Dubai-Style Strawberry Cups (Printable)

Crisp kataifi nests filled with juicy strawberries and glossy dark chocolate for a Middle Eastern inspired treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Kataifi Cups

01 - 7 oz kataifi pastry, thawed
02 - 2.8 oz unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons superfine sugar

→ Strawberry Filling

04 - 10.6 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
05 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 - 2 tablespoons honey or rose syrup

→ Chocolate Ganache

07 - 3.5 oz dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa), chopped
08 - 2.7 fl oz heavy cream

→ Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon chopped pistachios
10 - 1 teaspoon dried edible rose petals, optional
11 - Fresh mint leaves, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Gently untangle kataifi pastry and pull into loose strands. Drizzle melted butter over pastry and sprinkle with superfine sugar, tossing gently until evenly coated.
03 - Press coated kataifi into 6 muffin cups, pressing firmly to form nest shapes. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely in tin before removing.
04 - Combine diced strawberries, lemon juice, and honey in a bowl. Stir well and allow to macerate for 10 minutes.
05 - Heat heavy cream in small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat, pour over chopped chocolate, and let rest for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly until thickened to desired consistency.
06 - Spoon generous layer of chocolate ganache into each cooled kataifi cup. Top with macerated strawberry mixture.
07 - Top each cup with chopped pistachios, rose petals, and fresh mint if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Stunning Presentation: Golden kataifi nests create an impressive visual centerpiece that looks as exquisite as it tastes.
  • Perfect Balance: The crispy texture of baked kataifi contrasts beautifully with smooth ganache and fresh, juicy strawberries.
  • Middle Eastern Elegance: Rose syrup and pistachios bring authentic aromatic notes that elevate this beyond ordinary desserts.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Kataifi cups can be baked in advance, making final assembly quick and stress-free.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt with different berries, chocolate types, or garnishes to suit your taste.
02 -
  • Room Temperature Matters: Let the kataifi pastry come to room temperature before working with it to prevent breakage.
  • Even Butter Distribution: Use a spray bottle with melted butter for the most even coating of kataifi strands.
  • Strawberry Selection: Choose firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and flavor—overripe berries will become too mushy.
  • Ganache Consistency: The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon; adjust with more cream if needed.
  • Make-Ahead Strategy: Bake kataifi cups up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
  • Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature rather than cold to allow the chocolate and strawberry flavors to fully bloom.
Go Back