Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Party Dessert

Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Party Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 100g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 3 large eggs, separated; 50g sugar; 1 cup heavy cream; 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; Mint leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Decadent Desserts

I absolutely love hosting parties, and one of my go-to desserts is the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup. It’s a delightful treat that combines the lusciousness of dark chocolate with the vibrant freshness of strawberries. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture, making it perfect for impressing guests. I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and how well it holds up, even when I prepare it a day in advance. This dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing a touch of Dubai to your table!

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-22T07:37:12.997Z

When I first tasted a chocolate-strawberry dessert at a Dubai restaurant, I was instantly hooked. It inspired me to create my own version that captures the essence of that amazing experience. What I discovered is that layering the chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries not only looks stunning but also enhances the flavors beautifully. The combination is a dessert that truly tantalizes the taste buds.

To perfect this recipe, I experimented with various types of chocolates and found that a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate balances the richness and sweetness perfectly. This method creates a silky mousse that complements the fresh strawberries. Trust me, it will impress your guests and leave them wanting more!

Why You'll Love This Dessert
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for gatherings and special occasions

Mastering Chocolate Mousse

To achieve a heavenly chocolate mousse, the melting technique is essential. Using a double boiler ensures the chocolate melts evenly, preventing it from seizing. You'll know the chocolate is ready when it's fully melted and glossy, with no lumps remaining. Allowing it to cool slightly is crucial to avoid cooking the egg whites when combined later. If you find your chocolate seizes, simply stir in a tablespoon of warm water to bring it back to life.

Whisking the egg whites to soft peaks means lifting the whisk should leave a bend in the peak that won’t fall over. Gradually adding sugar while whisking to stiff peaks helps create air pockets that make the mousse light and airy. It's important not to over-whisk, as this can cause the egg whites to dry out, leading to a less fluffy mousse. For a unique flavor twist, consider using flavored extracts or liqueurs when whisking the egg yolks.

Perfecting the Presentation

Layering the mousse with strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also creates a visually appealing dessert. Using clear serving cups showcases the beautiful dark chocolate alongside the vibrant red strawberries. I like to alternate layers, starting with mousse to prevent the strawberries from sinking. If you're preparing ahead of time, storing the cups with plastic wrap will keep them fresh—just be careful not to let the wrap touch the mousse.

For garnish, mint leaves add a refreshing contrast, but you can elevate the presentation by drizzling melted chocolate over the top or adding a sprinkle of sea salt. If you want to make this dessert even more decadent, consider adding a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers between the mousse and strawberries for added texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dessert:

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate, chopped
100g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
50g sugar
1 cup heavy cream

For the Fruit Cups

200g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Mint leaves for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry for all these ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Party Dessert:

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark and semi-sweet chocolates together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, allow the mixture to cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks hold. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the egg whites, then fold in the whipped cream until fully combined.

Assemble the Cups

In serving cups, layer a spoonful of chocolate mousse followed by a layer of halved strawberries. Repeat the layering until the cups are filled. Top with a dollop of mousse and a couple of strawberry halves for garnish.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cups for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with mint leaves just before serving.

Enjoy your beautiful dessert cups!

Pro Tips

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor, and feel free to swap strawberries for your favorite berries.

Ingredient Insights

Using high-quality dark chocolate is vital for a rich and deep chocolate flavor. Look for chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa for the best results. Semi-sweet chocolate adds sweetness and balances the bitterness of dark chocolate. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, consider substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream for a unique flavor profile without compromising on richness.

Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert; selecting ripe, juicy berries will amplify the dish's overall taste. If strawberries are out of season, raspberries or even diced peaches can provide a delightful fruit option. Remember to hull the strawberries properly, which means removing the green tops and the white core for the best presentation and taste.

Make-Ahead Tips

One of the beautiful aspects of this dessert is that it can be made a day in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. Once assembled, keep the cups covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors blend beautifully. Just make sure to garnish with mint leaves right before serving to keep them vibrant and fresh.

If you're looking to scale the dessert for a larger gathering, simply multiply each ingredient. Consider using larger cups or even a trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece that allows guests to serve themselves. This also makes it easier to layer the mousse and strawberries, ensuring that every serving is delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best, but you can use thawed frozen ones. Just be aware they may be a bit softer.

→ Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes! Use dark chocolate that has no dairy, and substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream.

→ How long will the dessert keep in the fridge?

The dessert can be kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until serving.