Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle Recipe

Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), chopped
  • 1 cup pistachio cream or pistachio butter
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, plus more if desired
  • 2 quarts strawberries, stemmed and halved
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup blackberries

Directions

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the kataifi and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Once done, set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pistachio cream and tahini until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Place the chocolate chips in a double boiler set over medium heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Add the coconut oil and stir to combine. Turn off the heat, keeping the mixture warm.
  4. Just before serving, assemble the trifle to ensure the chocolate stays loose. In a large trifle bowl or medium serving bowl, start with half of the melted chocolate.
  5. Top the chocolate with half of the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
  6. Next, add half of the pistachio cream mixture over the berries. Sprinkle cup of the toasted kataifi on top.
  7. Continue layering by adding the remaining berries and pistachio cream, followed by the rest of the melted chocolate.
  8. Top with the remaining toasted kataifi, then serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 431
  • Total Fat: 26g (33% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 9g (43% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 12mg (4% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 132mg (6% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 44g (16% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g (27% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 23g
  • Protein: 9g (19% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 75mg (83% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 157mg (12% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 3mg (15% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 508mg (11% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Fascinating Story of the Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle

The Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle is a modern dessert that reflects the fusion of global culinary traditions with a Middle Eastern twist. While traditional trifles originated in England during the 16th century as layered puddings with sponge, custard, fruit, and cream, the Dubai version elevates this classic by incorporating luxurious ingredients like pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi, a shredded phyllo pastry popular in the Middle East. This dessert is a testament to Dubai's vibrant food culture, where international flavors are blended with local delicacies to create visually stunning and indulgent treats.

Regional Characteristics and Influences

In Dubai, desserts often emphasize texture and richness, combining crunchy elements with creamy layers. The inclusion of kataifi gives the trifle a crisp, flaky texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth chocolate and pistachio cream. The use of tahini, a sesame paste, adds a subtle nutty depth, showcasing flavors that are characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine. Mixed berries introduce a fresh and slightly tart balance, reflecting a growing trend in Dubais culinary scene toward incorporating fruits in rich desserts to create harmony of taste and appearance.

What Sets It Apart from Other Trifles

Unlike traditional English trifles, which typically rely on sponge cake soaked in sherry or custard, the Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle emphasizes layered textures and exotic ingredients. The combination of milk chocolate, pistachio cream, and toasted kataifi makes it more decadent and complex than standard trifles. Additionally, the layering of multiple types of berries adds both visual appeal and a dynamic flavor profile. The result is a dessert that is not just sweet but also aromatic, crunchy, and creamy all at once.

Where It Is Usually Served

This dessert is most often enjoyed in upscale restaurants, luxury hotels, and during special occasions in Dubai, such as festive dinners, weddings, and high-end gatherings. Its elaborate presentation makes it a centerpiece dessert, often served in a clear trifle bowl to highlight the striking layers. It is also becoming increasingly popular in gourmet home kitchens where culinary enthusiasts want to recreate a restaurant-style experience.

Interesting Facts About the Dessert

  • The kataifi used in the trifle is the same type of pastry traditionally used in Middle Eastern sweets like baklava, giving the dish an authentic regional touch.
  • The combination of chocolate and pistachio mirrors flavors commonly found in both European and Middle Eastern desserts, symbolizing Dubai's global culinary influence.
  • Despite its rich ingredients, the dessert is often served in portions that balance indulgence with elegance, making it suitable for formal dining experiences.
  • The layering technique not only enhances taste but also transforms the trifle into a visually stunning creation, showcasing Dubais appreciation for artistry in food.
  • Its popularity has grown internationally as food enthusiasts seek modern variations of classic trifles that incorporate exotic flavors and textures.

In conclusion, the Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle is a luxurious reinterpretation of a classic English dessert, elevated with Middle Eastern flavors, textures, and ingredients. It perfectly embodies Dubais cosmopolitan food culture, making it a dessert that is as visually impressive as it is delicious.

FAQ about Dubai Chocolate Berry Trifle Recipe

It is best to store the trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Since the dessert contains fresh berries and chocolate, it should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness. Do not freeze the trifle, as it may alter the texture of the berries and cream.

Yes, you can prepare some components in advance. The chocolate and pistachio cream can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, the kataifi should be toasted fresh before serving for the best texture, and the berries should be added just before serving to prevent them from releasing too much juice.

Yes, you can substitute pistachio cream or butter with other nut creams like almond or cashew butter. Keep in mind that the flavor of the trifle will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Yes, you can use other types of berries such as black currants, gooseberries, or even sliced kiwi. Just ensure the berries are fresh and not overly ripe to maintain their texture and flavor.

If you can't find kataifi, you can substitute it with shredded phyllo dough. Simply shred the dough into smaller pieces and toast it in a pan with butter, just as you would with kataifi.

To make this trifle vegan, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and replace the pistachio cream with a dairy-free pistachio spread. Additionally, the tahini and berries are already vegan, making this an easy adaptation.

Yes, you can use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer flavor. However, be aware that dark chocolate will make the dessert slightly less sweet, so adjust the sweetness to your liking if necessary.

To make the trifle gluten-free, you can use gluten-free phyllo dough or replace the kataifi with a gluten-free crunchy topping, such as crushed gluten-free cookies or toasted nuts. Be sure to double-check all other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

The recipe yields 12 servings.

It is not recommended to freeze the entire trifle as it contains fresh berries and delicate layers of chocolate and cream. Freezing may cause the texture of the ingredients to change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the toasted kataifi and chocolate components separately for future use.

Comments

Heather Thompson

02/28/2025 09:48:27 PM

So light yet so satisfying.