Craving that Instagram-famous Dubai strawberry cup recipe but don’t know where to start? As a self-taught dessert lover (who once traded jalapeño cornbread for bison meat), I’ve cracked the code to making it at home—no chef skills required!.
The Dubai strawberry cup recipe is all about layering creamy, fruity goodness just like the cafés do. My version keeps it simple but adds a hint of rose syrup, a Dubai staple, for that authentic touch. Whether you’re reminiscing about a dessert from your trip or just want a quick sweet fix, this recipe delivers—fast. Let’s make it taste like you bought it straight from a Dubai bakery!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Exact Ingredients for the Perfect Dubai Strawberry Cup
Let’s cut to the chase—the magic of this Dubai strawberry cup recipe lies in its simplicity. But don’t let that fool you; every layer matters. Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate that café-worthy strawberry dessert Dubai is famous for, down to the last sprinkle of pistachio.
Dubai-Style Pantry Staples
First things first: quality ingredients make all the difference. For the creamiest, most authentic Emirates-style strawberry cup, here’s your shopping list for the perfect Dubai strawberry cup recipe:
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, sliced): Look for plump, red berries—no mush!
- Whipping cream (200ml): Almarai brand is my go-to in the UAE. It whips up perfectly every time.
- Sweetened condensed milk (2 tbsp): Rainbow brand blends smoothly without overpowering the cream.
- Strawberry syrup (3 tbsp): For that extra fruity punch. If you’re feeling fancy, reduce fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar for a homemade version.
- Digestive biscuits (½ cup, crushed): These add the perfect crunch to it. No digestives? Vanilla cake cubes work in a pinch.
- Rose syrup (1 tsp, optional): The secret behind that signature Dubai twist! A drizzle elevates it from tasty to insta-worthy.
- Crushed pistachios (for garnish): Because in Dubai, presentation is everything.
Pro tip: If you’re making this viral Dubai dessert recipe ahead, hold off on the garnishes until serving—they’ll stay crisp. The Dubai strawberry cup recipe tastes best when assembled fresh!
Tools You’ll Need
No fancy equipment here! You likely have everything already to make this Dubai strawberry cup recipe:
- Mixing bowls (2): One for whipping cream, one for layering. Chill them first—trust me, it helps.
- Electric hand mixer or whisk: A stand mixer works too, but for small batches, hand tools are quicker.
- Glass cups (200ml): Café-standard size. Clear glasses show off those gorgeous layers!
- Spoon or piping bag: For neat cream layers. A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works in a pinch.
Quick Substitutions
Out of something? No panic—here’s how to pivot with your Dubai strawberry cup recipe:
- No digestive biscuits? Use crushed graham crackers, shortbread, or even vanilla cake cubes.
- Dairy-free? Coconut cream whips beautifully—just skip the condensed milk or use a vegan alternative.
- No rose syrup? A drop of rose water or skip it entirely. The Dubai strawberry cup still shines without it.
Fun fact: My 6-year-old Sophie once swapped the biscuits for crushed Oreos—messy but delicious! That’s the beauty of this Dubai strawberry cup – it’s adaptable!
Now that your pantry’s sorted, let’s talk prep. The key to nailing this creamy strawberry cup? Mise en place—a fancy term for “have everything ready before you start.” Slice strawberries, chill your tools, and measure ingredients. Up next: layering your Dubai strawberry cup recipe like a pro!
How to Layer Your Dubai Strawberry Cup Like a Pro
Ready to create that picture-perfect Dubai strawberry cup recipe you’ve been craving? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process that’ll make your dessert look and taste just like the ones from Dubai’s trendiest cafés. The secret? It’s all about those gorgeous, distinct layers that make this strawberry dessert Dubai famous for.
Step 1: Cream Whipping Secrets
First up, let’s tackle the most crucial part – the whipped cream. For this Dubai strawberry cup recipe, you’ll want:
- 200ml chilled whipping cream (Almarai works best)
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
Here’s the pro method:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes first – this helps the cream whip faster
- Pour in the cold cream and beat on medium until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes)
- Gently fold in the condensed milk with a spatula
Watch closely! Overwhipping turns your cream grainy, and nobody wants that in their Emirates-style strawberry cup. The perfect consistency should hold its shape but still feel light and airy when you taste it.
Step 2: Building the Layers
Now for the fun part – assembly! Grab your 200ml glasses and let’s create that viral Dubai dessert recipe magic:
- Base Layer: 2 tbsp crushed digestive biscuits (press lightly to compact)
- Syrup Drizzle: ½ tbsp strawberry syrup – this keeps the biscuits moist
- Cream Layer: 3 tbsp whipped cream (use a spoon or pipe it for neatness)
- Strawberry Layer: 5-6 sliced strawberries arranged in a circle
- Repeat: Another round of biscuits, syrup, cream and strawberries
Pro tip: Use a piping bag for the cream layers – it gives you way more control and makes your Dubai strawberry cup recipe look extra professional.
Step 3: The “Dubai Style” Finish
This is where your creamy strawberry cup transforms into something special:
- Final Cream Swirl: Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream
- Rose Syrup Drizzle: Just ¼ tsp gives that signature Dubai floral note
- Pistachio Dust: Crush 3-4 pistachios finely and sprinkle on top
- Fresh Garnish: One perfect strawberry half in the center
The rose syrup isn’t just for show – it adds that authentic Dubai café flavor that makes this Dubai strawberry cup recipe stand out. But if you’re not a rose fan, a tiny bit of orange blossom water works too!
Make-Ahead Tips
Want to prep your Dubai strawberry cup recipe in advance? Here’s how to do it right:
Love make-ahead desserts like this Dubai strawberry cup? You’ll also enjoy this brownie refrigerator cake recipe—rich, creamy, and perfect straight from the fridge.
Storage Hacks
- Component Prep:
- Whip cream and store in fridge (up to 24 hours)
- Slice strawberries and keep in airtight container (add a tsp of lemon juice to prevent browning)
- Crush biscuits and store separately
- Full Assembly:
- Best assembled 2-4 hours before serving
- Keep refrigerated until ready to eat
- Add garnishes just before serving
- Serving Temperature:
- Always serve chilled – the cream holds better
- Use 200ml glasses as they’re the perfect café portion
Fun fact: My daughter Sophie loves helping assemble these – her “messy” versions somehow always taste the best! That’s the beauty of this Dubai strawberry cup recipe – it’s fancy enough for guests but simple enough for kids to help with.
Now that you’ve mastered the layers, you’re ready to create this viral Dubai dessert recipe anytime the craving hits. Next up, we’ll tackle all your burning questions in the FAQs!
Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe – FAQs Answered!
Got questions about perfecting your Dubai strawberry cup recipe? I’ve got answers! After making this viral Dubai dessert recipe countless times (and yes, failing a few times too), here are solutions to all the common hiccups.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! For this Emirates-style strawberry cup:
- Thaw 1 cup frozen berries completelyDrain ALL juice (save it for smoothies!)Pat dry with paper towelsSlice like fresh strawberries
Pro tip: Frozen berries work better when you’re making this Dubai strawberry cup recipe ahead – they hold their shape better overnight than fresh ones. Just don’t skip the drying step or you’ll get a soggy mess!
Why didn’t my layers hold?
If your creamy strawberry cup layers are sliding around, try these fixes:
- Chill your bowls – 15 minutes in freezer makes whipping easierWhip to soft peaks only – Overbeaten cream gets grainyPress biscuit layers – Use the back of a spoon to compactChill between layers – 10 minutes in fridge sets each level
Fun fact: My first attempt at this Dubai strawberry cup recipe turned into a delicious pink mush! Now I know – patience with chilling makes perfect layers.
Tastes Like Dubai!
Want that authentic Dubai café flavor? Here’s how to nail it:
Inspired By:
This Dubai strawberry cup recipe recreates the magic of SugarMoo’s famous version, but simplified for home cooks. Their secret? The perfect balance of:
- Sweet cream (but not too sweet)
- Tart strawberries
- Floral rose notes
- Crunchy pistachio finish
My twist? Using readily available ingredients so you don’t need special Dubai imports. Though if you can find the original, do a taste test – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised how close this strawberry dessert Dubai version gets!
Pro tip: For true Dubai authenticity, serve in clear plastic cups (like the cafés do) with gold spoons if you’re feeling fancy. The presentation is half the fun of this viral Dubai dessert recipe!
More Pro Tricks:
- Flavor boost: Add 1/4 tsp cardamom to the cream
- Texture play: Mix in 1 tbsp chopped basil with strawberries
- Adult version: Drizzle with 1/2 tsp orange liqueur
- Time-saver: Use store-bought vanilla pudding instead of whipped cream
Remember: The best Dubai strawberry cup recipe is the one tailored to your taste. My daughter Sophie likes hers with extra syrup, while I prefer more pistachios. Make it your own!
Print
Dubai Strawberry Cup Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, fruity dessert with a Dubai twist—layers of whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a hint of rose syrup. Perfect for a refreshing treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 200ml whipping cream (Almarai brand recommended)
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (Rainbow brand)
- 3 tbsp strawberry syrup
- ½ cup digestive biscuits, crushed
- 1 tsp rose syrup (optional)
- Crushed pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Whip the Cream: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters for 15 minutes. Pour in the cold cream and beat on medium until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes). Gently fold in the condensed milk.
- Build the Layers: In a 200ml glass, layer crushed biscuits, strawberry syrup, whipped cream, and sliced strawberries. Repeat for a second layer.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Top with a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle with rose syrup, and sprinkle with crushed pistachios. Garnish with a strawberry half.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Emirati
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg