Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cups (Printable version)

Lush layers of chocolate biscuit, creamy filling, and fresh strawberries in easy-to-serve cups.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 - Combine crushed chocolate biscuits with melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Divide mixture evenly among serving cups and press gently to form compact base layer.
02 - Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream with vanilla extract to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until fully combined and creamy.
03 - Spoon or pipe cheesecake filling over biscuit bases in cups, smoothing tops evenly.
04 - Toss sliced strawberries with 1 tablespoon sugar if desired and set aside for 10 minutes. Layer macerated strawberries evenly over cheesecake filling in each cup.
05 - Heat heavy cream to just below boiling point. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 1 minute undisturbed. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly, then spoon thin layer over strawberries in each cup.
06 - Refrigerate cups for minimum 2 hours until completely set.
07 - Top each cup with whole strawberry, dark chocolate shavings, and crushed pistachios if desired before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • No-bake convenience means no oven required—perfect for warm weather or busy schedules
  • Individual servings make portion control easy and presentation stunning
  • Layers of texture from crunchy chocolate biscuit base to silky cheesecake and glossy ganache
  • Fresh strawberries add a bright, fruity contrast to the rich chocolate and cream
  • Make-ahead friendly—prepare up to 24 hours in advance for stress-free entertaining
  • Customizable with optional pistachios and cardamom for authentic Dubai flair
02 -
  • Use clear glass cups or jars to show off the gorgeous layers of chocolate, cream, and strawberries
  • Pipe the cheesecake filling with a piping bag for neater, more professional-looking layers
  • Macerate the strawberries with sugar to release their natural juices and intensify their flavor
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before adding to prevent it from melting the cheesecake layer
  • Make cups up to 24 hours in advance and garnish just before serving for the freshest presentation
  • Store any leftover ganache in the fridge and reheat gently for drizzling over ice cream or other desserts
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