Dubai Strawberry Kataifi Cups (Printable)

Middle Eastern dessert featuring kataifi pastry nests filled with strawberries and dark chocolate ganache.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Kataifi Cups

01 - 7.1 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 fresh 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:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Gently untangle kataifi pastry and pull into loose strands. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with superfine sugar, tossing gently to coat evenly.
02 - Press coated kataifi into 6 muffin cups, shaping into nests. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely in the tin before removing.
03 - Combine diced strawberries, lemon juice, and honey or rose syrup in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let macerate for 10 minutes to develop flavors.
04 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
05 - Spoon a generous layer of chocolate ganache into each kataifi cup. Top with the macerated strawberry mixture.
06 - Top each cup with chopped pistachios, dried rose petals, and fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • Perfect balance of textures: crispy kataifi, creamy ganache, and juicy strawberries
  • Visually stunning presentation that elevates any table
  • Middle Eastern-inspired flavors with optional rose syrup and pistachios
  • Make-ahead friendly components for stress-free entertaining
  • Vegetarian-friendly and customizable to dietary preferences
02 -
  • Bake extra kataifi cups as they are delicate and may break; store extras in an airtight container for up to 2 days
  • Let strawberries macerate for the full 10 minutes to develop maximum flavor and create a light syrup
  • The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon; adjust consistency as needed
  • Assemble just before serving to keep the kataifi cups crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy
  • Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor
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