Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup With Pistachio

Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup With Pistachio
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 200ml heavy cream; 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced; 50g pistachios, shelled and chopped; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Studio

I absolutely adore creating desserts that combine indulgence with a touch of elegance. This Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup with Pistachio is a perfect example of that. With luscious layers of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, and a delightful crunch from the pistachios, each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. Quick to assemble yet stunning in presentation, it's an ideal treat for gatherings or simply to indulge yourself. Join me in making this exquisite dessert that brings a taste of Dubai right to our kitchen!

Created by

Ainsley Harper

Last updated on 2026-01-22T08:31:11.160Z

When I first made this Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup, I was blown away by how simple yet sophisticated it turned out. The combination of flavors reminded me of wandering through the bustling souks of Dubai, where sweets are a true art form. By melting dark chocolate and blending it with whipped cream, I discovered how easy it is to create a luxurious mousse-like texture.

One tip I’d love to share is to gently toast the pistachios before adding them for extra depth of flavor. It brings out their natural oils, enriching the overall taste of the dessert. Trust me, it transforms this dish from delightful to absolutely unforgettable!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
A delightful crunch from toasted pistachios
Gorgeous presentation that impresses at any gathering

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

To truly elevate your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup, focusing on the quality of your ingredients is vital. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a robust, deep flavor that will complement the sweetness of strawberries. The richness of the chocolate mousse comes from the heavy cream you select—look for a cream with a high fat content to achieve that luscious, velvety texture.

Fresh strawberries are a key component, so choose ripe, sweet ones for the best flavor impact. The strawberries not only provide a natural sweetness but also bring a vibrant color that makes the dessert visually striking. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, but keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste profile.

Technique Tips for Perfecting the Mousse

When melting the chocolate, ensure that no water comes into contact with it, as even a drop can seize up the chocolate and ruin its glossy finish. Using a double boiler is the most effective method, but if you prefer the microwave, do so in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth. After folding the chocolate into the whipped cream, the mixture should be light and fluffy; be gentle to retain airiness but thorough enough to avoid streaks of chocolate.

Chilling the mousse before assembling is crucial. Allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps to firm it up slightly, making it easier to layer in the serving cups without collapsing. If you're in a pinch for time, you can chill it in the freezer for a shorter period, but keep an eye on it to prevent it from freezing solid.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

While these chocolate strawberry cups are best served fresh, they can be made ahead of time. Assembled cups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just ensure they are covered to prevent any absorption of odors from other foods in your fridge. If you want to make the mousse in advance, it can be stored separately for up to three days before assembly.

For an additional flavor twist, consider drizzling some balsamic reduction over the layers. It adds a sophisticated acidity that complements both the chocolate and the strawberries beautifully. To make serving simple, use clear cups to showcase the striking layers, and consider adding mint leaves as a fresh garnish for color and aroma.

Ingredients

200g dark chocolate, chopped
200ml heavy cream
100g strawberries, hulled and sliced
50g pistachios, shelled and chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.

Assemble the Cups

In serving cups, start by adding a layer of the chocolate mousse, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the cup. Finish with a dollop of mousse on top.

Add the Pistachios

Sprinkle the chopped and toasted pistachios over the top layer of mousse. You can also add a whole strawberry for garnish if desired.

Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top just before serving. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and can even be made a day in advance for ease.

Customizing Your Dessert

Feel free to experiment with the toppings for your Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups. While pistachios add a unique, nutty crunch, try using toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor. You could also substitute the nuts entirely with crushed cookies or graham crackers for a delightful texture contrast. Just keep in mind that the added ingredient should complement the chocolate and strawberry without overwhelming their natural flavors.

If you're looking for a way to reduce sugar in this recipe, consider using stevia or another sugar substitute in the mousse. However, be cautious with the quantities since sugar impacts the texture and flavor balance. Also, keep in mind that substituting sugar might result in a slightly different texture in the final mousse.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chocolate seizes while melting, it can be salvaged by adding a small splash of cream to it and stirring vigorously until it smooths out again. Make sure to add the cream while the chocolate is still warm. If the mousse doesn't whip up as expected, it could be due to the cream being too warm or not having enough fat content. Cold and heavy cream is essential to achieving the right structure and stability, so ensure it's well-chilled before whipping.

Sometimes, the layers in your cups can become muddied if the mousse isn't thick enough. In this case, ensure your melted chocolate is at room temperature before mixing it with the whipped cream. This temperature helps the chocolate to blend well without losing volume. If you notice your mousse is runny after mixing, chilling it longer may help firm it up before you proceed with assembly.

Scaling Up or Down

This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. To double the recipe, simply double each ingredient and ensure you have enough serving cups ready. If you're only making a smaller portion, you can simply halve the ingredients while keeping an eye on the layering technique—using smaller cups can create a more elegant presentation even for a smaller batch.

When scaling the recipe, it's important to keep in mind that chilling times may slightly vary, especially if you’re using a different number of cups or a larger batch. Always check the texture before assembling and adjust your chilling time as necessary to create the perfect mousse consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that it will make the dessert sweeter and less rich.

→ How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour. Just ensure that the chocolate used is gluten-free.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?

Absolutely! This dessert works well with raspberries, blueberries, or even mango.

→ How long can I store the assembled cups?

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it's best to enjoy them fresh for the best texture.