Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

There's something irresistibly elegant about the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup—a dessert that feels like a five-star treat yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. The rich chocolate layers paired with the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries make each bite feel like a mini escape to luxury.

this Recipe

I first tasted a version of this dessert at a small cafe tucked away in Dubai’s old town. It was served in a sleek glass cup, layers glistening under soft lights, and from the first spoonful, I was hooked. Ever since, I’ve been recreating and refining it at home. This version is easy enough for weeknight indulgence but stunning enough to wow your guests.

If you're looking for a no-bake, no-fuss dessert that's equal parts beautiful and delicious, this recipe is going to be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Get ready to meet your new favorite no-bake dessert. The Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup delivers indulgence, beauty, and simplicity—all in a single glass.

First off, it’s quick and incredibly easy. With just a bit of layering and chilling time, you’ll have a dessert that looks like it came straight from a gourmet patisserie. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or a late-night treat.

This dessert is also budget-friendly, using everyday ingredients like chocolate, cream, and strawberries. You can easily make a batch of four to six cups for less than the price of one fancy slice of cake at a café.

Another huge win? It’s totally customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add extra fruit, or layer in cookies or cake crumbs depending on what you have on hand.

And let’s not forget how aesthetically stunning it is. Served in clear glass cups or mini dessert jars, those layers of chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and vibrant strawberries are guaranteed to impress.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll be coming back to it again and again. Let’s talk about the ingredients that make it shine.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dessert is in its balance—rich, smooth chocolate meets light, airy cream and tart, fresh berries. Let’s break down the magic behind each component.

Start with the chocolate. You’ll want a high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate—something around 60% to 70% cocoa is ideal. This forms the ganache base, lending richness and depth to every spoonful. You can also use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter bite.

Next is the heavy cream, used both for the ganache and the whipped topping. For the ganache, the cream creates that luscious, spoonable texture. For the topping, it whips into soft peaks that lighten the entire cup. Make sure it’s cold before whipping for best results.

Fresh strawberries are the heart of this dessert. Slice them thin to layer or dice them for a more rustic presentation. Their natural sweetness and tartness cut through the richness of the chocolate, creating perfect harmony.

I like to add a layer of crushed digestive biscuits or chocolate cookies at the bottom for a little crunch. This is optional, but it adds a lovely textural contrast and soaks up any extra ganache.

You won’t need much in terms of equipment—just a microwave-safe bowl for melting, a whisk or electric mixer for the whipped cream, and a few clear glass cups or small jars for that signature layered look.

How To Make This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup

Creating these elegant dessert cups is surprisingly simple—just a few layers, a little chill time, and you’re ready to indulge.

Start by preparing your chocolate ganache. Chop your chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan (or the microwave), heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

While your ganache is cooling, whip the cream. Use a cold mixing bowl and cold heavy cream for the best volume. Add a touch of powdered sugar and a drop of vanilla extract, then beat until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip—you want it light and airy, not stiff.

Now it’s time to layer the dessert. Start with a spoonful of crushed biscuits or cookies at the bottom of each glass if using. Follow with a layer of the chocolate ganache, then a layer of sliced strawberries, then a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are full, finishing with whipped cream and a decorative strawberry slice on top.

Once assembled, chill the cups in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld and gives the ganache time to set. You can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for dinner parties or prepping ahead.

Altogether, the recipe takes about 20 minutes of hands-on time, plus chilling. Expect a silky, spoonable dessert that looks just as amazing as it tastes.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, storing these cups is a breeze.

Keep the assembled cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The whipped cream may start to deflate slightly after that, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

If you want to make them ahead, consider preparing the components separately. Store the ganache and whipped cream in separate containers and layer just before serving. This keeps everything at its freshest.

Avoid freezing these cups. The texture of both the whipped cream and strawberries can become watery and grainy after thawing.

To re-serve, just pull them from the fridge 10–15 minutes before eating. You can even top with a fresh strawberry or a drizzle of melted chocolate right before serving for a little extra flair.

Variations and Substitutions

One of my favorite things about this dessert is how flexible it is—you can easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste or pantry.

Try swapping strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries. Blueberries and blackberries work well too, and give the dessert a slightly tangier edge.

If you're feeling extra indulgent, add a layer of chocolate brownie chunks or chocolate cake crumbs between the layers. It turns the dessert into something closer to a trifle—rich, chewy, and ultra-satisfying.

Not a fan of dark chocolate? Use milk chocolate or white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor. You can even infuse the ganache with espresso powder or orange zest for a unique twist.

For a Middle Eastern spin, sprinkle a bit of crushed pistachio or rose petals on top. This adds a touch of color, texture, and that signature Dubai flair.

Feel free to experiment with flavored whipped cream—think almond extract, cardamom, or even a splash of rose water for something exotic and dreamy.

Once you make this recipe your own, it’s hard to go back. It’s a dessert that invites creativity, indulgence, and joy.

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