Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert Idea

Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Dessert Idea
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 300ml heavy cream; 3 egg whites; 75g powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; Chocolate cups or glasses for serving

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations Studio

I’ve always been captivated by the vibrant food scene in Dubai, especially the luxurious desserts that blend rich flavors and stunning presentations. This Chocolate Strawberry Cup is inspired by those delightful treats I encountered on my travels. With luscious chocolate mousse, fresh strawberries, and a touch of elegance, this recipe has become a favorite for special occasions or a simple indulgence. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the combination of flavors is truly unforgettable—perfect to impress friends and family!

Created by

Heidi Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:28:12.389Z

During my visit to Dubai, I discovered an array of decadent desserts that took my love for sweets to a new level. One dessert, in particular, stood out—a beautiful chocolate cup adorned with strawberries that seemed almost too pretty to eat. This inspired me to recreate that experience at home. I realized that the secret lies not only in the quality of chocolate but also in marrying it with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast.

As I experimented with different textures, I found that a light chocolate mousse paired perfectly with juicy strawberries. I suggest using high-quality chocolate, as it truly makes a difference in flavor. Each bite of this dessert is a blissful combination of creamy and fruity, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Why You'll Love This Dessert
Luxurious layers of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries
Elegant presentation perfect for any special occasion
Quick to prepare, making it a delightful last-minute dessert

Understanding Chocolate Mousse

The star of this dessert is the chocolate mousse, which relies on high-quality dark chocolate for its rich flavor. Look for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content; this ensures a deep chocolate taste without being overly sweet. When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low, as overheating can lead to seizing. The chocolate should melt until it’s smooth and glossy, signaling that it's ready to be incorporated with the cream.

Whipping the cream to the right consistency is crucial for achieving a light and airy mousse. Aim for soft peaks, which will allow for easy folding with the melted chocolate. Be gentle during this process; overmixing can deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a denser mousse. Properly folding the whipped cream into the chocolate helps retain air, which results in the luxurious texture you want in each bite.

Perfecting the Presentation

When it comes to serving this dessert, the choice of containers can dramatically affect the final look. Chocolate cups or clear glasses allows the beautiful layers of mousse and strawberries to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal. If you're using clear glasses, consider filling them in layers, alternating between mousse and strawberries for a stunning presentation. It creates anticipation for the delightful first bite of chocolate paired with fresh fruit.

Garnishing each cup with halved strawberries not only adds a pop of color but provides a fresh contrast to the rich mousse. Drizzling additional melted chocolate over the top enhances the flavor and visual appeal. If you want to switch things up, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a touch of finely chopped mint for an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dessert beyond the ordinary.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

This Chocolate Strawberry Cup can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for gatherings. Prepare and chill the mousse up to 24 hours in advance. Once set, cover the cups with plastic wrap to avoid any odors from your refrigerator interfering with the flavor. However, add the strawberries and chocolate drizzle just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and vibrant.

In terms of storage, if you have any leftover mousse, it generally holds well in the refrigerator for up to three days, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the whipped cream; however, if you need to store the mousse, try keeping it in an airtight container for short-term use. Just be sure to enjoy the dessert while it's fresh for the best flavor experience.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups:

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
300ml heavy cream
3 egg whites
75g powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Assembly

6 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Chocolate cups or glasses for serving

With everything ready, let’s dive into crafting this show-stopping dessert!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups:

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate it.

Whisk Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form.

Combine Mixtures

Fold the egg whites gently into the chocolate and cream mixture until fully incorporated.

Chill the Mousse

Spoon the mousse into the chocolate cups or glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Garnish and Serve

Once set, top each cup with halved strawberries and drizzle with additional melted chocolate if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of Grand Marnier to the mousse mixture for a hint of citrus.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make this Chocolate Strawberry Cup a bit healthier, consider using bittersweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate. Bittersweet chocolate usually has a lower sugar content, adding depth without making the mousse overly sweet. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream; just ensure it’s well chilled so it can whip properly.

For a fun twist, you can experiment with flavored extracts. Instead of vanilla, a drop of almond or orange extract can enhance the flavor profile of the chocolate mousse beautifully. Additionally, if strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with raspberries or blueberries; they will provide a delightful tartness that balances the richness of the mousse.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making chocolate mousse is the chocolate seizing during melting. This can happen if even a small amount of moisture gets in during the melting process. If this occurs, try adding a teaspoon of cream or butter to the seized chocolate and stirring until it smooths out. Make sure to use completely dry utensils and bowls for melting.

Sometimes the mousse may not set properly if it’s not chilled long enough. If you’re in a time crunch, set the mousse in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead of the refrigerator, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t freeze. If the mousse seems too dense after you’ve mixed in the whipped cream, try folding in a bit more whipped cream to lighten it up. This should restore the airy texture that makes mousse so delectable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different fruits?

Yes! Feel free to substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.

→ How long can I store the mousse?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it's best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture.

→ Can I make the chocolate cups from scratch?

Absolutely! Melt chocolate, coat the inside of silicone molds, and let set before using.

→ Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan alternative.