Chocolate and pistachio have been having a moment lately, thanks to the popular Dubai chocolate bar. Dozens of mashup recipes of the viral sweet treat, including Dubai chocolate lattes and Dubai chocolate cheesecake bars, have been popping up ever since the bar’s explosion in popularity on social media in 2024. Now, we have our take on the buzzy Dubai strawberry cups.
Like many others circulating on the internet, our rendition features plenty of fresh ruby red strawberries, chocolate drizzle, chopped pistachios and crispy, crunchy toasted kataifi. Our Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait, however, takes things to the next level with clouds of ethereal pistachio cream mousse.
This three-ingredient mousse isn’t just insanely easy to prepare, it’s insanely delicious too. Unlike other mousse recipes that require tempering eggs and beating egg whites, this pistachio cream version skips the hassle. Instead, heavy whipping cream is beaten to stiff peaks before tahini and pistachio cream are gently folded in. Once chilled, you’re left with a rich and creamy pistachio delight that makes this Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait stand out from the rest.
What is Dubai chocolate?
If you’re just now hopping on the Dubai chocolate train, allow us to bring you up to speed on the viral chocolate confection. It all began when Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai released its now-famous Can’t Get Knafeh of It chocolate bar. This particular bar took the internet by storm with its vibrant green, gooey interior.
This exquisite bar (now referred to simply as Dubai chocolate) is encased in luscious milk chocolate and filled with a sweet, nutty and crunchy filling made from rich pistachio cream, tahini and toasted kataifi strands (aka shredded phyllo dough). Thanks to its clever combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet and earthy flavors, the experience of eating this bar is truly unique.
Ingredients for Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Parfaits
- Heavy whipping cream: This easy mousse recipe uses everyday heavy whipping cream. To get the consistency just right, you’ll want to whip it to stiff peaks.
- Pistachio cream: Thanks to the popularity of the Dubai chocolate bar, there are now many brands of pistachio cream on the market. If you’re lucky, you may have one at your local supermarket or Middle Eastern grocery store. Otherwise, Amazon is always an option too.
- Tahini: Tahini is a nut butter derived from sesame seeds. It adds a wonderful warm and nutty flavor to the mousse.
- Fresh strawberries: Who doesn’t love a recipe with fresh strawberries? Make sure you clean the strawberries properly before slicing them.
- Toasted kataifi: Kataifi (pronounced ka-ta-if-ee) can be purchased frozen, dried or toasted. It is made from thin shreds of phyllo dough and has a light and crisp texture.
- Pistachios: For a little extra nuttiness and crunch, we like to add a few sprinkles of chopped pistachios to our layers in this Dubai chocolate strawberry cups recipe. Use the leftover nuts in other pistachio recipes.
- Chocolate sauce: For ease, we used a high-quality dark chocolate sauce. However, you can make a homemade chocolate sauce if you prefer.
Directions
Step 1: Make the mousse
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, five to six minutes. Next, gently fold in the tahini and pistachio cream until no streaks remain. Cover and transfer the mixture to the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Begin the layers
To assemble, spoon (or pipe with a pastry bag) a small amount of the pistachio mousse into the bottoms of six wide-mouth Mason jars.
Editor’s Tip: Using a piping bag will give you more control over how the mousse looks in the bottom of the jar. If you don’t have a piping bag, don’t fret: You can use a resealable plastic bag instead of a piping bag pretty easily!
Step 3: Finish assembling
Next, top the mousse with a few strawberries.
Then add a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Finish with a sprinkle of pistachios and toasted kataifi. Then, repeat this layering process two to three times (or until your jars are full). Serve immediately.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Parfait Variations
- Try other fruits: While strawberries are the original choice for Dubai chocolate cups, fresh raspberries or pitted cherries would also make a stellar combination with the pistachio mousse and decadent chocolate sauce. If you need convincing, try the flavors for yourself in a chocolate, cherry and pistachio spumoni baked Alaska.
- Prep homemade chocolate sauce: While we love the convenience of store-bought chocolate sauce, you can also prepare these Dubai chocolate strawberry cups with homemade chocolate sauce or even some indulgent chocolate ganache.
- Use a dairy-free alternative: If you would like to make this a dairy-free recipe, first source a chocolate sauce that’s free from dairy products. You will also want to consult the label of your chosen pistachio cream, as some of them may contain ingredients derived from dairy. From there, swap in your favorite brand of plant-based heavy cream substitute for the heavy cream in the mousse.
- Skip the whipped cream: If you want something identical to the viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cup, forgo the whipped cream. Simply layer the fresh berries with kataifi and pistachio cream and drizzle chocolate sauce over everything.
How to Store Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Parfaits
For the best taste, store the individual components for this Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait recipe separately in airtight food storage containers. If stored assembled, the strawberries will release juices, which may make the mousse watery and make the kataifi soggy.
How long does a Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait last?
The pistachio cream mousse will stay fresh for two to three days in the refrigerator. However, after 24 hours, it may begin to lose some of its volume. If this happens, you can whip it again with an electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Likewise, sliced strawberries are also best enjoyed within two or three days for the best taste and texture.
Can you make Dubai chocolate strawberry parfaits ahead of time?
Yes, if you wish to make a Dubai chocolate strawberry parfait ahead, it’s recommended that you prep all the ingredients as directed and store the components in individual airtight food storage containers until you are ready to assemble and serve. For the best taste, prepare the components up to 24 hours before serving.
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Parfait Tips
How else can you serve a Dubai strawberry parfait?
While individual Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are a real delight, we also love to make a party-sized version of this viral dessert by layering the ingredients into a large trifle dish. Then, consider adding extra volume with cubed pieces of brownies, pound cake, angel food cake or a homemade pistachio Bundt cake. It’s an impressive-looking trifle dessert that’s sure to totally knock the socks off each and every one of your guests.
How can you toast kataifi?
If you don’t have access to packaged toasted kataifi, you can toast it yourself. To do so, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add the untoasted kataifi and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s evenly golden. Remove to a towel-lined plate to cool completely. If you have extra, make a Dubai chocolate cake next.
Are Dubai strawberry parfaits gluten-free?
No. The kataifi strands are a wheat-based pastry product, so they will contain gluten. While you could omit the kataifi from the recipe, you’ll lose a lot of the wonderful texture and crunch that it provides to Dubai-inspired recipes.
A gluten-free alternative you may consider experimenting with is rice vermicelli. Crush or pulse it in a food processor a few times to make small pieces, then use it as you would the kataifi in the recipe. As always, if you’re sensitive to gluten, consult all other product labels for the ingredients in the recipe to ensure they were manufactured in a gluten-free facility.
