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–+ servings

Dubai Chocolate Cups

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Chocolate cups with a greenish filling are stacked in the center, surrounded by whole chocolate cups on a light surface.
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Prep Time:25 minutes
Chill Time:1 hour
Total Time:1 hour 25 minutes

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

Instructions

  • Prep Your Liners: Line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners. Set aside.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Assemble the Cups: Remove the chilled chocolate cups. Add a generous spoonful of filling into each one, pressing lightly to flatten but not overflow.
  • 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.
  • Decorate (Optional): While the top is still soft, sprinkle with toppings like chopped pistachios or extra kataifi.
  • Chill Until Set: Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Peel off liners and serve cold or slightly softened at room temp.

Notes

Tips, Tricks & 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 & 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal

Private Notes

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Servings: 12 cups
Calories: 250kcal
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