Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

Name: Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 100g milk chocolate, chopped; 200ml heavy cream; 2 tablespoons strawberry liqueur; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 250g fresh strawberries, hulled; 2 tablespoons sugar; Additional whole strawberries for garnish

Highlighted under: Pastry Magic

I love making this Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert because it combines two of my favorite ingredients: rich dark chocolate and fresh strawberries. The way the flavors blend is simply magical. Whether I'm celebrating a special occasion or just indulging after a long day, this dessert never fails to impress. The silky texture of the chocolate, paired with the freshness of the strawberries, creates a delightful treat that I can't resist. It's all about that perfect balance of richness and brightness, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Created by

Elara Whitfield

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:49:36.528Z

When I first tasted this dessert in Dubai, I was taken aback by how beautifully the flavors came together. I had to recreate it at home! The trick to achieving that perfect chocolate smoothness is to temper the chocolate properly – it makes all the difference in texture and flavor. I’ve experimented a lot, and I found that using a mix of dark and milk chocolate gives the best sweet yet slightly bitter profile that complements the strawberries perfectly.

One of my favorite tips is to let the strawberries sit in a splash of strawberry liqueur while preparing the chocolate. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds an interesting depth to the dish. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, and I love sharing it with friends and family during gatherings, making it an instant favorite!

Why You Will Love This Dessert
Decadent chocolate with a hint of strawberry goodness
Perfectly balanced flavor profile to satisfy any sweet tooth
Visually stunning—perfect for impressing guests

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Using high-quality dark chocolate is crucial for achieving the desired richness in this dessert. Look for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a deep, complex flavor. I recommend brands that use minimal ingredients to avoid artificial flavors, which can impact the dessert's overall taste.

Fresh strawberries play a significant role in balancing the rich chocolate. Opt for ripe strawberries that are plump and bright red, as they provide the sweetness and juiciness that complements the chocolate. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before marinating.

Perfecting the Chocolate Layer

Melt the chocolate over simmering water while stirring constantly to prevent it from seizing or burning. Keep the heat low; the steam is enough to melt the chocolate smoothly. If you accidentally overheat it and the chocolate becomes grainy, adding a teaspoon of warm cream can help rescue it by smoothing out the texture.

When folding in the whipped cream, use a gentle hand. This preserves the lightness of your dessert. Over-mixing can cause the whipped cream to deflate, leading to a denser texture. Aim for a smooth, velvety consistency that retains some airiness, creating a delightful mouthfeel.

Serving and Storage Tips

While this dessert is best served chilled after refrigerating for at least 30 minutes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just be sure to cover the glasses with plastic wrap to prevent any absorption of odors from the fridge. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for gatherings.

For presentation, consider serving in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before placing fresh strawberries on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

For the Chocolate Layer

200g dark chocolate, chopped
100g milk chocolate, chopped
200ml heavy cream
2 tablespoons strawberry liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberries

250g fresh strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons sugar
Additional whole strawberries for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients handy before starting!

Instructions

How to Prepare Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine the hulled strawberries with sugar and strawberry liqueur. Let them marinate for about 15 minutes to enhance their flavor.

Melt the Chocolate

In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, add the dark and milk chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until well combined.

Layer the Dessert

In serving glasses, add a layer of the chocolate mixture followed by a layer of the marinated strawberries. Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled.

Chill

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with more fresh strawberries on top.

Enjoy your delightful dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top just before serving. It adds a beautiful presentation and enhances that luscious chocolate flavor!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate doesn’t melt smoothly, this could result from it coming into contact with water or being overheated. Always ensure that the bowl is dry before adding chocolate, and keep the water simmering, not boiling, to avoid direct contact with the chocolate.

If the whipped cream doesn’t hold its shape, it may not have been whipped sufficiently or over-whipped into butter. For best results, use cold cream and a chilled bowl to whip, as colder temperatures help the cream reach soft peaks more easily.

Variations to Explore

For a twist on flavor, add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers between the chocolate and strawberry layers. This adds texture and a delightful crunch. Similarly, experimenting with different liqueurs such as raspberry or orange can give the dessert a new dimension.

If you're looking to make this dessert more decadent, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top before garnishing with strawberries. To make ganache, simply heat equal parts chocolate and cream until smooth, then allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the chilled dessert.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable if you want to make a larger batch for a party. Simply double or triple the ingredients, maintaining the same ratios. Use larger serving glasses or individual jars for this delicious treat to create a stunning presentation.

When scaling, keep an eye on the chilling time as larger servings may need a bit longer to firm up. Ensure each layer remains distinct by allowing the chocolate to set partially in the fridge before adding the strawberries, especially when using larger glasses.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

While fresh strawberries work best, thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh aren't available. Just make sure to drain excess liquid.

→ How long can I store this dessert?

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh within the first day for optimal flavor.

→ Is there a non-alcoholic version of this dessert?

Absolutely! You can substitute the strawberry liqueur with fresh strawberry juice or simply omit it for a non-alcoholic version.

→ Can I substitute the chocolate?

Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer, but make sure to adjust the proportions for sweetness. Dark chocolate gives a richer flavor, while milk chocolate is softer.