Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert Idea

Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert Idea
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate; 4 disposable dessert cups; 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 50g powdered sugar; 200ml heavy cream; Additional chocolate shavings; Mint leaves

Highlighted under: Dessert Haven

I absolutely love creating desserts that not only taste delicious but also impress everyone at the table. The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert is one of my favorite treats to whip up for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence. With layers of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries all beautifully presented in lovely cups, it’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. It’s incredibly simple to make, and I promise that every bite will leave you wanting more!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:55:15.053Z

When I tried my hand at making the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups, I wanted to highlight the beautiful contrast of flavors—rich chocolate against the freshness of strawberries. The method of layering not only looks stunning but also ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. I remember the first time I served these, my guests couldn't believe how easy they were to make!

One specific tip I want to share is to use high-quality chocolate. The deeper flavor makes all the difference in desserts like this, where chocolate is the star. Trust me, it elevates the whole experience, turning a simple dessert into something truly luxurious.

Why You'll Love This Dessert
Luxurious combination of chocolate and fresh strawberries
Visual delight that steals the show at gatherings
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any skill level

Crafting the Perfect Chocolate Cups

Creating the chocolate cups is a pivotal step that sets the tone for your dessert. Ensure that your dark chocolate is of high quality, as it directly affects the flavor and texture. I recommend using chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa for a rich taste. When melting, be sure to use a gentle heat and avoid direct contact with the water to prevent the chocolate from seizing. Stir until the chocolate is glossy and fully melted, approximately 5-7 minutes.

When coating your dessert cups, a thin, even layer is key to achieving the ideal thickness. If you're unsure, a light coating of chocolate can be applied to the sides with a spoon and then rotated to ensure even coverage. As you place the cups upside down to cool, use parchment paper for easier removal. This step ensures that your cups maintain a raised edge and won’t break when filled.

Whipping Up the Strawberry Filling

The strawberry filling is what truly elevates this dessert, adding a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate. When selecting strawberries, aim for firm, ripe berries; not only do they taste better, but they'll hold their shape when mixed with cream. After hulling and slicing, let them sit for a few minutes with powdered sugar to draw out their natural juices, thereby creating a subtle syrup that enhances the overall sweetness.

Whipping your heavy cream to soft peaks is another critical component that brings lightness to the filling. If you over-whip, you’ll end up with butter instead of cream, so watch carefully. When folding the strawberries into the whipped cream, do so gently; the goal is to retain as much of the air you’ve incorporated while ensuring the ingredients are well combined. This balance is essential for achieving a fluffy, appealing filling.

Variations and Make-Ahead Tips

This dessert is wonderfully versatile, allowing for various flavor experiments. For instance, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for enhanced flavor or combining the strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. For a tropical twist, mango or pineapple chunks can be folded in too. You can also try using milk or white chocolate for the cups, adjusting sweetness as necessary.

Additionally, the chocolate cups can be made in advance and stored. Once cooled and hardened, they can be kept in a cool place or refrigerated to maintain their integrity for up to three days. The strawberry filling can also be prepared ahead of time; just ensure that it’s stored in an airtight container in the fridge and mixed again gently before serving to return some of its fluffiness.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cups

200g dark chocolate
4 disposable dessert cups

For the Strawberry Filling

200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
50g powdered sugar
200ml heavy cream

For Garnishing

Additional chocolate shavings
Mint leaves

Instructions

Steps

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water until smooth. Stir regularly to prevent burning.

Prepare the Cups

Using a spoon, coat the insides of the dessert cups with melted chocolate. Place them upside down on a baking sheet and let them cool and harden.

Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with powdered sugar. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the strawberries.

Assemble the Dessert

Once the chocolate cups have hardened, carefully remove them from the cups. Fill each cup with the strawberry and cream mixture.

Garnish and Serve

Top each cup with chocolate shavings and a mint leaf, and serve immediately for the best experience!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the assembled cups right before serving.

Enhancing Visual Appeal

Presentation is everything with the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert. To elevate the visual appeal, consider layering the strawberry and cream mixture in the cup rather than just filling it. Start with a layer of strawberries, followed by cream, and repeat for a more diverse texture and look. This technique allows your guests to see the beautiful contrast between the red strawberries and white cream, framed by the dark chocolate of the cup.

You can also get creative with your garnishing. Instead of just chocolate shavings and mint leaves, try adding an edible flower on top for a touch of elegance. A few small pieces of candied ginger or a sprinkle of sea salt can provide a tasty contrast while enhancing the dessert’s eye-catching quality. Don’t hesitate to let your personal aesthetic shine through!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, the chocolate coating may crack upon removal. This can happen if the chocolate wasn’t tempered properly; make sure your melted chocolate reaches a smooth, glossy texture, and cools at room temperature. If you do encounter cracks, a simple solution is to remelt a bit of extra chocolate and use it as ‘glue’ to patch the cups together.

If your whipped cream is not holding its shape, check the cream’s fat content. Heavy cream should have at least 36% fat for optimal results. You could also try adding a stabilizer like gelatin or powdered sugar to help maintain the shape. For a smoother texture, you can refrigerate the bowl and beaters before whipping for better results, achieving a perfect peak every time.

Serving Suggestions

To serve the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert, I recommend setting the cups on a platter lined with parchment paper for a classy touch. Pair the dessert with a cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine for an unforgettable finish to your meal. By combining these flavors, you can elevate the chocolate and strawberry notes, creating a harmonious experience.

If you’re looking to scale this dessert for a larger crowd, consider using smaller cups or shot glasses to create mini versions. This way, guests can enjoy the luxuries of chocolate and strawberries without feeling overwhelmed by size. Adjust the recipe proportions according to the number of servings you require, and remember, the presentation can stay just as stunning with smaller servings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a sweeter dessert.

→ How do I store leftover dessert cups?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the chocolate cups ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate cups a day in advance and fill them right before serving.

→ What can I substitute for strawberries?

You can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or even diced bananas for a different flavor.