Dubai-Style Strawberry Cups

Inspired by the opulent dessert culture of Dubai, these stunning strawberry cups combine the delicate crunch of golden kataifi pastry with the richness of dark chocolate ganache and the fresh sweetness of macerated strawberries. This Middle Eastern fusion dessert brings together traditional ingredients like rose syrup and pistachios with a modern presentation that's guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors—crisp, creamy, and utterly luxurious.

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What makes this dessert truly special is the textural contrast. The kataifi pastry, when baked with butter and sugar, transforms into delicate, crispy strands that shatter beautifully with each bite. The velvety dark chocolate ganache provides a rich base, while the honey-macerated strawberries add brightness and a touch of floral sweetness. Topped with pistachios and rose petals, these cups are as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Ingredients

• Kataifi Cups: 200 g kataifi pastry (thawed), 80 g unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp superfine sugar
• Strawberry Filling: 300 g fresh strawberries (hulled and diced), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp honey or rose syrup
• Chocolate Ganache: 100 g dark chocolate (minimum 60% cocoa, chopped), 80 ml heavy cream
• Garnish: 1 tbsp chopped pistachios, 1 tsp dried edible rose petals (optional), fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2: Prepare the kataifi pastry

Gently untangle the kataifi pastry and pull it apart into loose strands. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with superfine sugar, tossing gently to coat.

Step 3: Bake the cups

Press the kataifi into 6 muffin tins, shaping into nests. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Cool completely in the tin before removing.

Step 4: Macerate the strawberries

Meanwhile, combine diced strawberries, lemon juice, and honey (or rose syrup) in a bowl. Mix and let macerate for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Make the ganache

For the ganache, heat the cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate, let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly to thicken.

Step 6: Assemble the cups

To assemble, spoon a generous layer of chocolate ganache into each kataifi cup. Top with strawberry mixture.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Garnish with chopped pistachios, rose petals, and mint if using. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Working with kataifi pastry requires a gentle touch—avoid over-handling to maintain the delicate strands. Keep the pastry covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out. When shaping the nests in the muffin tin, press firmly enough to create a secure cup shape but gently enough to keep the strands intact. For the ganache, ensure the cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate but not boiling, which could cause it to separate. The ganache should be thick enough to hold in the cups but still pourable—if it becomes too thick, gently rewarm it.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a more aromatic twist, add a few drops of orange blossom water to the strawberries. Substitute strawberries with raspberries or mixed berries if desired. You can also experiment with white chocolate ganache for a sweeter variation, or add a layer of mascarpone cream between the ganache and berries for extra richness. For a nut-free version, omit the pistachios and garnish with edible flowers or coconut flakes instead.

Serviervorschläge

These elegant cups are best served immediately after assembly to maintain the crispness of the kataifi pastry. For extra indulgence, serve with a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream on the side. Pair with a semi-sweet sparkling wine or traditional mint tea for an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience. These desserts are perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or as a show-stopping finale to a mezze spread.

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These Dubai-style strawberry cups are a celebration of contrasts—the delicate crunch of golden kataifi against velvety chocolate, the brightness of fresh berries balanced by rich ganache, and the subtle floral notes that transport you to a Middle Eastern souk. Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party or simply treating yourself to something special, these individual desserts deliver restaurant-quality presentation with approachable home-cooking techniques. Each element can be prepared in stages, making this impressive dessert surprisingly stress-free to execute.

Recipe Q&A

→ What is kataifi pastry and how is it prepared?

Kataifi is a shredded filo dough that becomes crisp and delicate when baked. For this dish, it’s gently pulled apart, coated with melted butter and sugar, then baked until golden to form nest-shaped cups.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, raspberries or mixed berries work well as alternatives, offering a similar tartness and freshness to complement the pastry and chocolate.

→ How is the chocolate ganache made smooth and glossy?

Heating heavy cream until just simmering and pouring it over chopped dark chocolate allows the chocolate to melt slowly. Stirring gently creates a smooth, glossy ganache cooled slightly before using.

→ What garnishes can enhance the flavor and presentation?

Chopped pistachios add crunch, dried rose petals provide subtle floral hints, and fresh mint leaves contribute a refreshing aroma and color contrast.

→ Is there a recommended pairing for this dessert?

A semi-sweet sparkling wine or a cup of mint tea complements the sweetness and richness, balancing the vibrant and creamy elements perfectly.