This is not just any chocolate-covered strawberry—this recipe brings the opulence of the UAE’s crown jewel right into your kitchen. I’ve been enamored with the lavishness that Dubai represents, and translating that into a dessert is a culinary adventure I simply cannot keep to myself. I am thrilled to share a Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries recipe that embodies the essence of Dubai’s grandeur.
Table of Contents
How to make Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries are a luxurious and indulgent treat often associated with Dubai’s high-end culinary culture. These strawberries are typically fresh, plump, and juicy, dipped in rich, smooth chocolate, sometimes with various toppings.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Strawberries: About 20 large strawberries with stems intact. The stems make them easier to handle.
- High-Quality Dark Chocolate: 8 ounces (230 grams). For a deep, rich flavor, opt for 70% cocoa content or higher.
- High-Quality White Chocolate: 4 ounces (115 grams) for drizzling.
- Edible Gold Leaf: This is for decoration (optional but adds the Dubai luxury element).
- Assorted Toppings: Chopped nuts, crushed pistachios, or coconut flakes for an extra texture and flavor.
Equipment:
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowls
- Toothpicks or chocolate dipping tools
Instructions:
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Ensure your strawberries are fully dry, as water will cause the chocolate to seize. Wash them and pat them dry with paper towels. Allow airflow to dry them completely.
Temper the Chocolate:
- Dark Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. Place about two-thirds of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in a microwave-safe bowl. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each burst until nearly melted. Then add the remaining chocolate and stir continuously until smooth and glossy.
- White Chocolate: Repeat the process with the white chocolate. This will be used for drizzling, so it can be kept slightly warmer to stay fluid.
Dip the Strawberries:
- Hold the strawberries by the stem, or use a skewer or toothpick to dip them into the melted dark chocolate, turning until well-coated. Lift and let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add Toppings:
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your chosen toppings (nuts, pistachios, or coconut flakes). If using edible gold leaf, wait until the chocolate sets slightly, then apply small pieces with tweezers for precision.
Drizzle with White Chocolate:
- Use a fork or a piping bag with a very small tip to drizzle melted white chocolate over the coated strawberries in a zigzag pattern.
- Refrigerate the strawberries for about 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely.
Tips:
- Choosing Strawberries: Choose strawberries that are large, juicy and uniform in size for a consistent presentation.
- Drying Strawberries: Thoroughly dry strawberries to ensure the chocolate adheres well and stays crisp.
- Tempering Chocolate: Properly tempering your chocolate helps achieve a shiny finish and a satisfying snap when bitten into. Avoid overheating the chocolate to maintain the perfect texture.
- Decoration: When applying edible gold, work quickly and gently to avoid breaking the delicate leaf.
What to serve with
Serving Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries at your gathering is already a signifier of elegance and luxury. To elevate your gathering even further, consider pairing these decadent treats with complementary foods and beverages that enhance the overall experience.
Beverages:
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of a good Champagne or sparkling wine cuts through the richness of the chocolate, while its crispness highlights the sweetness of the strawberries.
Suggestion: Choose a brut champagne, which has balanced acidity and a hint of sweetness, perfect for pairing with chocolate.
- Arabian Coffee or Gold Cappuccino: To incorporate more of Dubai’s luxurious essence, serve Arabian coffee, which is lightly spiced and aromatic, or a gold cappuccino, literally topped with gold leaf for added opulence.
Suggestion: For the gold cappuccino, use a high-quality espresso blend and frothy milk, topping it with edible gold dust.
- Rich Dessert Wines: A Port, Sauternes, or late-harvest Riesling complements the chocolate’s sweetness while being strong enough not to be overshadowed by its rich flavor.
Suggestion: Opt for a Tawny Port, which has nutty undertones and pairs beautifully with strawberries and chocolate.
Foods:
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses, focusing on varieties that pair well with chocolate and fruit, such as Brie, Camembert, and aged Cheddar. The creaminess of the cheese contrasts beautifully with the texture and taste of the strawberries.
Suggestion: Arrange the cheeses with crackers, nuts, and a small dish of honey for drizzling to allow guests to create their perfect bite.
- Luxury Finger Sandwiches: Delicate sandwiches with gourmet fillings such as cucumber with herbed cream cheese smoked salmon with dill and crème fraîche, or chicken salad with truffle oil. Elegant and easy to eat, they complement the strawberries without overpowering them.
Suggestion: To add visual appeal to the Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, use a variety of bread, including traditional white, multi-grain, and pumpernickel, cut into neat, small shapes.
- Petite Desserts: A selection of miniature desserts like macarons, petit fours, and eclairs can match the luxurious theme without competing with the strawberries for attention.
Suggestion: Choose flavors that pair well with strawberries and chocolate, such as vanilla, pistachio, or raspberry, to keep the taste cohesive throughout the dessert offerings.
Ingredients Substitutes
Making Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries usually involves high-quality ingredients to capture that luxurious essence. However, there might be instances when you need to substitute some ingredients due to availability, dietary preferences, or allergies. Here, we detail suitable substitutes for common ingredients used in this delightful treat.
Chocolate:
Original Ingredient: High-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate.
Substitutes:
- For a Healthier Option, Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or higher), as it contains less sugar and more antioxidants.
- Vegan Substitution: Use vegan chocolate bars that are specifically crafted without dairy. Brands like Lindt, Enjoy Life, and Hu offer excellent alternatives.
- Soy-Free Chocolate: For those avoiding soy, look for chocolates that use sunflower lecithin instead of soy lecithin.
Strawberries:
Original Ingredient: Fresh, large, ripe strawberries.
Substitutes:
- Alternative Fruits: While strawberries are preferred for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor, you can also use this method with other fruits like cherries, pears (sliced), or banana pieces for a different yet delightful treat.
- Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them halfway to keep the firm texture before dipping them in chocolate. However, be mindful that this might affect the final texture.
Toppings:
Original Ingredients: Edible gold leaf, nuts (chopped), coconut shavings, or sprinkles.
Substitutes:
- Edible Gold Leaf Substitute: For an economical alternative to gold leaf, use gold sprinkles or shimmer sugar for the glittery effect without the high cost.
- Nut-Free Options: Toasted quinoa or seeds (like sesame or sunflower) can offer a crunch without the allergens. Crushed pretzels or toffee bits are also fantastic for adding texture.
- For Added Luxury Without Nuts: Luxurious options like crushed saffron threads, freeze-dried berry powder, or even small edible flowers (like violas) can add a unique twist and opulence.
Enhancers (Liquors, Extracts):
Original Ingredients: Grand Marnier, rum, or vanilla extract.
Substitutes:
- Alcohol-Free Options: For those avoiding alcohol, use alcohol-free vanilla or almond extract to give the chocolate an aromatic depth without using liquor.
- Other Flavorings: Orange juice concentrate or zest can substitute for an orange liqueur, adding a subtle fruity note. Coffee or espresso powder can enhance dark chocolate’s flavor without adding alcohol.
Final Thoughts
By thoughtfully choosing what to serve with your Dubai Chocolate-Covered Strawberries, you’ll impress your guests with the luxuriousness of the dessert and create a harmonious and indulgent dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Dubai’s sophisticated palate.
More Dubai Recipes:

Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: About 20 large strawberries
- High-Quality Dark Chocolate: 8 ounces (230 grams).
- High-Quality White Chocolate: 4 ounces (115 grams)
- Edible Gold Leaf
- Assorted Toppings: Chopped nuts, crushed pistachios
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries:
- Ensure your strawberries are fully dry, as water will cause the chocolate to seize. Wash them and pat them dry with paper towels. Allow airflow to dry them completely.
Temper the Chocolate:
- Dark Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. Place about two-thirds of the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in a microwave-safe bowl. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each burst until nearly melted. Then add the remaining chocolate and stir continuously until smooth and glossy.
- White Chocolate: Repeat the process with the white chocolate. This will be used for drizzling, so it can be kept slightly warmer to stay fluid.
Dip the Strawberries:
- Hold the strawberries by the stem, or use a skewer or toothpick to dip them into the melted dark chocolate, turning until well-coated. Lift and let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
- Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Add Toppings:
- While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle with your chosen toppings (nuts, pistachios, or coconut flakes). If using edible gold leaf, wait until the chocolate sets slightly, then apply small pieces with tweezers for precision.
Drizzle with White Chocolate:
- Use a fork or a piping bag with a very small tip to drizzle melted white chocolate over the coated strawberries in a zigzag pattern.
- Refrigerate the strawberries for about 15-30 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden completely.