Dubai’s chocolate strawberries, also known as the Dubai strawberry cup, have become a social-first sensation that has transformed a basic chocolate bar into this year’s most coveted dessert. This viral dessert trend, created by Sarah Hamouda from Fix Dessert Chocolatier, has captured the hearts of dessert enthusiasts worldwide, offering a unique twist on traditional chocolate-covered strawberries.
This Dubai-inspired dessert’s magic lies in its blend of six premium ingredients. Fresh strawberries weighing over 320g combine with crispy shredded phyllo dough (kataifi pastry), salted butter, pistachio cream, and rich milk chocolate in each serving. The preparation takes just 15 minutes and creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Home cooks and professional chefs can easily recreate this viral sensation in their kitchens, making it a popular choice for those searching for “how to make chocolate covered strawberries” with a unique twist.
What Makes Dubai Chocolate Strawberries Special
Sarah Hamouda started a sweet revolution when she founded Fix Dessert Chocolatier in 2021 and created the Dubai strawberry cup. This delightful layered dessert became a global sensation with over 147,000 posts on TikTok and Instagram under the hashtag #dubaichocolate.
The viral Dubai chocolate bar connection
UAE-based influencer Maria Vehera’s ASMR video of the original Dubai chocolate bar got more than 100 million views. People soon came up with creative twists, and the strawberry cup version became a hit among strawberry lovers and those without chocolate molds. This popularity has led many to search for “dubai chocolate bar near me” and “dubai chocolate strawberries near me” to experience this treat firsthand.
Key flavor combinations
The dessert’s magic comes from its perfectly balanced textures and tastes. Sweet-tart fresh strawberries create a base that pairs perfectly with rich chocolate and pistachio notes. Belgian chocolate gives it a unique flavor profile that gets better with crispy shredded filo dough and pistachios.
This combination delivers “the perfect balance of sweetness and freshness” while maintaining “a contrast of liquid and crunchy elements”. A customer described its unique crunch as “what being a horse would be like and enjoying hay, but in the best way possible”.
Why this dessert went viral
This dessert went viral because:
- Unique Texture Experience: The mix of crunchy shredded phyllo dough, smooth chocolate, and fresh strawberries creates an unforgettable bite.
- Visual Appeal: Its elegant layers and careful presentation in dessert cups make it perfect for social media sharing.
- Accessibility: The dessert looks sophisticated but takes surprisingly little time to make, making it an attractive option for those looking up “how to make dubai chocolate” recipes.
People worldwide have created their own versions of this viral sensation. Customers at Bryant Park’s Strawberro booth don’t mind waiting in long lines for a taste. Teenagers Sammy Kramer and Evelyn Kuroski, both 15, say it lives up to what they saw online.
Professional chefs and home cooks love this dessert beyond its social media fame. They appreciate how it blends traditional Middle Eastern dessert flavors in a modern way. Pistachio butter’s naturally sweet, slightly floral taste combines with dark chocolate and fresh fruit to create something truly special.
Essential Ingredients Deep Dive
Premium ingredients make all the difference when creating perfect Dubai chocolate strawberries. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature taste and texture that made this dessert famous worldwide.
Choosing the right strawberries
Fresh, firm strawberries are the foundations of this dessert. Smaller ‘odd bunch’ strawberries work best in the cup since you’ll need to cut them in half. Large premium strawberries make excellent choices for the decorative top layer. You should wash and pat the berries dry completely – any moisture will stop the chocolate from sticking properly. For those wondering, 100 grams of strawberries typically looks like about 8 medium-sized berries.
Types of chocolate that work best
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate bars create an ideal base for chocolate-covered strawberries. Quality couverture chocolate like Lindt gives you the perfect balance between milk and dark varieties. Many chefs like to make a ganache by mixing dark chocolate with heavy cream to get a smoother consistency. For a twist, you can also use white chocolate or even strawberry flavored chocolate for a unique variation.
Understanding kataifi pastry
You can find kataifi, also known as shredded phyllo dough or shredded filo dough, at Middle Eastern or Mediterranean grocery stores – it’s made of fine strings of filo pastry that look like vermicelli noodles. The quickest way to get great results is to toast the kataifi in butter instead of oil. This method gives better flavor and you can do it 2-3 days ahead. Keep the toasted kataifi fresh in an airtight container. This ingredient is similar to the pastry used in knafeh, another popular Middle Eastern dessert.
Pistachio cream varieties
Different pistachio cream options in the market bring their own unique characteristics to the dessert. Look for smooth pistachio cream that’s a bit thicker than tahini. If you can’t find commercial pistachio cream, here’s how to make your own:
- 500 grams raw pistachios with skin
- 2 tablespoons quality tahini
- 80-100 grams melted white chocolate
Tahini helps balance the sweetness and boosts the nutty flavor profile. The final taste depends a lot on your choice of pistachio cream since brands vary in saltiness and sweetness. Nutella or Biscoff sauce work well as alternatives if needed, adding a unique twist to the Dubai chocolate recipe.
Step-by-Step Assembly Guide
The magic of Dubai chocolate strawberries comes alive when you become skilled at layering. Here’s how to create these irresistible chocolate strawberry cups step by step.
Preparing the base layers
Your first task is to thaw the shredded phyllo dough in your refrigerator according to package directions. Place the thawed pastry on a cutting board and slice it into thin sections. The strands need gentle separation with clean hands to avoid clumping.
A non-stick pan works best to melt butter over medium heat until it shimmers. The shredded filo dough should cook for 5-10 minutes with constant stirring until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Let it cool in a bowl.
The pistachio mixture comes next. A quick heat in the microwave or double boiler will make the pistachio butter runny. Mix it with the cooled shredded phyllo dough strands to create your base filling.
Creating the perfect chocolate drizzle
You have two choices for the chocolate component. The first method uses a double boiler or microwave to melt your chosen chocolate – semi-sweet or dark varieties work best. A small amount of coconut oil mixed into the melted chocolate will give it extra shine and smooth consistency.
Professional results come from these expert tips:
- A piping bag helps create precise chocolate drizzles
- A zip-top bag with a snipped corner makes a great alternative piping tool
The assembly follows these steps:
- Fresh strawberries form the bottom layer in your serving glass
- Add about 3 tablespoons of shredded phyllo dough-pistachio filling
- Drizzle melted chocolate generously
- Keep repeating these layers until you reach the top
Each layer should stay consistent in thickness. This approach gives every bite a perfect balance between juicy strawberries, crunchy shredded filo dough, and smooth chocolate. A final sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds texture and makes the dessert look stunning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making perfect Dubai chocolate strawberries comes down to avoiding mistakes that can ruin your final creation. These tips will give a flawless result for this viral dessert every time.
Temperature control issues
Getting chocolate just right depends on perfect temperature control. A double boiler works better than microwaving because it keeps the temperature steady and won’t mess up the texture. If you use a microwave, heat your chocolate in 20-second bursts and stir well between each round to keep it smooth.
The chocolate sets best at 35°C. Your strawberries should be cold and dry to stop the chocolate from seizing or getting streaky. Just one tiny drop of water can turn your whole batch of chocolate grainy and dull.
Texture problems
The shredded phyllo dough needs your full attention while toasting. Look for a rich golden brown color and that nutty smell – this usually takes about 10 minutes on medium-high heat. If your shredded filo dough clumps up, a quick zap in the microwave brings back its texture without losing the crunch.
Thick chocolate ganache after refrigeration? A gentle warm-up in the microwave makes it smooth and pourable again. Keep stirring while melting chocolate to avoid hot spots and get an even coating texture.
Storage mistakes
The way you store these treats will substantially change how long they last. They can stay good for 5 days in the fridge, but strawberries start getting soft after two days. Your best bet is covering them with plastic wrap and keeping them refrigerated.
In stark comparison to this, freezing these treats isn’t a good idea – it makes the strawberries turn mushy when they thaw. The best way is to put them in an airtight container with paper towels. This helps soak up extra moisture. If you stack them, put wax paper or parchment between layers so they don’t stick together.
These treats taste best on day one. In spite of that, if you plan ahead, make each part separately and put it all together right before serving. This keeps everything perfectly textured.
Conclusion
Dubai chocolate strawberries are evidence of how basic ingredients create an extraordinary dessert experience. The perfect mix of fresh strawberries, crispy shredded phyllo dough, rich chocolate, and smooth pistachio cream has made this treat viral on social platforms.
This dessert’s success depends on attention to detail. Quality ingredients, proper temperature control, and exact assembly techniques create the signature texture combinations that made it famous. The preparation may look simple, but each element creates that unforgettable taste experience.
These treats taste best when eaten within 24 hours of preparation to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor combination. Food enthusiasts looking for creative dessert ideas can find more recipes and meal inspiration at recipesnutritious.com.
Quality ingredients and proper techniques will help you recreate this luxurious Dubai-inspired dessert in your kitchen. The result is a dessert that lives up to its social media buzz and delivers pure joy with every perfectly layered bite.
FAQs
Q1. How do you make Dubai chocolate strawberries? To make Dubai chocolate strawberries, layer fresh strawberries in a cup, alternating with a mixture of toasted shredded phyllo dough and pistachio cream. Drizzle melted chocolate between layers and on top. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
Q2. What are the key ingredients in Dubai chocolate strawberries? The key ingredients are fresh strawberries, shredded phyllo dough (kataifi pastry), butter, pistachio cream, milk or dark chocolate, and sometimes tahini. These components create a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make the dessert unique.
Q3. Why did Dubai chocolate strawberries become so popular? Dubai chocolate strawberries went viral due to their unique texture combination, visual appeal, and accessibility. The dessert offers a perfect balance of sweetness and freshness, with contrasting crunchy and smooth elements that create an unforgettable eating experience.
Q4. How long do Dubai chocolate strawberries last? While Dubai chocolate strawberries can last up to 5 days when refrigerated, they’re best consumed within 24 hours of preparation for optimal texture and flavor. After two days, the strawberries begin to soften, affecting the overall quality of the dessert.
Q5. Can I freeze Dubai chocolate strawberries? Freezing Dubai chocolate strawberries is not recommended as it alters the texture of the strawberries, making them mushy upon thawing. For best results, store assembled desserts in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two.