Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

Name: Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa); 3 large eggs; 50g sugar; 200ml heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 300g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 30g sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Ideas

I absolutely adore this Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert! The combination of rich chocolate mousse paired with fresh strawberries creates an elegant yet indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare but looks and tastes like it’s straight from a high-end restaurant. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor and a delightful contrast of textures, making it a favorite at our family gatherings. Trust me, once you try this dessert, it will quickly become your go-to for impressing guests!

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-15T01:21:35.845Z

While experimenting with some flavors in my kitchen, I came up with this brilliant Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert. It turned out to be a perfect balance between the richness of chocolate and the freshness of strawberries. I used high-quality chocolate, which really made a difference in the overall taste, giving it a luxurious feel without being overly sweet.

One tip I found particularly helpful was to let the chocolate mousse cool slightly before folding in the whipped cream. This ensures a smoother texture and an airy consistency that pairs beautifully with the strawberries. Trust me; you'll want to make this dessert more than once!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate richness with a fruity fresh twist
A stunning dessert that impresses at any gathering
Simple to make but tastes gourmet

Mastering Chocolate Mousse

The foundation of this dessert is the chocolate mousse, which hinges on the quality of chocolate used. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich flavor profile. Melting the chocolate gently is key; using a double boiler ensures it doesn’t burn. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly but not solidify before incorporating it into the egg mixture to maintain a light and airy texture.

When whisking the eggs and sugar, aim for a pale, fluffy mixture that doubles in volume. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets in the mousse, contributing to its lightness. If you notice the eggs aren’t incorporating well, check that they’re at room temperature; this small detail can make a significant difference in achieving the desired texture.

Perfecting the Strawberry Topping

The strawberry topping is not just a garnish; it adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the chocolate. When selecting strawberries, look for vibrant, plump, and fragrant ones. After hullling and slicing, be sure to use a gentle hand when tossing them with sugar and lemon juice to prevent bruising, which can negatively impact the texture in your final presentation.

Allowing the strawberries to sit after tossing with sugar and lemon juice is essential. This process macerates the strawberries, releasing their juices and creating a natural syrup. If you prefer a thicker topping, try adding a touch of cornstarch after the strawberries sit for a while to help thicken the syrup into a sauce-like consistency.

Serving and Storage Recommendations

For serving, consider displaying the mousse in elegant glassware to highlight the layers of chocolate and strawberries. If desired, flavor your mousse with a hint of espresso powder or orange zest for a unique twist. Garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder adds a festive touch that elevates the dish's visual appeal.

If you plan to make this dessert in advance, the mousse holds up well for up to two days stored in the refrigerator, while the strawberries can be prepared a few hours before serving. However, it's best to assemble the dessert just before serving to maintain the texture and brightness of the strawberries. Alternatively, you can freeze the mousse, keeping in mind that the texture may slightly change upon thawing.

Ingredients for Dubai Style Chocolate Strawberry Dessert

For the Chocolate Mousse

200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
3 large eggs
50g sugar
200ml heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

300g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
30g sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Garnish

Fresh mint leaves and extra chocolate shavings.

Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Once melted, let it cool slightly. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Carefully fold in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the chocolate mixture until well combined.

Create the Strawberry Topping

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss the strawberries to coat them in sugar and let them sit for about 10 minutes until they release some juices.

Assemble the Dessert

Spoon the chocolate mousse into serving glasses, layer with the strawberries, and top with more mousse if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set before serving.

Serve

Garnish with fresh mint leaves and chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips

Make sure to use quality dark chocolate for the best flavor, and allow the mousse to chill thoroughly for a firmer texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dessert dairy-free, consider substituting dark chocolate with a high-quality dairy-free chocolate option. For the mousse, use a coconut cream in place of heavy cream; it whips up beautifully and lends a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the strawberries. Remember to chill the coconut cream before whipping for optimal results.

For those with egg allergies, aquafaba—a liquid from canned chickpeas—can be whipped to soft peaks as an alternative to egg whites. This substitution works best when creating the mousse but may require a touch more sugar to balance the flavors. Adjust the sweetness gradually, tasting until it meets your preference.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your first attempt at chocolate mousse results in a grainy texture, it is often due to the chocolate overheating or not being melted smoothly enough. Always melt chocolate slowly and gently, and if needed, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to eliminate any unwanted lumps before folding in the whipped cream.

Another common issue is the mousse not setting properly. Ensure you allow enough time for the mousse to chill in the refrigerator; at least 30 minutes is ideal, but longer is even better. If you're pressed for time, you can place the dessert in the freezer for a short while to achieve a firmer consistency.

Variations to Explore

This dessert can easily be adapted to fit various flavor profiles. Consider swapping the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist. Citrus fruits like oranges or even chopped mint can brighten the flavor even further and cater to varying tastes.

For a richer indulgence, consider swirling in a caramel or hazelnut spread between layers of mousse and strawberries. This adds a delightfully sweet complexity that complements the chocolate superbly. Just remember to adjust your sugar levels accordingly to avoid overpowering sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes! This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

→ What if I don't have dark chocolate?

You can use milk chocolate, but be aware that it will create a sweeter dessert.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using. Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture and flavor.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but it will alter the flavor slightly.