Dubai Chocolate Strawberries: Luxurious No-Bake Treat That Delights

When my granddaughter Lily first asked, “Grandma, can we make something sweet—without baking?” I had no idea it would lead us into the world of no-bake wonders. That question sparked our tradition and eventually this blog. One afternoon, Lily came home bubbling about a TikTok video—Dubai chocolate strawberries. The glossy drizzle, the pistachio crunch, the elegance! “Can we try this, Grandma, but our way?” Of course, we could. This article dives into our no-bake twist on Dubai chocolate strawberries, exploring what makes them so irresistible, why they’re famous, and how to enjoy their rich flavors—oven-free.

Discovering Our No-Bake Twist on Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

I’ll always remember the moment Lily’s eyes lit up when she first saw those viral Dubai chocolate strawberries on TikTok. Her eyes lit up: “Grandma, can we make that—no baking?” I spotted that same sparkle when we leafed through my old library cookbook—recipes full of flavor, none requiring an oven. That simple question planted the seed for this recipe. With juicy strawberries, glossy melted chocolate, crispy kataifi, and creamy pistachio tahini, we captured the heart of Dubai’s dessert craze in a playful, no-bake cup.

What is in Dubai chocolate strawberries

The classic version layers fresh strawberries with milk or dark chocolate, a middle layer of toasted kataifi (a shredded Middle Eastern pastry), and a rich pistachio-tahini cream. We stick to that core but add a no-bake twist by skipping traditional baking and assembling it straight in dessert cups—just like Lily’s favorite stories at bedtime, each bite tells a little tale.

What is so special about Dubai chocolate strawberries ?

Dubai chocolate first gained fame through Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar in 2024 . It’s the contrast—the warm crunch of kataifi pastry and cool, nutty pistachio cream sealed in a chocolate shell—that creates a visual and taste sensation. Sprinkle in pistachio and pop the glossy chocolate over bright strawberries, and you’ve got texture, color, and that viral wow factor.

We’re making this luxurious treat accessible: no baking, just layering. We’ll guide you step by step through making the kataifi crisp without the oven and assembling the cups. Ready to dive into the full recipe? Next up is Part 2, where we break down ingredients and build flavor happily—kid-tested and approved.

Dubai Chocolate Strawberries: Luxurious No-Bake Treat That Delights

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• Author: rose
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 dessert cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

No-bake dessert cups layered with fresh strawberries, crisp kataifi pastry, pistachio cream, and a rich chocolate drizzle.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

4 oz kataifi pastry (shredded)

2 Tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil

1/2 cup pistachio cream (or pistachio-tahini blend)

1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark)

1 tsp coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Toast the kataifi in a skillet with butter over medium heat, stirring until golden and crispy (about 10 minutes). Let cool.

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2. Fold the cooled kataifi into pistachio cream to create a textured filling.

3. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil using a microwave or double boiler until smooth.

4. In clear dessert cups, layer: 1 tbsp pistachio-kataifi mix, strawberries, drizzle of chocolate. Repeat to top.

5. Chill cups in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes until the chocolate sets. Serve chilled.

Notes

Dry strawberries before layering to avoid soggy texture.

Vegan option: Use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil.

Best served within 1–2 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Ingredients & Prep for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries 🍓

Let’s gather everything we need (all without turning on your oven!).

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 4 oz kataifi (shredded vermicelli pastry)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for lighter twist)
• ½ cup pistachio cream (or pistachio-tahini blend)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark) + 1 tsp coconut oil

Tips & Substitutions

• You can grab kataifi and pistachio cream from Mediterranean stores or well-stocked groceries
• For a silky texture, mix a little tahini into pistachio cream—or use pure pistachio butter .
• Choose your chocolate: Lindt recently released a “Dubai-style” bar, smooth and ready for melting

Why Each Ingredient Matters

1. Strawberries: Add juicy, tart contrast to the rich chocolate and nutty filling.
2. Kataifi pastry: Gives that viral “Dubai” crunch—tiny threads of buttery crispiness.
3. Pistachio layer: Brings vivid color and rich creaminess, just like the original bar from Fix Dessert.
4. Chocolate shell: Holds everything together, offering snap and shine—so indulgent, it rivals artisan bars.

Prep Steps (≈20 Minutes)

Step 1: Toast the Kataifi
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter or warm oil. Add kataifi, stirring constantly until golden and crisp (~10 min). Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, and let cool .

Step 2: Mix with Pistachio Cream
Once kataifi is cooled enough to handle, fold in the pistachio cream. Keep some texture; don’t overblend—aim for a chunky consistency .

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until the mixture is melted and silky smooth. Alternatively, melt over a water bath for glossy perfection.

Step 4: Layer in Dessert Cups

• A spoonful of the pistachio + kataifi mix →
• A layer of strawberry halves →
• Drizzle of melted chocolate →
• Repeat until cups are full.
  End with chocolate and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios.

Assembling & Presenting Your No-Bake Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Here’s where the magic happens. Our story continues in Rosie’s cozy kitchen—Lily helping by placing strawberry halves just so, giggling at each drop of chocolate. It was one of those moments I treasure: grandma and granddaughter, making memories layer by layer.

Bringing It All Together

1. Build Fruit-Choco Cups
   • Spoon a tablespoon of the cooled pistachio-kataifi mix into each clear cup.
   • Neatly arrange two strawberry halves on top, tips pointing upward.
   • Drizzle the warm chocolate around the fruit, letting it cascade over the edges. Lily called this the “chocolate waterfall” effect—so whimsical!
2. Chill to Perfect Texture
   • Refrigerate the cups for 15–20 minutes. This lets the chocolate set firmly and the pistachio layer chill slightly—without needing an oven or mold.
   • Cover loosely so condensation doesn’t cloud the glass. Makes the cups look extra pretty when served.

Garnish & Serve

• Finishing Touches: Sprinkle crushed pistachios and a light dusting of edible gold glitter or cocoa powder on top. The sparkle made Lily gasp: “They’re precious, Grandma!”
• Serving Idea: Present on a small platter alongside our favorite no-bake cheesecakes or pistachio bars—a crunchy, creamy dream on display.

Why Presentation Makes the Dish

• Contrast & color: Bright red berries peek through layers, against the green pistachio and rich brown chocolate—a feast for the eyes as much as the taste buds.
• Textural payoff: Every spoonful combines crisp, creamy, juicy, and melty—a no-bake symphony that rivals its baked cousins.
• Feel-good factor: It’s simple, sentimental, and quick—just like story-time in Rosie’s kitchen.

Tips, Storage, and Custom Variations for Dubai Chocolate Strawberries

Smart Tips & Troubleshooting

• Avoid soggy layers: If your strawberries are juicy, dab them dry before assembling or serve immediately after chilling.
• For a vegan option: Swap butter in the kataifi for coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and pistachio-coconut cream instead of pistachio-tahini.
• No fancy cups? Use wide-mouthed glasses—like small mason jars or espresso cups—to beautifully showcase the layers.
• Chocolate drizzle tip: If your chocolate begins to thicken before drizzling, briefly reheat it in short bursts to restore smoothness—without burning.

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

• Short-term fridge: Keep the cups covered, chilled, and enjoy within 1–2 days. Beyond that, strawberries can get watery and soften the crunch.
• Freezer option: For easy prep, freeze assembled cups briefly (up to 1 hour) just long enough to solidify the chocolate without freezing the fruit—great if you’re prepping dessert ahead of guests.

Creative Twists to Customize

• Berry variety: Swap strawberries with raspberries or sliced cherries for a tangy twist.
• Nut swaps: Try almond butter or peanut butter instead of pistachio for a different flavor profile.
• Add spice: Stir in a pinch of ground cardamom, cinnamon, or a drop of rose water into the chocolate for an aromatic Middle Eastern note.
• Mini cups for parties: Serve in shot glasses with bamboo picks—perfectly bite-sized and elegant.

Conclusion

In our kitchen, Dubai chocolate strawberries isn’t just dessert—it’s a memory with Lily, a moment built spoon by spoon. We created this elegant treat without baking, yet it captures all the dazzle of the original viral sensation. With no-bake ease, nostalgic story-time, and sumptuous taste, it’s proof that even simple ingredients create something magical. Serve these layered cups at your next gathering, and you’ll be sharing a story—and a dessert—that’s both heartwarming and unforgettable.

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