Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

There's something irresistibly elegant about the pairing of rich chocolate and ripe strawberries. The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup takes this classic duo to new heights with a Middle Eastern twist—think silky ganache, fragrant cardamom, and a hint of rose.

this Recipe

I first encountered this indulgent dessert during a winter evening in Dubai, where a street-side café served it in ornate glass cups. Since then, it’s become my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself after a long day. It's quick, stunning to serve, and absolutely luxurious.

Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a family-friendly treat night, this chocolate strawberry delight is bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Prepare to fall for your new favorite dessert. This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup isn’t just a showstopper—it’s a breeze to make and packed with flavor.

First, it’s decadently rich and creamy. The dark chocolate ganache melts on your tongue, while the cream and cardamom add warmth and depth.

It’s also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. With less than 20 minutes of active time, it’s perfect for when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is a budget-friendly way to feel luxurious. A handful of ingredients come together to create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.

And finally, it’s wonderfully versatile. Serve it in elegant cups for a dinner party or layer it in mini jars for a cute picnic treat. Kids love the flavor too, especially with a sprinkle of crushed cookies on top!

The best part? You can make it ahead of time and simply garnish before serving.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup lies in the balance of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Each component plays its part in creating something magical.

Dark chocolate is the star of this recipe. I recommend using a high-quality bar with at least 70% cocoa content. It gives the dessert its deep, rich flavor. You can chop it finely so it melts evenly into the warm cream.

The fresh strawberries bring a sweet, juicy contrast to the richness of the chocolate. Choose ripe berries and slice them just before serving for the best texture and color. In a pinch, frozen strawberries work too—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry.

Heavy cream (or double cream) creates the ganache’s silky texture. When heated, it melts the chocolate into a spoonable, smooth consistency. You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

To capture the essence of Dubai, we infuse the cream with cardamom and rose water. The cardamom adds warmth and a slight spice, while the rose water lends a floral fragrance that complements both the chocolate and the berries beautifully.

As for special equipment, all you really need is a small saucepan, a heatproof bowl, and some glass serving cups or jars. A piping bag is helpful for layering neatly, but not essential.

How To Make This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Creating this dessert is surprisingly simple, and the payoff is huge. Here’s how it comes together:

Start by finely chopping your dark chocolate and placing it in a heatproof bowl. The smaller the pieces, the easier they’ll melt into a smooth ganache.

In a small saucepan, heat your heavy cream over medium heat. Just as it begins to simmer, stir in the cardamom pods and let it infuse for about 3 minutes. Then, remove the pods and stir in the rose water.

Pour the hot cream mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about 1 minute before stirring slowly from the center outward. This helps create a shiny, smooth ganache. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prep your berries.

Slice your strawberries thinly, reserving a few whole ones for garnish. If you'd like, you can macerate the slices in a touch of sugar and lemon juice for extra juiciness.

Now for the fun part: layering! Spoon or pipe a layer of ganache into each glass cup, followed by a layer of strawberries. Repeat until the cup is full, finishing with a glossy layer of ganache on top.

Refrigerate the cups for at least 30 minutes so they firm up slightly. Right before serving, top with a whole strawberry, a sprinkle of edible rose petals, or even some crushed pistachios for extra flair.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total (including chilling time). The result? A rich, dreamy dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage Options

If you’re making these ahead of time, you’re in luck—Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups store beautifully.

In the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or lids to keep the ganache from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing isn’t ideal, as strawberries can turn mushy and the ganache texture may change. If needed, you can freeze the ganache on its own in an airtight container for up to a month, then thaw and layer later.

For on-the-go, store them in lidded mason jars. Perfect for packed lunches, road trips, or beach days.

To reheat (if you'd like the ganache a bit softer), let the cups sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or gently microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is a playground for creative variations. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the cream as it heats. The heat pairs beautifully with dark chocolate.

Swap the strawberries for raspberries or cherries if they’re in season. Each fruit brings its own unique brightness to the dish.

For a Middle Eastern crunch, layer in crushed baklava, biscotti, or digestive biscuits between the chocolate and fruit.

Want a dairy-free option? Use coconut cream and a high-quality vegan chocolate. The flavor will be slightly tropical and incredibly indulgent.

And if you’re going all out, top the cups with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of tahini caramel—absolutely divine.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This dessert welcomes creativity, and you might just discover your own signature version.

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