Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

There’s something irresistibly elegant about the pairing of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. These Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups are a luxurious treat that blend deep cocoa flavor with the vibrant sweetness of ripe strawberries—perfect for impressing guests or indulging solo with a cup of coffee.

I first discovered this dessert on a trip to Dubai, where I stumbled upon a local café that served tiny chocolate cups filled with a mix of ganache and fresh fruit. It was love at first bite, and after several delicious attempts at home, this simplified, no-bake version became a go-to for celebrations, date nights, or when I just need a little midweek pick-me-up.

Let’s dive into what makes these decadent little cups a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. These chocolate strawberry cups deliver an indulgent experience in just a few easy steps.

First, they’re completely no-bake. That means no need to turn on your oven—just a few minutes of melting chocolate and some light assembly. They’re ideal for warm weather or last-minute dessert prep.

They’re also visually stunning, making them perfect for parties, Valentine’s Day, or holiday dessert trays. The glossy chocolate shell and juicy red strawberries are an Instagram dream.

Best of all, they’re bite-sized and portion-friendly. You can make a whole batch in under 30 minutes, and the individual servings make them easy to enjoy without overindulging.

And let’s not forget the versatility. You can switch up the fruit, use white or dark chocolate, add a hint of spice, or even spike the ganache with a little liqueur for an adult twist. These cups are as adaptable as they are delicious.

If you're already intrigued, wait until you see how easy the ingredient list is.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these chocolate strawberry cups lies in using high-quality, minimal ingredients. Each one brings something essential to the flavor and structure of the dessert.

Dark chocolate is the base of our cups, so choose a bar or chips that are at least 60% cacao. The better the chocolate, the richer and more satisfying the result. I prefer using baking chocolate bars and chopping them finely so they melt evenly and smoothly.

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show. Look for ones that are ripe but firm, bright red, and with their green tops intact. The sweetness of the strawberry perfectly cuts through the richness of the chocolate, and their natural shape sits beautifully in the mini cups.

Heavy cream is used to make a quick ganache filling for extra indulgence. When combined with melted chocolate, it creates a silky-smooth center that sets just enough to hold its shape but melts luxuriously in your mouth.

Mini cupcake liners or silicone molds act as your chocolate cup molds. Silicone makes for the easiest release, but paper liners work just fine. Just be gentle when peeling them off after chilling.

For a little added sparkle, you can optionally include edible gold dust or flakes for a true Dubai-inspired finish. This extra flourish turns each bite into something truly magical.

You won’t need any fancy equipment—just a microwave-safe bowl, a spoon, and a mini muffin tin or tray for shaping. Let’s get into how it all comes together.

How To Make This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup Recipe

Creating these elegant treats is easier than you think. Just a few simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to serve or gift.

Start by melting your dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. You can do this in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each round, or over a double boiler if you prefer. Once the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, spoon about a teaspoon into each mini cupcake liner and use the back of the spoon to coat the bottom and sides.

Place the chocolate-lined cups into the fridge or freezer for about 10–15 minutes until they harden. You can do a second coating of chocolate if you want a thicker shell—just re-melt the chocolate and repeat the spooning process once the first layer is set.

Meanwhile, make the ganache by heating your heavy cream just to a simmer, then pouring it over more chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. This luscious ganache will form the base inside each chocolate cup.

Spoon the ganache into the hardened chocolate shells, filling each one about two-thirds of the way. Then top each cup with a whole strawberry, gently pressing it into the ganache. The warmth of the ganache will slightly soften the strawberry base, helping it adhere without tipping over.

Place the finished cups back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set fully. Once chilled, you can carefully peel away the paper liners or pop them out of silicone molds. If you’re feeling fancy, dust with edible gold or drizzle a little extra melted chocolate over the tops before serving.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes total, including chill time. The result is a professional-looking dessert that’s surprisingly easy to master.

Storage Options

These chocolate strawberry cups store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat. You’ll just want to keep them cool to prevent the chocolate from melting or blooming.

Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chocolate will stay firm, and the strawberries should remain fresh if they were firm to begin with.

If you’re layering them in a container, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent any sticking or smudging.

These are not ideal for freezing, as strawberries tend to release moisture and get mushy when thawed. The texture won’t be as appealing, so it’s best to make and enjoy them fresh.

To serve from the fridge, let them sit out for about 10 minutes before eating for the best flavor and mouthfeel. The ganache softens slightly, and the chocolate becomes even more melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak and customize. Once you’ve made the base version, try out a few fun twists.

Swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, cherries (pitted!), or even slices of kiwi or mango for a tropical flair. Just make sure the fruit is firm and not too juicy.

Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweeter take. You can even do half of each for a beautiful marbled effect or drizzle contrasting chocolate over the tops.

Add flavor extracts like orange, peppermint, or almond to the ganache. A tiny splash goes a long way and adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

For a grown-up version, stir in a tablespoon of liqueur—think Grand Marnier, Chambord, or Bailey’s—into your ganache before filling the cups. Just note that too much liquid can affect how well the ganache sets.

You can even roll the strawberries in crushed nuts, toasted coconut, or cookie crumbs before placing them into the cups for added texture and flair. This is a great way to involve kids or personalize a batch for different guests.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—these cups are forgiving, fun, and endlessly adaptable to your own flavor preferences and presentation style.

Print