Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups (Printable Version)

Layers of chocolate biscuit, creamy filling, and juicy strawberries create a luscious sweet cup.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 5.3 ounces chocolate digestive biscuits or chocolate graham crackers, crushed
02 - 1.8 ounces unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesecake Filling

03 - 8.8 ounces cream cheese, softened
04 - 2.8 ounces powdered sugar
05 - 6.8 fluid ounces heavy cream, cold
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberry Layer

07 - 7 ounces fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
08 - 1 tablespoon sugar, optional for macerating

→ Chocolate Ganache

09 - 2.8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
10 - 2.7 fluid ounces heavy cream

→ Garnish

11 - 6 whole strawberries
12 - Dark chocolate shavings, optional
13 - Crushed pistachios, optional

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine crushed chocolate biscuits with melted butter until evenly incorporated. Distribute the mixture equally among serving cups, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to form a compact base layer.
02 - Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream with vanilla extract to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and light.
03 - Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly over the biscuit bases in each cup. Smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
04 - Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar if desired and allow to rest for 10 minutes to release their natural juices. Distribute the macerated strawberries evenly over the cheesecake layer in each cup.
05 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour the warm cream over chopped dark chocolate and allow to sit undisturbed for 1 minute. Stir until the ganache achieves a smooth, glossy consistency. Cool slightly before use.
06 - Spoon a thin layer of cooled chocolate ganache over the strawberries in each cup, allowing it to settle naturally.
07 - Refrigerate the assembled cups for a minimum of 2 hours until the layers are fully set and chilled.
08 - Before serving, crown each cup with a whole strawberry. Top with dark chocolate shavings and crushed pistachios if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No baking required - perfect for warm weather or when you want an impressive dessert without turning on the oven
  • Individual servings make portion control easy and presentation stunning
  • Layers of complementary flavors and textures create a restaurant-quality experience
  • Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance, ideal for entertaining
  • Combines the richness of Dubai-style chocolate desserts with fresh, vibrant strawberries
02 -
  • Make these cups up to 24 hours in advance for stress-free entertaining - the flavors actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator
  • Use clear glass cups or parfait glasses to showcase the beautiful layers
  • Macerate the strawberries with sugar to release their natural juices, which adds extra flavor and prevents them from being too tart
  • If your ganache becomes too thick, gently rewarm it and stir in a teaspoon of cream to restore its pourable consistency
  • For perfectly smooth cheesecake filling, fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently to maintain airiness
  • Double-check all chocolate and biscuit labels for allergens, especially if serving to guests with dietary restrictions
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