. With just a few steps, you’ll have a layered dessert that tastes as luxurious as it looks. Let’s break it down:

1. Toast the Kataifi for Crunch

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 ounces of chopped kataifi pastry. Stir constantly for about 8–10 minutes, until the dough turns golden brown and crisp. This gives your Dubai chocolate strawberries that signature crunch. Once browned, turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of pistachio butter and 2 tablespoons of tahini (optional). Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan.

If you’re new to kataifi, check out my kataifi pastry recipe for more tips on how to prep it right.

2. Melt the Chocolate Smoothly

Combine 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon of coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until completely melted. The coconut oil helps keep the chocolate silky, perfect for layering between strawberries.

3. Assemble the Dessert Cups

Take 4 clear 12-ounce cups. Start by adding 8 strawberry halves to the bottom of each cup. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the melted chocolate, letting it coat the berries and settle into the gaps. Add about 3 tablespoons of your kataifi-pistachio mixture on top.

Repeat another layer of strawberries near the top, followed by more kataifi filling. Finish with a drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of ground pistachios.

4. Chill or Serve Fresh

Serve immediately for a warm, gooey texture—or chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to let the layers set. Either way, your Dubai chocolate strawberries will be irresistible.

Want to try more no-bake layered desserts? Don’t miss my carrot ribbon salad (great as a refreshing starter) or this mulberry jam if you love fruity flavor depth.

How to Serve Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Dubai chocolate strawberries are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for your taste buds. Since they’re built in clear cups, presentation is effortless but elegant. I love using 12-ounce glass cups or mini dessert tumblers to really show off the layers of strawberries, pistachio, and chocolate.

For special occasions, garnish the top with a swirl of extra melted chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. If you’re hosting a gathering, these also look stunning served on a tray lined with parchment paper and a few extra fresh berries on the side. They’re especially perfect for holidays, bridal showers, or Ramadan desserts—any moment where you want something that looks high-end but requires no baking.

Want to make it feel even more indulgent? Pair it with a small espresso or Arabic coffee to balance the sweetness. If you’re serving these at brunch or dinner parties, you can prep them ahead and let them chill in the fridge—just don’t add the final sprinkle of pistachios until right before serving to keep them crisp.

Looking for something else no-bake and beautiful? Try my sweet braided bread or circle galaxy cookies for your next treat board.

Variations and Swaps

Tropical Spin: Layer in mango slices or toasted coconut for a fruity variation.

Nut-Free? Use sunflower seed butter or a chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella instead of pistachio butter.

No Kataifi? Sub crushed graham crackers or toasted panko for texture, or skip for a smoother bite.

Vegan Version: Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter or coconut oil. Double-check your pistachio butter for added dairy.

Flavor Twist: Add orange zest to the chocolate or a dash of cardamom to the kataifi mix for an extra Middle Eastern flair.

How to Store Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

These Dubai chocolate strawberries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely make them ahead. Once assembled, cover each dessert cup tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days, but the strawberries may begin to soften after day two.

For the best texture, I recommend chilling them for 10 to 20 minutes before serving if you’re prepping them in advance. This helps the chocolate set and the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, give the top layer a fresh sprinkle of pistachios so they stay crisp.

If you love fridge-friendly desserts, check out my strawberry freezer jam—another fruity favorite that keeps beautifully.

Avoid freezing this recipe—the fresh strawberries will release too much moisture upon thawing, and the texture will become mushy.

Conclusion

Dubai chocolate strawberries might look like something from a fancy bakery case, but they’re totally doable in your own kitchen. With just a few ingredients—fresh strawberries, creamy pistachio butter, crispy kataifi, and melted chocolate—you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that takes less than 30 minutes to make.

Whether you’re making them for a celebration, a quiet night in, or just because, this dessert delivers on both flavor and wow factor. I hope this guide helps you feel confident trying this viral Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Let me know if you give it a try—I’d love to hear how yours turn out!