Think a velvety chocolate dip spiked with fragrant rosewater and dotted with edible gold, next to fat, jewel-like strawberries. This Dubai-inspired make is an experience, not just a dress. As the third part of your elegant five-star hotel plater, serve with champagne, dried fruits, and crispy cracker.
Ingredients
(Serves 6–8)
Chocolate Dip Base:
- 1 cup good quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped finely
- ½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan)
- 1 tbsp rosewater (or orange blossom water)
- 1 tbsp honey (or date syrup, if you want to keep it cash)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch saffron threads (optional, for luxury)
- When choosing edible gold leaf, or gold dust (for garnish)
Strawberries & Dippers:
- 2 cups hulling strawberries for fresh
- ½ cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries (to coat)
- Various dippers: biscotti, pretzels, dried apricots, marshmallows or palmier cookies
Instructions
Infuse the Cream
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat until steaming (no boiling). If using, add the saffron threads, and allow the mixture to steep for 5 minutes. Strain.
Melt the Chocolate
- Add chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl. Pour the warm saffron cream on top, as well as rosewater, honey and vanilla. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Garnish & Serve
- Serve the dip in a shallow bowl. Wrap with edible gold leaf or dust with golden powder.
- Rinse whole strawberries in a bowl and crushing freeze-dried strawberries in a plate to roll.
- Serve Immediately: Dip strawberries into the chocolate and roll in crushed freeze-dried berries for texture.
Tips & Variations
Dietary Tweaks
- Vegan: Use coconut cream and vegan dark chocolate.
- Nut-Free: Avoid biscotti; opt for pretzels or rice crackers.
- Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free cookies or fruit.
Dubai Luxe Upgrades
- Gold-Plated Strawberries: Dust fresh strawberries with edible gold luster dust before serving.
- Truffle Twist: Stir in 1 tbsp tahini or halva paste with the chocolate.
- Florals: Top with edible rose petals or candied violets.
Time-Savers
- Store-Bought Shortcut: Mix premium chocolate-hazelnut spread with rosewater and cream.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the dip up to 1 day in advance; to serve, reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Dubai-Inspired Spread: Partner with dates, bites of baklava and Turkish delight.
- Brunch Upgrade: Serve with Arabic coffee and fresh figs.
- Party Platter: Serve dippers on a gold-rimmed platter with dried mango and pistachios.
FAQ
Q: Can I substitute milk chocolate instead?
A: Absolutely! To make it sweeter, substitute milk or white chocolate.
Q: How can I keep the chocolate from seizing?
A: Ensure no water gets into the chocolate, and warm cream gently
Q: Where do I get edible gold?
A: Specialty baking stores or online retailers (search for FDA-approved gold leaf).
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes — avoid nut-based dippers, and go with fruit, pretzels or marshmallows.
Final Thoughts
Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Dip is an ode to being decadent — luscious, aromatic, weathering indulgence. It is the sort of dessert that elevates an ordinary snack into an extraordinary moment. Ideal for wowing guests or to indulge in a taste of Dubai’s glamorous dining scene.
Tip: Make TWICE the recipe…. it disappears faster than a Dubai sunset!
Tried it? Spread the word of your golden masterpiece using #DubaiChocolateMagic!