Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl

Name: Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1 teaspoon rose water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Highlighted under: Globetrotter Food Guide

I love creating desserts that transport me to another place, and this Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl does just that. The rich, decadent chocolate pairs beautifully with the fresh strawberries, reminiscent of my favorite local markets. When I first made this, I was surprised by how quickly the flavors melded. The addition of fragrant spices brings a unique twist that sets this bowl apart from traditional chocolate desserts. It’s a delightful mix of textures and tastes that I can't resist sharing with friends and family.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-25T15:58:27.547Z

When I decided to make this dish, I knew I wanted it to be something special. Incorporating Middle Eastern flavors into a classic chocolate dessert turned out to be the best decision I made. The use of cardamom and rose water creates a remarkable contrast that enhances the overall taste, making it feel both luxurious and comforting. It’s a recipe that speaks to my love for combining global influences in the kitchen.

I also discovered that drizzling honey over the top just before serving adds a delightful touch of sweetness that complements the strawberries perfectly. Every bite is an explosion of flavor, and I often find myself daydreaming about this delicious dessert long after it's gone.

Reasons You’ll Adore This Recipe
A harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries
Aromatic spices that elevate the dish to new heights
Perfect for hosting or a sweet treat just for yourself

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl is undoubtedly the dark chocolate sauce. Dark chocolate chips provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries. When selecting your chocolate, aim for a cocoa content of at least 60% for optimal richness. The heavy cream adds a luscious, velvety texture to the sauce, making it perfect for drizzling over the strawberries.

The spices play a crucial role in elevating this dessert. Ground cardamom adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs wonderfully with the chocolates. It is essential not to overuse it, as its robust flavor can easily overpower the sweetness of the strawberries. Rose water brings a subtle floral undertone that brightens the dish, creating a delightful complexity with each bite.

Mastering the Technique

Making the chocolate sauce requires gentle heat to prevent burning. I recommend using a double boiler if you have one, as this ensures even melting. If you don’t, keep the saucepan on the lowest heat setting and stir constantly until the mixture is glossy and smooth. This process usually takes 5-7 minutes. If your sauce seems too thick, you can always stir in a little more cream to achieve your desired consistency.

When preparing the strawberries, the honey not only sweetens them but also helps to draw out their natural juices. Tossing the strawberries gently is key to avoiding mushiness. Allow them to sit for about 5-10 minutes after adding the honey and mint so that they soak up the flavors. The strawberries should be bright and juicy, maintaining their shape for an attractive presentation.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your chocolate strawberry bowl:

Chocolate Sauce

1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon rose water

Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

Once you have all the ingredients, you're ready to start creating this delightful dessert!

Instructions

Prepare the dish following these easy steps:

Make the Chocolate Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine dark chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Mix in the ground cardamom and rose water, then remove from heat.

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, toss sliced strawberries with honey and chopped mint. Let sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Assemble the Bowl

In individual bowls, ladle the warm chocolate sauce at the bottom. Top with the honey-mint strawberries and any additional drizzles of chocolate sauce.

Enjoy your Middle Eastern Chocolate Strawberry Bowl as a sweet end to any meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra crunch, consider adding crushed pistachios or almonds on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive presentation, consider layering the chocolate sauce and strawberries in transparent dessert cups. The vibrant colors of the strawberries against the dark chocolate create a visually stunning dessert that's perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. Adding a sprig of fresh mint on top just before serving enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh note.

You can also pair this bowl with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. The contrast of the warm chocolate sauce with the cold ice cream ignites the taste buds, making every bite an experience. If you prefer a crunch, sprinkling crushed pistachios or almonds on top adds an interesting texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. Prepare the chocolate sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until smooth and warmed through.

As for the strawberries, it's best to prepare them fresh to maintain their texture and flavor. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just keep in mind that the mint flavor will intensify over time, so you may want to adjust the mint amount if you anticipate having leftovers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but the flavor will be sweeter and less rich. You might want to adjust the amount of honey accordingly.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make the chocolate sauce in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chocolate sauce ahead of time and gently reheat it before serving.

→ Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

To make this recipe vegan, substitute dark chocolate with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.