Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes

Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Find more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

Shortcakes is one of the greatest desserts, especially when using fresh strawberries.  These chocolate strawberry shortcakes are a great treat to serve to guests.

Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes

1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced

2/3 cup sugar, divided

2 cups flour

¼ cup baking cocoa

½ tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

½ cup cold unsalted butter

2/3 cup plus 1 Tbsp. miniature semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

¾ cup half-and-half cream

1 egg white, lightly beaten

1 Tbsp. coarse sugar

½ pint heavy whipping cream

3 Tbsp. confectioners’ sugar

¾ cup hot fudge ice cream topping

10 fresh strawberries or grated chocolate, optional

Grated chocolate, optional

 

Combine strawberries and 1/3 cup sugar; refrigerate if desired.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, salt and remaining sugar.  Cut in butter and 2/3 cup chips until crumbly.  Add half-and-half and stir until just moistened.

Divide dough into 8 patties, about ¾ inch thick.  Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.  Brush with egg whites; sprinkle with coarse sugar and remaining chips.

Bake at 450 F. for 13 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool.  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat whipping cream and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.  Refrigerate.

To assemble, split shortcake in half.  Place cake bottoms on dessert plates.  Top with about two-thirds of strawberries, whipped cream and fudge topping.  Replace shortcakes tops; top with remaining berries. Cream and topping.  Garnish with chocolate if desired.            8 servings

 

(Recipe for Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes was on www.tasteofhome.com, 2014)