Dubai Chocolate Cups

Ready to make the super trendy Dubai chocolate and impress your guests?

These Dubai Chocolate Cups are the kind of dessert that feels elegant but couldn’t be easier to make.

Rich chocolate flavor meets creamy filling, and together they create a treat that tastes impressive without requiring advanced skills or special equipment. 

There’s something fun about making a dessert that looks fancy but comes together with just a few steps.

Perfect for anyone who loves chocolate, Dubai Chocolate Cups deliver a delicious mix of silky, creamy, crunchy, and rich flavors, all wrapped in a glossy chocolate shell.

They’re also great as part of a dessert board alongside cookies, truffles, or fruit. Whether you’re making them for holidays, birthdays, or for yourself at home, they are as simple to make and sweet to eat as they are popular!

Scroll down for the recipe, but be sure to check out the tips first. They’re simple, helpful, and make each batch a success.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 12 chocolate cups

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

They’re great for celebrations but just as perfect for everyday chocolate cravings.

They chill quickly, taste amazing straight from the fridge, and are incredibly fun to customize.

Whether you want a dessert that looks special for guests or something simple to keep in the fridge for a little after-dinner treat, these cups strike the right balance between easy to make and impressively delicious.

These little cups seem like something you’d pick up from a boutique dessert shop, so they’re ideal for gifting, parties, or a simple indulgence at home.

Nutrition Facts (per cup)

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 30mg

Nutrition will vary depending on specific brands used and any added
toppings.

How To Make Dubai Chocolate Cups

Ingredients:

For the Kataifi Layer:

• 1 cup pre-toasted kataifi pastry (or toast your own: see note below)

For the Filling:

• 7.5 oz (185g) pistachio cream or paste
• 2 tbsp tahini

For the Chocolate Shell:

• 1 ½ cups (about 540g) high-quality milk or dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep Your Liners:

Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. Set aside.

2. Melt the Chocolate:

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate (with oil if using) using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Stir until smooth.

3. Make the Chocolate Shell Base:

Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of melted chocolate into each cupcake liner.

Use the back of a spoon or pastry brush to coat the base and about halfway up the sides.

Chill in the freezer for 5–10 minutes to set.

4. Mix the Filling:

In a bowl, gently mix your pre-toasted kataifi with the pistachio cream and tahini until it becomes a thick, spoonable mixture.

It should be rich but still have crunch.

5. Assemble the Cups:

Remove the chilled chocolate cups.

Add a generous spoonful of filling into each one, pressing lightly to flatten but not overflow.

6. Seal the Tops:

Spoon more melted chocolate over the top of each filled cup, spreading to the edges to seal.

Tap the pan gently to level.

7. Decorate (Optional):

While the top is still soft, sprinkle with toppings like chopped pistachios or extra kataifi.

8. Chill Until Set:

Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.

Peel off liners and serve cold or slightly softened at room temp.

To Toast Your Own Kataifi (if not using pre-toasted):

If you ever need to toast it yourself, simply:

Pull apart the strands gently.

Toss with 2–3 tbsp melted butter.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 mins, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Tips, Tricks and Storage

• Use Good-Quality Chocolate: Because chocolate is the main flavor here, using a quality brand makes a noticeable difference. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate creates the perfect balance of sweet and rich.
• Make Sure the First Layer Is Fully Set: Let the chocolate harden completely before adding the filling. This keeps the shells sturdy and clean.
• Keep Them Cold: Dubai Chocolate Cups hold their shape best when chilled. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Storage: These store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Just let them soften slightly before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is easy to personalize depending on what you have on hand or the flavors you love.

You can switch up the chocolate for the shell by using dark, milk, or even white chocolate.

Add-ins like crushed nuts, cookies, or fruit pieces create little surprises in every bite.

Swapping the filling is simple too — use almond butter, hazelnut spread, or even Nutella for a twist.

A sprinkle of coconut, chopped pistachios, flaky sea salt, or mini chocolate chips on top adds texture and makes each cup look extra special.

A little creativity goes a long way with these chocolate cups. Mix and match flavors or toppings and make them your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find kataifi pastry?

Most Middle Eastern or Mediterranean markets carry it in the freezer section. If unavailable, try shredded phyllo as a substitute.

Q: Can I use silicone molds instead of liners?

Yes. Silicone molds also work great because the cups release easily once the chocolate sets.

Q: Can I melt the chocolate in the microwave?

Absolutely — just heat in short intervals and stir often to avoid burning.

Q: My chocolate shells cracked. What went wrong?

They were likely too thin or not chilled long enough. Add a second layer next time to create a sturdier shell.

Q: Do I need to use coconut oil in the chocolate?

It’s optional, but it helps create a smoother, glossier shell and makes it easier to bite into once chilled.

Looking for other trendy desserts that impress without requiring much effort? Try our Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars or our Seven Layer Reese’s Bars. Both are guaranteed to be popular, whether you’re serving them at home or bringing them to a party.