Decadent Mocha Strawberry Cups

Name: Decadent Mocha Strawberry Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 large strawberries, hulled; Chocolate shavings for garnish

Highlighted under: Home-Style Dessert Bakes

I absolutely love indulging in sweet treats that also pack a punch of flavor, which is why I created these Decadent Mocha Strawberry Cups. The rich chocolate and coffee blend perfectly with the freshness of strawberries, creating a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. Each bite gives you a taste of velvety mocha cream nestled inside juicy strawberries, making it an irresistible dessert. They are as perfect for a casual afternoon snack as they are for a fancy dinner party, and they come together in just a few simple steps!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-13T13:37:33.153Z

Creating these Decadent Mocha Strawberry Cups was an adventure in the kitchen! I wanted to make a dessert that highlighted the natural sweetness of strawberries while also incorporating a rich and delightful mocha flavor. The combination worked wonders, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to achieve such a gourmet look.

As I prepared these cups, I learned that using fresh, ripe strawberries makes all the difference. They not only give the dessert a vibrant color but also provide a juicy contrast to the creamy mocha filling. Believe me, serving these at gatherings will have everyone coming back for seconds!

        Why You'll Love These Cups
        Rich mocha cream pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries
Quick and easy to prepare for any occasion
Visually stunning and impressive for guests

      

Mastering the Mocha Cream

Creating the perfect mocha cream is essential for these delightful cups. Start by beating the heavy whipping cream until it achieves soft peaks. This step is crucial as it adds air and lightness to the mocha cream, making it velvety and rich. If you accidentally overbeat it into stiff peaks, simply fold in a little more cream to regain that smooth texture. The combination of cream cheese with powdered sugar and cocoa provides a stable base that complements the whipped cream, resulting in a luscious filling.

The instant coffee granules give a robust flavor that balances the sweetness of the powdered sugar and cream cheese. If you're not a coffee fan, consider substituting the instant coffee with espresso powder for an even deeper flavor. This adjustment works beautifully and still yields that signature mocha taste. Remember to mix the cream cheese and other ingredients until smooth to avoid lumps, ensuring a silky texture that fills the strawberries perfectly.

Assembling Your Strawberry Cups

When assembling the cups, choose large, ripe strawberries that can hold the mocha cream without toppling over. Use a pairing knife to hull the strawberries, creating a hollow space large enough for a generous amount of filling. Make sure to keep the stems intact, as they offer both a sturdy handle and a pop of color. If you find that some strawberries are uneven, you can slice a small bit off the bottom to help them stand upright in the serving tray without falling over.

After dipping the strawberries into the mocha cream, take a moment to gently shake off any excess cream. This prevents a messy presentation and helps keep the mocha cream in place. If you wish to prepare these cups ahead of time, assemble them up to the garnishing step, and chill them in the fridge. Just remember to add the chocolate shavings right before serving to maintain their texture and presentation.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you begin to streamline the process!

For the Mocha Cream

1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembling the Cups

12 large strawberries, hulled
Chocolate shavings for garnish

Make sure to whip the cream just until stiff peaks form for the best texture!

Instructions

Make sure to read through all the steps before you start cooking!

Prepare the Mocha Cream

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mocha mixture until fully combined.

Assemble the Strawberry Cups

Take each hulled strawberry and dip the open end into the mocha cream, filling it generously. Repeat for all strawberries. Place them upright on a serving tray.

Garnish and Serve

Top each mocha-filled strawberry with chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.

Enjoy these delightful dessert cups chilled for the best taste!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a splash of espresso to your mocha cream mixture.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Decadent Mocha Strawberry Cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s ideal to serve them fresh after assembly. If you have leftovers, make sure to cover them gently to avoid squishing the cream inside. By using an airtight container, you can also prevent the strawberries from absorbing unwanted odors from the fridge.

For an exciting twist, consider serving the cups alongside a balsamic reduction drizzle. The acidity of balsamic vinegar beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries, creating an exquisite flavor profile. Just mix balsamic vinegar and a bit of honey in a saucepan; reduce it over low heat until it thickens, and drizzle over the assembled cups for a gourmet touch.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to customize the mocha filling based on your preferences. If you’d like to make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. This variation retains that luxurious texture while accommodating dietary restrictions. You can also switch out the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries or blueberries, which work equally well and add their unique tartness to the dessert.

For an added crunch or flavor complexity, incorporate crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt atop the chocolate shavings. This contrast enhances the overall experience and adds an appealing crunch. You could even experiment with flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, in the mocha cream for an exciting twist that keeps your guests guessing!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of fruit?

Yes, you can use other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, but strawberries work best for the cups.

→ How can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the mocha cream and hull the strawberries ahead of time, just fill them right before serving.

→ Can I use dairy-free substitutes?

Absolutely! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.

→ How long do these keep in the fridge?

These cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.