These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies are rich, fudgy, and layered with pistachio cream, crispy kataifi, fresh strawberries, and finished with a silky chocolate ganache and a pistachio drizzle. They’re a show-stopping, Dubai-inspired twist on classic brownies that’s just as impressive to serve as it is delicious to eat!
It’s time for another epic Dubai Brownie recipe! It all started with the VIRAL Dubai Chocolate bar, and then you all went crazy for my Easy Dubai Chocolate Brownies. Now, I’m sharing this gorgeous, indulgent twist: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies!
These brownies take the rich, fudgy base you love and elevate it with layers of silky pistachio cream, crispy kataifi, fresh strawberries, and smooth chocolate ganache, finished with a pistachio drizzle. Show-stopping, decadent, and absolutely irresistible, they’re perfect for a special treat or to wow your friends and family!
Best enjoyed the day they’re made, they strike the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate, crisp kataifi, and juicy strawberries in every bite.
Ready to bake? Let’s dive into the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownie recipe!
Ingredients Needed to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies:
For the Brownies:
- Butter
- Chocolate Chips
- Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
- Cocoa Powder
- Flour
For the Pistachio Cream/Kataifi Layer:
After trying so many different brands, these are my favorites.
- Kataifi- Or sometimes called Kadayif. This is finely shredded phyllo dough that adds a light, crispy texture to the Dubai mixture, giving it that signature delicate crunch that makes every bite incredible. I love this brand of katafi. It’s already shredded and chopped.
- Butter- You just need a little to toast the katafi.
- Pistachio cream adds a rich, nutty sweetness that gives the bar its signature flavor. I love these two brands of pistachio cream: Sicania Pistachio Cream and Pisti Spreadable Pistachio Cream.
- Tahini brings a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness beautifully. The original Dubai Chocolate Bar uses Tahini. I have this squeezable bottle of Tahini, and it’s been great.
- A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and keeps the bar from tasting too sweet.
For the Topping:
- Chocolate Chips & Heavy Cream for the Chocolate Ganache Drizzle
- More Pistachio Cream for the Pistachio Drizzle
- Fresh Strawberries- Buy the freshest and prettiest ones you can find!
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies:
Make the Brownies
Mix the brownie batter, spread it into an 8×8-inch pan, and bake at 350°F for 24–25 minutes, just until set. Let cool slightly.
Add the Pistachio Kataifi Layer
Toast the kataifi in butter until golden and crispy. Mix with pistachio cream, tahini, and salt, then spread over the brownies.
Drizzle & Finish
Make the chocolate ganache, drizzle over the pistachio/kataifi layer, add sliced strawberries, drizzle more ganache, and finish with a pistachio drizzle. Chill briefly, slice, and serve.
Note: After making these a few times, I now recommend adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache under the strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Tip
Best enjoyed the day it’s made. Store assembled brownies in the fridge for up to 1 day.
A Quick Note About the Strawberries
Strawberries can be a little finicky and tend to release moisture as they sit, so these brownies are happiest when served the same day they’re assembled. If you wait until the next day, the layers will soften, and things can get a bit… squishy (still delicious, just not as pretty). You can bake the brownies ahead of time, but for the best results, add the pistachio layer, strawberries, and drizzles the day you plan to serve them.
How beautiful is this?! Show-stopping and GORGEOUS! 🙂
Another Way to Make Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
I also made it almost the same as my original post on how to make Easy Dubai Chocolate Brownies! I love this this way too because in my book, the more chocolate is always a win! haha
To make it this way, just follow my Easy Dubai Chocolate Brownie recipe and add sliced strawberries before finishing with the pistachio drizzle. I’ve found this version holds up a bit longer than the one in this post, but both are absolutely delicious. Which one would you try?
Enjoy!
CHECK OUT MY OTHER AMAZING DUBAI RECIPES!
Dubai Chocolate Cookies with Ganache
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie with Dubai Filling
How to Make the Best Dubai Chocolate Bar
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips (good quality)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened natural or Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pistachio Cream/Kataifi Layer:
- 1⅓ cups 67g kataifi, chopped and separated
- 1½ tablespoons 22g butter
- ¾ cup pistachio cream (210g)
- 1 tablespoon tahini (16g)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Ganache:
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Pistachio Drizzle & Topping:
- ~2 tablespoons pistachio cream
- Strawberries (washed, dried, and sliced)
Instructions
FOR THE BROWNIES:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly spray with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cut the butter into pieces. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the salt and cocoa powder and stir until mostly incorporated. Sift in the flour and gently fold just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix. Fold in 1/3 cup chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 24–25 minutes, or until the brownies are just set and no longer jiggly in the center. Do not overbake; they will continue to set as they cool.
- Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool slightly before adding the next layer.
FOR THE PISTACHIO CREAM/KATAFI LAYER:
- While the brownies bake, toast the kataifi. Melt the butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the kataifi and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the pistachio cream, tahini, and salt until smooth. Fold in the cooled, toasted kataifi.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the slightly cooled brownies.
FOR THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE DRIZZLE:
- To make the chocolate ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave for 45 seconds, then stir until smooth and fully melted. Let cool slightly before using.
FINISH THE BROWNIES:
- Optional but recommended: Transfer the chocolate ganache to a squeeze bottle or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off and drizzle a layer over the pistachio layer. Arrange the sliced strawberries evenly over the top, then drizzle with additional ganache. This creates the best flavor and texture.
- For the pistachio drizzle, transfer pistachio cream to a squeeze bottle or a small zip-top bag with a corner snipped off and drizzle over the top. If the cream is too thick to drizzle, microwave it for 10–14 seconds to loosen.
- Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help the layers set (optional but recommended for cleaner slices).
- Slice into squares using a large, sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
STORAGE NOTE:
- Because strawberries are moist, these brownies are best served the day they are assembled. The brownies can be baked 1–2 days ahead, but adding the pistachio layer and strawberries too early will make them too soft and moist. Store assembled brownies in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment!
