This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Dubai Strawberry Cup (Viral Dessert Idea).
An easy, trendy no-bake layered dessert made with Kadaif, pistachio butter, dark chocolate ganache, and fresh strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re picky about desserts, this one’s for you. The Dubai Strawberry Cup is rich, creamy, fruity, and layered with flavor and texture.
It’s my playful spin on the viral Dubai chocolate bar—but made lighter, simpler, and served in individual cups. You only need a few ingredients—and no baking!
It’s perfect for date nights, Valentine’s Day, small gatherings, or anytime you want something low-effort but high reward.
- Made with Kadaif for extra crunch
- No-bake
- 2 servings (easy to scale!)
- TikTok-inspired
- Layers of flavor and texture
- Customizable & visually stunning
Kadaif
You might be familiar with phyllo dough, those paper-thin sheets used in classic desserts like baklava—but this recipe uses something a little different: kadaif (also spelled kataifi or kadaifi). It’s a type of shredded phyllo pastry that looks like fine, delicate threads—think of it as phyllo’s fancy cousin with a bit more texture and flair.
This hair-like pastry is commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts like Turkish Künefe or Greek Kataifi, and it turns irresistibly crisp when baked or toasted. In this Dubai-style strawberry cup, it adds the perfect contrast to the creamy filling and fresh fruit—light, crispy, and just a little indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need to make Dubai Strawberry Cup
- Pistachio butter – Store-bought is perfect! I use ready-made pistachio butter because making it from scratch takes time, and good quality Turkish pistachios (with that vibrant green color) can be pricey and hard to source.
- Dark chocolate – Either chopped or in bar form.
- Heavy cream – To make the smooth ganache chocolate sauce.
- Fresh strawberries – Juicy and sweet, sliced for layering. Raspberries will work as a substitute, too.
- Kadaif (shredded filo dough) – Toasted until crispy.
- Butter or ghee – For sautéing the kadaif over medium heat.
How to Make It
- Toast the Kadaif (if you are not using pre-toasted): Heat a nonstick pan with butter over medium heat and sauté the shredded filo dough until golden and crunchy. Stir constantly and keep an eye on it. Let cool.
2. Make the pistachio layer: Combine pistachio butter with toasted Kadai.
3. Make the ganache (chocolate sauce): Heat heavy cream until just steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until silky and glossy.
4. Slice the strawberries.
5. Layer: In dessert glasses, layer toasted kadaif, pistachio butter, sliced strawberries, and ganache. Repeat once or twice. Finish with chocolate and berries on top.
Tips for Success
- Look for pistachio butter with a bright green color for a beautiful finish.
- Substitute with almond butter, tahini, or cookie butter for a twist.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly to set the layers.
Storage
- Best enjoyed fresh, when the Kadaif is still crunchy.
- Can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours—the layers will soften slightly but remain delicious.
More Recipes You Might Like
- Dubai Chocolate Bar – The original viral layered treat
- Pistachio Cookies – Buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – A romantic classic
- Strawberry Sorbet – Light, fruity, and refreshing
Final Thoughts
This is one of those rare desserts that feels both luxurious and low-effort. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone special, this Dubai Strawberry Cup is sure to impress. I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me!
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a no-bake layered dessert made with pistachio butter, dark chocolate ganache, fresh strawberries, and crispy toasted kadaif (shredded filo dough). Inspired by the TikTok trend based on the viral Dubai chocolate bar.
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just keep in mind the Kadaif layer will soften slightly.
Absolutely. Try almond butter, tahini, or cookie butter—whatever suits your taste or pantry.
Look for it in the freezer section of Middle Eastern or Mediterranean markets. It’s also sold online. You can also find it toasted and packaged at some stores.
Yes! Kids love the chocolate and strawberries. You can swap the pistachio layer for Nutella or something simpler for younger palates.
Yes, it scales beautifully. Layer it in shot glasses or a large trifle bowl for entertaining.
Dubai Strawberry Cup
Video
Ingredients
For the Kadaif/Kataiffi/Filo Layer:
- 1 cup shredded kadaif, kataifi, thawed if not pre-toasted
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
For the Pistachio Cream:
- 1/2 cup pistachio butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, or more as needed
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 100 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
For Assembly:
- 5-6 strawberries, chopped
- Optional: extra Kadaif, pistachio pieces, or ganache for topping
Instructions
- In a dry pan, toast the shredded Kadaif with butter (optional) over medium heat until golden and crispy. Let cool completely.
- Add pistachio butter to the toasted Kadaif and stir.
- Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate, wait 2 minutes, then stir into a glossy ganache.
- In small dessert cups, layer: Kadaif and pistachio butter mixture, strawberries, and ganache. Repeat if desired.
- Serve immediately, or chill briefly before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
