The Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Recipe for All Those Extra Summer Berries

There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and sweet, ripe strawberries. And if you find yourself with an abundance of fresh berries, this chocolate strawberry shortcake recipe is the perfect solution. Light, airy layers of chocolate shortcake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream come together to create a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and visually impressive.

Whether it’s a warm summer day or a special occasion, this recipe will make those extra strawberries disappear in no time!

Ingredients for Chocolate Shortcake Base

To create the rich, chocolatey base for this shortcake, you’ll need the following:

• 200 gm all-purpose flour

• 30 gm Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate, melted

• 3 tbsp Cadbury cocoa powder

• 100 gm granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 80 gm unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 180 ml heavy cream, plus extra for brushing

Ingredients for the strawberry filling

Strawberries and chocolate are a match made in heaven! For the strawberry layer:

• 400 gm fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or more, to taste)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the whipped cream layer

No shortcake is complete without a light, fluffy whipped cream topping:

• 250 ml heavy cream, chilled

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions for the chocolate strawberry shortcake recipe

1. Prepare the strawberries

Start by preparing the strawberries to allow them to release their natural juices. In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 tbsp of granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. Gently toss and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps create a sweet, natural syrup that complements the chocolatey base perfectly.

2. Make the chocolate shortcake

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Cadbury cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the sugar and mix until well-combined.
• Add in the cold, cubed butter and, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small, pea-sized bits of butter throughout to create a tender, flaky texture.
• Next, add the melted Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate to the mixture and gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in a tough shortcake.
• Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently, just until it holds together. Roll or pat the dough into a circle about one-inch thick. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the tops of each shortcake with a little extra heavy cream to give them a golden finish. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until they are firm and slightly springy to the touch. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Whip the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want a smooth, pillowy texture. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

4. Assemble the Shortcake

• Once your shortcakes have cooled, slice each shortcake in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
• On the bottom half of each shortcake, add a generous spoonful of the strawberry mixture, allowing some of the natural syrup to soak into the cake. Follow with a layer of whipped cream, then place the top half of the shortcake over the cream.
• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle each shortcake with melted Cadbury Bournville dark chocolate or a dollop of chocolate spread before adding a final spoonful of whipped cream on top.

5. Garnish and Serve

Finish with a few extra strawberry slices on top and a sprinkle of Cadbury cocoa powder for a touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy the symphony of flavors—rich chocolate, sweet strawberries, and smooth cream.

This chocolate strawberry shortcake recipe is an ideal way to use up a bounty of fresh strawberries and enjoy the luxurious pairing of chocolate and berries. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just a treat for yourself, this dessert celebrates summer flavors with every bite.

So, the next time you’re wondering how to make use of those extra berries, remember: this chocolate strawberry shortcake recipe is the perfect solution!