An easy, layered strawberry pistachio dessert with crunchy kataifi, creamy pistachio butter, and fresh strawberries.
I love simple desserts that balance crunch, creaminess, and fresh flavors, and this strawberry pistachio cup does just that! The crispy baked kataifi adds the perfect texture, while the pistachio butter brings richness, and the juicy strawberries brighten every bite. It’s easy to make, light yet satisfying, and perfect for a quick treat or an elegant finish to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pistachio Dessert
- Perfect texture contrast – Crispy baked kataifi, creamy pistachio butter, and juicy strawberries in every bite.
- Simple yet elegant – Looks fancy but is easy to prepare, making it great for everyday treats or special occasions.
- Naturally sweetened – No refined sugar needed; the maple syrup and fruit add just the right amount of sweetness.
- Customizable – Swap coconut cream for yogurt, add a drizzle of chocolate, or mix in other berries for variety.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the components in advance and assemble just before serving for the best crunch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry kataifi dough, crumbled
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (or agave syrup)
- ⅓ cup pistachio butter
- ¼ cup coconut cream (or thick plant-based yogurt)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp crushed pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the kataifi crunch:
- Toss crumbled dry kataifi with melted vegan butter and maple syrup.
- Toast in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until golden and crispy. Let cool.
2. Make the pistachio cream:
- Mix pistachio butter with coconut cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste.
3. Assemble the cups:
- Option 1 (Layered): Add a layer of crunchy kataifi, a layer of pistachio cream, and a layer of chopped strawberries. Repeat.
- Option 2 (Mixed): Gently mix the kataifi crunch, pistachio cream, and strawberries in a bowl, then spoon into serving cups.
4. Garnish with crushed pistachios and extra strawberries.
5. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Recipe Tips
Toast Kataifi Ahead for Crunch – Whether with or without butter, bake your kataifi in advance and cool it fully. This keeps it crispy when layered or mixed with the cream and fruit.
Use Cold Strawberries – Chill your chopped strawberries before assembling. The cold berries contrast beautifully with the creamy pistachio and crunchy kataifi.
Balance the Sweetness – Pistachio butter can be earthy and slightly bitter. Taste your cream mixture before layering—add a touch of maple syrup or powdered sugar if needed.
Add Texture Contrast – Mix some kataifi into the pistachio cream for a surprise crunch inside, not just on top. Leave some kataifi for the top garnish so it stays crisp.
Assemble Just Before Serving – If you prep ahead, store each component separately. Assemble the cups right before serving to prevent sogginess and preserve texture.
Strawberry Pistachio Dessert
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry kataifi dough crumbled
- 2 tbsp vegan butter or coconut oil melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/3 cup pistachio butter
- 1/4 cup coconut cream (or thick plant-based yogurt)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 1 cup fresh strawberries diced
- 1 tbsp crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the kataifi crunch:Toss crumbled dry kataifi with melted vegan butter and maple syrup.Toast in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring until golden and crispy. Let cool.
- Make the pistachio cream:Mix pistachio butter with coconut cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Assemble the cups:Option 1 (Layered): Add a layer of crunchy kataifi, a layer of pistachio cream, and a layer of chopped strawberries. Repeat.Option 2 (Mixed): Gently mix the kataifi crunch, pistachio cream, and strawberries in a bowl, then spoon into serving cups.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and extra strawberries.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch!
I love how simple yet special these Kataifi Pistachio & Strawberry Cups turn out—crunchy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. They’re easy to put together but feel fancy enough to impress, and I always find myself going back for another spoonful.