Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

There's something truly magical about the fusion of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries, especially when it's all tucked into a perfectly portioned, elegant dessert cup. These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups bring a luxurious, café-style experience right into your home kitchen—no passport required.

this Recipe

I first tried a version of this dessert at a tiny chocolate boutique tucked away in an upscale Dubai mall. It was love at first bite: the silky chocolate, the tart strawberry jam, the soft sponge base—each layer delivered a burst of indulgence. Ever since, I've recreated this no-fuss, no-fail version that captures all the decadence with none of the fuss. And the best part? It’s easy, elegant, and perfect for impressing guests or spoiling yourself.

Let’s dive into why these chocolate cups are about to become your favorite dessert to make (and eat).

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this luxurious treat. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or just craving something sweet on a quiet evening, these cups hit all the right notes.

First of all, these are effortlessly impressive. With their layered look and gourmet flavor, they look like they came from a high-end pastry shop. But in reality, you can whip them up with basic ingredients and a little layering magic.

They’re also wonderfully make-ahead friendly. You can prepare them the night before and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve. This makes them ideal for entertaining or busy evenings when you want dessert ready to go.

Not to mention, they’re kid-approved but fancy enough for adults. The sweet strawberry layer balances the deep richness of the chocolate, making this a crowd-pleaser across all ages.

Lastly, they’re highly customizable. You can swap out the base, adjust the sweetness, or even add a touch of flavoring to the cream to make it your own. It's a simple recipe that opens the door to endless creativity.

Ready to build your dessert masterpiece? Let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes these cups shine is the combination of everyday ingredients transformed into something truly luxurious. Each layer brings a distinct flavor and texture that creates a beautiful balance in every spoonful.

Chocolate ganache is the star here. I recommend using semi-sweet chocolate with around 60% cocoa content. It gives a deep, smooth flavor without becoming overly bitter. Be sure to chop the chocolate finely so it melts evenly into the warm cream.

Fresh strawberries or a quality strawberry jam form the fruity heart of this dessert. If strawberries are in season, dice them finely and macerate with a bit of sugar for a bright, juicy bite. Otherwise, a thick jam works beautifully, especially if you're short on time.

Whipped cream lightens up the richness. For the best results, use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat. A touch of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla take it from plain to perfect.

Sponge cake or cookie crumbs create the base layer. You can use store-bought sponge, leftover cake, or crushed vanilla cookies. It soaks up just enough moisture from the other layers to become irresistibly soft without turning soggy.

You’ll also want to have small dessert cups or glasses on hand—something clear so you can see those beautiful layers. A piping bag is optional but helpful for cleanly layering the whipped cream.

How To Make This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Creating these chocolate strawberry cups is more of an assembly process than a complicated bake, which makes it all the more rewarding. Here’s how to bring it together step by step.

Start by preparing your chocolate ganache. Heat the cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer—don’t let it boil. Pour it over your finely chopped chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for a minute, then stir slowly until smooth and glossy. Set it aside to cool slightly; it should thicken a bit as it rests.

While your ganache is cooling, move on to the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip—it should be smooth, not stiff. Transfer it to a piping bag if you want precise layers.

Now prepare the strawberry layer. If using fresh strawberries, dice them and mix with a teaspoon of sugar. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes to release their natural juices. If using jam, give it a quick stir to loosen it up.

Time to assemble. Begin by spooning a layer of crushed sponge cake or cookie crumbs into the bottom of each cup. Press down gently with the back of a spoon. Follow with a spoonful of strawberries or jam, then a layer of whipped cream. Add a generous drizzle of chocolate ganache. Repeat the layers if your cup is tall enough.

Finish with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of ganache on top. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or some chocolate shavings for that extra flair.

Once assembled, chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and meld beautifully. These cups taste even better after a few hours in the fridge—if you can wait that long.

Storage Options

These dessert cups are perfect for making ahead and storing. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or snap-on lids if your cups come with them, and refrigerate.

You can safely store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The layers will hold up well, though the strawberries might soften slightly. If using fresh berries, try to serve them within 24 hours for the best texture.

If you’re planning to freeze, skip the fresh strawberries and stick with jam. Fully assembled cups (minus the final whipped topping) can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

To reheat—well, don’t! These are meant to be served chilled. But if the ganache has hardened too much, let the cup sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal flavor preferences.

Try raspberries or mixed berries in place of strawberries for a tarter twist. Just make sure to dice them small and add a bit of sugar to help soften them.

If you’re dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. It whips up beautifully and adds a subtle tropical flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chocolate and strawberries.

Want more crunch? Add a layer of chopped nuts or crushed chocolate wafers between the ganache and cream. Pistachios or hazelnuts work especially well for a Middle Eastern flair.

For a boozy adult version, brush the sponge cake base with a little coffee liqueur or strawberry liqueur before layering. It adds depth and enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.

Finally, you can turn this into a larger trifle-style dessert by assembling it in a glass bowl instead of individual cups. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients—this recipe is meant to be a canvas for your dessert creativity.

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