The Dubai chocolate strawberry cup took dessert lovers by storm, with layers of silky melted chocolate, fresh berries, pistachio cream, and that irresistible crunch from toasted kataifi. I first saw it during a layover in Dubai, where this layered dessert was being scooped up in cafés like Freez and Molten. It looked like a sundae but tasted like a rich Middle Eastern dream.
But here’s the thing—most of us don’t have pistachio cream or kataifi just lying around. That’s why I’ve created a version that’s true to the original flavors but simplified for everyday home cooks. And yes, it works in the microwave.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to recreate a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup with authentic ingredients or accessible swaps, all layered beautifully in a mug or ramekin.
If you’re into fast desserts like this, the eggless chocolate mug cake and chocolate chip mug cake are also winners.
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Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe – 5-Min Authentic Treat
Authentic yet quick version of the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup featuring melted chocolate, pistachio cream, fresh berries, and crunchy kataifi or biscuit layers. Microwave-friendly and ready in 5 minutes.
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp milk
2 tbsp pistachio cream or spread
4–5 fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tbsp toasted kataifi or crushed biscuits
1 tbsp whipped cream or yogurt
Optional: crushed pistachios or chocolate disc
Instructions
1. Microwave chocolate chips and milk for 30 seconds.
2. Stir until smooth.
3. Spread pistachio cream gently over chocolate layer.
4. Add fresh strawberry slices on top.
5. Sprinkle kataifi or crushed biscuit for crunch.
6. Repeat layering or finish with topping.
7. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For authentic flavor, use toasted kataifi and pistachio butter.
Chill for 10 minutes for a café-style texture.
Substitute with yogurt and biscuits for faster prep.
- Prep Time: 4 min
- Cook Time: 1 min
- Category: dessert
- Method: microwave
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
Table of Contents
The Story & Origins Behind Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
Where the dessert came from
The original Dubai chocolate strawberry cup is inspired by local dessert cafés, where pistachio is a staple in both sweet and savory dishes. What made this dessert go viral wasn’t just the ingredients—it was the look: clear layers of glossy chocolate, green pistachio, fresh fruit, and golden crunch, often finished with a branded chocolate disc.
It’s become a favorite not just in the UAE, but across social media globally. And while the traditional method includes stovetop kataifi toasting and store-bought pistachio spread, I’ve found a way to bring it all together in under five minutes—with shortcuts that taste just as dreamy.
For another recipe that recreates café magic at home, try this brownie in a mug with brownie mix.
Why this version works
This version of the Dubai chocolate strawberry cup keeps the soul of the original dessert intact: the contrast between hot and cold, creamy and crunchy, rich and fresh. You’ll still get pistachio flavor (via cream or spread), chocolate you melt in the mug, and that iconic crunch—either using crushed biscuits or quick-toasted shredded phyllo if kataifi isn’t available.
Unlike the long process of prepping and chilling, this version leans into speed without sacrificing satisfaction. It’s just like how the almond flour mug cake delivers big flavor with a few clean ingredients.
Ingredients & How to Layer It Right
Ingredients (Authentic & Substitution Options)
To make your own Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, here’s what you’ll need:
Main Layers:
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp pistachio cream or spread (authentic)
- 4–5 sliced fresh strawberries
Crunch Layer Options:
- 2 tbsp toasted kataifi (authentic)
- OR crushed digestive biscuits or toasted phyllo shreds
Topper (Optional):
- 1 tbsp whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
- Crushed pistachios or a branded chocolate disc
This layered style is similar in format to the high protein mug cake, where texture and structure make the flavor pop.
Microwave Layering Steps
- Melt chocolate chips and milk in a mug (30–40 seconds). Stir until smooth.
- Add a layer of pistachio cream, spreading gently.
- Layer sliced strawberries over that.
- Add kataifi or crushed biscuit layer next.
- Repeat chocolate or strawberries if you like.
- Top with cream, yogurt, or more pistachio spread.
You can also chill it for 10 minutes if you want that cold bite contrast. Similar layering fun can be found in the protein pancake bowl, which is just as addictive.
Texture, Crunch & Real Talk About Authenticity
What’s the crunchy stuff?
In the original Dubai version, the crunch comes from kataifi—a fine, shredded phyllo pastry toasted until golden. It’s airy, buttery, and delivers that satisfying snap in every spoonful.
If kataifi isn’t in your local grocery, a good stand-in is crushed digestive biscuits, toasted coconut flakes, or even crispy cornflakes. If you want to keep it close to the original, toasting shredded phyllo in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes works wonders.
That kind of contrast also makes the microwave mug quiche work, where soft egg meets crisp cheese edges.
Authentic vs. Mug Version: What’s Different?
To help clarify expectations, here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Original Dubai Version | Quick Mug Version |
|---|---|
| Toasted kataifi | Crushed biscuits or toasted phyllo |
| Pistachio cream | Same or pistachio spread |
| Layered in clear dessert cup | Layered in mug or ramekin |
| Serves 4–6 | Serves 1 |
FAQs About Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
What is in a Dubai strawberry cup?
It typically contains melted chocolate, pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, and kataifi pastry, layered beautifully. Our version includes these or simple swaps you already have.
What is Dubai chocolate with strawberries?
It’s a Middle Eastern–style dessert where silky chocolate is layered with strawberries and pistachio elements. It’s served in a clear cup and has become a viral favorite across social media.
How many calories are in a Dubai chocolate strawberry cup?
Depending on your toppings, it ranges from 220 to 280 calories per cup. Using pistachio cream adds richness, but you can lower the calorie count with yogurt and dark chocolate.
What is the crunchy stuff in Dubai chocolate?
Usually toasted kataifi, a crispy, shredded pastry. At home, crushed biscuits or cornflakes offer a solid alternative.
Conclusion
The Dubai chocolate strawberry cup is more than a trend—it’s a texture-packed treat that blends classic Middle Eastern flavors with chocolate-dipped nostalgia. This version honors the authentic ingredients but gives you the option to go simple, fast, and microwave-ready.
Try the mug version for a late-night snack or prep the authentic version for a showstopping dessert. I’d love to see your creations—share them on Pinterest or tag me on Facebook for a chance to be featured!