Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Explosion

Name: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Explosion
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, chopped; 100ml heavy cream; A pinch of sea salt; 300g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 8 chocolate tart shells; Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I am absolutely thrilled to share my latest creation, the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Explosion! This dessert is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries that takes your taste buds on an exciting journey. I love how the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly complements the deep, luscious chocolate, creating a decadent treat that's ideal for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-25T16:45:28.341Z

When I first experimented with combining chocolate and strawberries, I knew I was onto something special. The result was this exquisite dessert, which I like to call the Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Explosion. I carefully crafted each layer to enhance the overall flavor and texture, and I was delighted with how it turned out. The first bite truly feels like a celebration!

One detail that I found particularly successful was adding a touch of sea salt to the chocolate ganache. This brings out the sweetness of the strawberries while balancing the richness of the chocolate. It’s a small but impactful step that elevates the whole dessert, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Decadent layers that create an explosion of taste
Perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of salt

      

Understanding the Chocolate Ganache

The key to a smooth and rich chocolate ganache lies in the quality of chocolate you choose. For this recipe, opt for a dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content. This balance enhances the overall flavor, allowing the chocolate's bitterness to meld beautifully with the strawberries' sweetness. When heating the cream, keep a close eye to prevent it from boiling over; simmer until you see tiny bubbles forming around the edges, which is the perfect indicator for pouring over the chocolate.

After pouring the hot cream over the chocolate, waiting two minutes before stirring is crucial. This allows the chocolate to soften adequately, making it easier to achieve that silky-smooth texture. If your ganache appears grainy after mixing, it may be due to the chocolate cooling too quickly. To fix this, gently reheat the mixture in a microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to restore that velvety consistency.

Perfecting the Strawberry Layer

When preparing the strawberries, hulled and halved pieces are ideal because they absorb the sugar and lemon juice effectively, becoming juicier and more flavorful. For maximum flavor enhancement, let the strawberries macerate for at least 10 minutes—this process draws out their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup that will seep into the tart shell and complement the ganache immensely. Adjust the sugar based on the strawberries' sweetness; I sometimes add a bit more if they're particularly tart.

If you're looking to experiment, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberries. This addition provides a complex flavor that contrasts nicely with the chocolate. Alternatively, if fresh strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen strawberries—just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the tarts soggy.

Assembly and Storage Tips

Assembling the tarts should be done just before serving for the freshest taste and texture. Layering the warm ganache first keeps the tart shells from becoming soggy. If preparing ahead of time, store the ganache and strawberries separately and assemble them right before enjoying. This helps maintain the crispness of the tart shells and keeps the strawberries vibrant and luscious.

To ensure freshness, these tarts are best enjoyed on the same day. However, if you have leftovers, they can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you need to freeze the tarts, I recommend freezing only the chocolate ganache and tart shells separately, as the strawberries do not freeze well. This way, you can easily thaw and assemble at your convenience.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Ganache

200g dark chocolate, chopped
100ml heavy cream
A pinch of sea salt

For the Strawberry Layer

300g fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Assembly

8 chocolate tart shells
Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Ganache

Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, adding a pinch of sea salt.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, mix the halved strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them sit for 10 minutes to macerate.

Assemble the Dessert

Spoon a layer of ganache into each tart shell, then add a layer of macerated strawberries on top. Drizzle more ganache if desired.

Garnish and Serve

Top each tart with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pro Tips

For a great texture, ensure that the chocolate ganache cools slightly but is still pourable before assembling. Using high-quality chocolate will enhance the flavor of this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

These delicious tarts can be served as individual portions, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which complements the dark chocolate beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of edible gold leaf can elevate presentation dramatically, giving a luxurious feel to your dessert.

Pairing these tarts with a dessert wine or champagne makes them even more special. A fruity dessert wine such as Moscato or a dry sparkling wine beautifully complements the sweet and tart flavors of the strawberries, creating an exquisite tasting experience.

Variations to Explore

While this recipe features strawberries, feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or cherries for a different flavor profile. The tartness of raspberries works wonderfully with chocolate, and you can follow the same maceration process. If you want to add a little zing, try mixing in some orange zest with the strawberries for a refreshing citrus kick.

For a more decadent experience, you might include a layer of whipped cream between the chocolate ganache and strawberries. This adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the chocolate and complements the fruit. You could also incorporate a splash of flavored liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Framboise, into the ganache for a gourmet twist.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will create a sweeter flavor profile.

→ How long can I store the assembled tarts?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s best to eat them fresh.

→ Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free tart shells or create a crust using crushed gluten-free cookies.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option that still provides a rich texture.