I transformed the viral Dubai Strawberry cups into brownies! These indulgent brownies combine a fudgy chocolate base, a layer of kataifi & pistachio cream, fresh strawberries then drizzle in a chocolate ganache. It’s the ultimate Dubai-inspired dessert fusion—decadent, delicious, and guaranteed to impress!
What are the Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry cups?
The viral Dubai chocolate strawberry cups are a trending Middle Eastern dessert made with fresh strawberries, creamy pistachio cream, crispy kataifi pastry and chocolate sauce. Layered together in a cup they are so addictive and look amazing! Scroll down to find out how I turned it into a brownie recipe.
Where do I get the pistachio cream from?
Pistachio spread is one of my favourite things! It’s soooo delicious and tastes amazing in these cheesecake brownies. I use the Pistachio spread by the brand Pisti which you can get on Amazon here. It has a luxurious taste and the texture is so creamy.
When should I make these Viral Dubai Strawberry Brownies?
You should make these Viral Dubai Strawberry Brownies whenever you want to create a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes. These brownies are perfect for special occasions like birthdays, Eid celebrations, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want to treat yourself or someone else to something truly indulgent.
With layers of fudgy chocolate brownie, creamy pistachio spread, crispy kataifi pastry, and fresh juicy strawberries, every bite is bursting with flavour, texture, and that “OMG what is this?!” moment. These brownies aren’t just delicious—they’re a full-on dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, baking for a loved one, or want to go viral with your own pistachio dessert creation, this recipe will absolutely steal the spotlight. So if you’re looking for a next-level brownie recipe that combines Middle Eastern flavours with a viral dessert twist—this is the one.
Step by step how to make Viral Dubai Strawberry Brownies
Step one:
Chop the kataifi into small pieces. Add 1tbsp of butter in a frying pan, once melted add the kataifi. Fry on a low heat until crispy and golden brown.
Step two:
Mix the pistachio cream and kataifi together until combined.
Step three:
Chop the strawberries in half, then place on top of the pistachio cream and kataifi layer.
Step four:
Chop the chocolate into very small pieces, heat the cream in the microwave for 40 seconds, then pour on top of the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute. Then stir to combine. add the golden syrup or syrup of choice. (the golden syrup is optional but I like to ass a little sweetness to the ganache)
Scroll down to get the full recipe…
Tips for making the best Viral Dubai strawberry brownies
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate (between 50%-60% cocoa)
For rich, fudgy brownies, always use high-quality cocoa powder and real chocolate. For this recipe use dark chocolate with 50%-60% cocoa, anything higher and the brownies will be too bitter. The chocolate I used was a baking chocolate found in the baking section in the supermarket.
2. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal
Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it much easier to lift the brookies out and cut them cleanly.
3 . Slightly Underbake for a Gooey Center
For the perfect gooey texture, remove your brownies from the oven when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. They will continue to set as they cool.
4. Let Them Cool Before Slicing
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting brookies cool for at least 1 hour helps them firm up and makes cutting them easier.
5. Do not burn the kataifi
Fry the katafi on a low heat so it doesn’t burn. It can take a few minutes to turn golden brown.
6. Use pistachio cream, not butter
Pistachio cream is not the same as pistachio butter. Pistachio butter is just ground pistachios make into a paste. Pistachio cream has another ingredients like sugar, cream and white chocolate.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Viral Dubai strawberry brownies
Q1: What are Viral Dubai Strawberry Brownies?
A: Viral Dubai Strawberry Brownies are a twist on the popular Dubai strawberry cups—a Middle Eastern dessert made with strawberries, pistachio cream, and kataifi pastry. This brownie version combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with layers of pistachio cream, fresh strawberries, and a crunchy kataifi topping.
Q2: What is kataifi and where can I buy it?
A: Kataifi is a shredded filo pastry used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts. You can find it in international grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online in the frozen pastry section.
Q3: What’s in pistachio cream?
A: Pistachio cream typically includes roasted pistachios, sugar, milk or cream, and sometimes white chocolate or butter for smoothness. It’s rich, nutty, and adds a luscious layer to the brownies.
Q4: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the brownies a day in advance and add the toppings just before serving to keep the strawberries fresh and the kataifi crispy.
Q5: Can I make this recipe egg-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly ingredients (check your chocolate and kataifi pastry labels), these brownies are vegetarian-friendly.
If you love this recipe, check out these pistachio desserts…
Ingredients
Brownies
- 160g butter
- 160g dark chocolate (use dark chocolate between 50%-60% cocoa)
- 160g plain flour
- 40g cocoa powder
- 3 medium eggs
- 200g caster sugar
- 60g soft light brown sugar
- 1tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 50g dark chocolate chunks
Pistachio cream & kataifi topping
- 150g kataifi
- 200g pistachio cream
Chocolate ganache
- 100g dark chocolate (use dark chocolate between 50%-60% cocoa)
- 150g double/heavy cream
- 2tbsp golden syrup
Other items needed
-
- Strawberry's
- Chopped pistachios
Instructions
Brownie
- Line a 20x20cm brownie tin with baking paper.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter in the microwave, 20 secs at a time. Mix together, make sure the melted chocolate and butter are well combined. This stops the brownie batter from splitting. Set aside.
- Mix the eggs, sugar & vanilla extract in a separate bowl with an electric beater/stand mixer for 3 mins until creamy.
- Fold in the melted chocolate and butter mix with a spatula.
- Sift half the flour, cocoa and salt into the wet ingredients, fold in with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Add the brownie mix into the baking tin, use a spatula to make sure it's even.
- Bake at 170c fan for 24 minutes.
Pistachio cream & kataifi topping
- Chop the kataifi into small pieces.
- Add 1tbsp of butter in a frying pan, once melted add the kataifi.
- Fry on a low heat until crispy and golden brown.
- Mix the pistachio cream and kataifi together until combined.
Chocolate ganache
- Chop the chocolate into very small pieces, heat the cream in the microwave for 40 seconds, then pour on top of the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute. then stir to combine. add the golden syrup or syrup of choice. (the golden syrup is optional but I like to ass a little sweetness to the ganache)
Assemble
- Once the brownies have cooled completely. Spread the pistachio cream and katafi on top. Use the back of a spoon to make sure its flat and even.
- Add strawberry halves on top, then drizzle the chocolate ganache on top. (If the ganache is too firm, heat in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to make it more runny)
- Sprinkle finely chopped pistachio on top.
- Best served on the day. Store in the fridge but the brownie texture will become harder.
