Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

There’s something truly indulgent about the combination of ripe, juicy strawberries and rich, velvety chocolate — especially when presented in a single-serving cup that looks as luxurious as it tastes. These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that will elevate any dessert table.

I discovered this treat during a summer trip to Dubai, where sweets are as much about elegance and presentation as they are about flavor. Inspired by the city’s love for opulence and layered desserts, I brought this idea home and gave it a quick, family-friendly twist that’s now a staple at our weekend gatherings and dinner parties.

[IMAGE]

With creamy chocolate mousse, fresh strawberries, and a touch of golden glam, these cups are as easy to make as they are impressive. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that tastes like luxury in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Get ready to fall head over heels for this no-bake masterpiece. The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup is the kind of dessert that’s showstopping enough for a celebration, yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to assemble. No oven required — just a few bowls, a hand mixer, and about 20 minutes of your time. If you’re hosting and juggling multiple dishes, this is a lifesaver.

It’s also absolutely stunning to serve. With luscious layers of mousse and fruit, plus optional gold leaf or edible glitter for that true “Dubai glam” look, these cups bring instant elegance to any occasion.

Not to mention, it’s perfect for make-ahead prepping. You can chill these beauties in the fridge up to a day in advance, making your dinner party or event just a bit more stress-free.

And let’s not forget the flavor and texture combo. The airy chocolate mousse melts on your tongue, while the strawberries add a bright, juicy burst that keeps every bite balanced and refreshing.

Ready to impress your guests with minimal effort? Let’s explore the simple, luxurious ingredients that make this dessert shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup lies in its thoughtful ingredients. Each one is chosen not just for taste, but for how it layers, contrasts, and elevates the whole experience.

The star of the show is the chocolate mousse. I recommend using dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for depth and richness. Melt it gently over a double boiler to avoid scorching, then fold into freshly whipped cream for that fluffy, decadent texture. A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor beautifully.

Fresh strawberries are essential here. Choose ripe, vibrant berries with no white tips. Their natural sweetness and slight acidity cut through the richness of the chocolate, making each spoonful perfectly balanced. Slice them thin for better layering and visual appeal.

To add structure and a little crunch, I like to start with a layer of crushed tea biscuits or graham crackers at the bottom of each cup. Lightly mix them with melted butter — this creates a quick crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft mousse above.

For a truly “Dubai-style” finish, a small amount of gold leaf or edible gold dust takes these cups to the next level. While entirely optional, it adds a luxurious touch that makes this dessert worthy of any special occasion.

You'll also need some clear dessert cups or small glasses, ideally 6 to 8 ounces in size. These help showcase the beautiful layers and add to the upscale presentation.

How To Make This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Creating these elegant dessert cups is easier than you might think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping treat ready to chill in under half an hour.

Start by making the base layer. In a bowl, combine your crushed biscuits with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Spoon about two tablespoons into the bottom of each dessert cup and press down lightly with the back of a spoon to form a firm base. Set aside.

Now it’s time for the mousse. In a heatproof bowl, melt your dark chocolate over a double boiler, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly — you want it warm, not hot, so it doesn’t deflate the whipped cream.

While the chocolate cools, whip your heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold a spoonful of whipped cream into the melted chocolate to lighten it, then fold in the remaining cream in batches. The result should be silky and light.

Next, prepare your strawberries. Wash, dry, and thinly slice them. Arrange a layer of strawberry slices directly over the biscuit base, then spoon in a generous layer of the chocolate mousse, spreading it evenly to cover the fruit.

Repeat with another layer of strawberries and top with a final swirl of mousse. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or small offset spatula for a clean look. If desired, garnish with additional strawberry slices, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a touch of edible gold.

Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. The mousse will firm up slightly but remain soft and creamy, making it perfect for scooping with a spoon.

Storage Options

These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups store beautifully, which makes them ideal for meal prep or entertaining.

In the fridge, keep the cups covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The strawberries may release a little juice over time, but this only adds to the flavor.

If you’d like to make the components ahead of time, you can prepare the mousse up to 24 hours in advance and store it separately. Assemble the cups just before serving for the freshest texture.

While these cups aren't freezer-friendly due to the fresh fruit and whipped cream, you could freeze just the chocolate mousse for up to one month, then thaw it in the fridge and assemble the cups with fresh berries.

To re-serve, simply remove from the fridge about 10 minutes before enjoying — this takes the chill off and brings out the full richness of the chocolate.

Variations and Substitutions

The flexibility of this recipe is one of its biggest charms. You can customize it endlessly based on your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have in the kitchen.

Instead of dark chocolate, try using milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier mousse. White chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberries and makes for a lighter, more delicate dessert.

If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to swap in raspberries, blackberries, or even mango slices. Just make sure they’re fresh and juicy for the best texture contrast.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and choose a dairy-free dark chocolate. The mousse won’t be quite as fluffy, but it will still be rich and delicious.

Want to add a little crunch? Mix in a layer of chopped nuts, like pistachios or hazelnuts, between the mousse and strawberries. This adds a nutty, slightly salty bite that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

And for adults only, you can fold a tablespoon of liqueur into the melted chocolate — think Grand Marnier, Baileys, or Chambord — for a subtle boozy twist.

The best part about this recipe? It invites creativity. So go ahead — make it your own, and don’t be afraid to play with flavors, textures, and toppings.

Print