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There is something truly magical about the delightful combination of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries, and the Chocolate Strawberry Cake Shooters Recipe brings this classic duo to life in an irresistibly charming way. These elegant little desserts layer luscious chocolate cake crumble, velvety ganache, fresh strawberries, and a dreamy cheesecake mousse into perfectly portioned shooters. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a bite-sized indulgence, this recipe captures every bit of sweetness and texture that make chocolate and strawberry a match made in heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and visual appeal. From the crumbly chocolate cake base to the creamy cheesecake layer, every component brings something special to these shooters.
- Chocolate cake crumbs: Using leftover cake or boxed mix crumbs adds a moist, chocolatey foundation that holds the layers together.
- Melted butter: Binds the cake crumbs into a firm base reminiscent of a crust.
- Heavy cream: Essential for both the silky ganache and the fluffy cheesecake layer, contributing richness and smoothness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provide that deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor in the ganache layer.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Fresh strawberries: Thinly sliced for a burst of juicy freshness and vibrant color.
- Sugar (optional): Helps sweeten tart strawberries, allowing their natural juices to come forward.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, giving a tangy, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese mixture without graininess.
- Whipped heavy cream: Lightens the cheesecake layer for an airy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Fresh halved strawberries for garnish: Adds a lovely finishing touch and an extra pop of strawberry flavor.
- Strawberry sauce or coulis (optional): Drizzled atop for a colorful and flavorful accent.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake Shooters Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Crumble Base
Start by finely crumbling leftover chocolate cake or a prepared boxed mix. Mixing these crumbs with melted butter creates a moist, sandy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers above. Pressing this mixture firmly into your shooter cups ensures a sturdy foundation to support your dessert without falling apart.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Gently heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour it over semi-sweet chocolate chips. After letting it sit, stir until the ganache is silky and shiny—this luscious layer adds richness and depth to every bite. A touch of vanilla elevates the flavor, and once assembled, chilling this ganache helps it set into a smooth, indulgent layer.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Layer
Fresh strawberries bring brightness and vibrant color to your shooters. Slicing them thinly and arranging them along the cup edges creates an inviting visual that lets the jewel-red strawberries peek through. Adding a sprinkle of sugar encourages these berries to release their natural juices, intensifying their sweetness and contributing moisture to the middle layer.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
This whipped cheesecake mixture is where luscious creaminess truly shines. By beating softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until fluffy, then folding in whipped cream and vanilla, you create an airy layer that balances the intense chocolate and fresh fruit flavors with a smooth, tangy finish. Piping or spooning it carefully over the strawberries keeps your layers neat and stunning.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Allow your assembled shooters to chill for at least an hour so the layers set beautifully and meld their flavors. Right before serving, crown each shooter with a fresh halved strawberry and, if you like, a drizzle of vibrant strawberry sauce or coulis for an elegant, tasty flourish that’s sure to impress your guests.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake Shooters Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your shooters to next-level elegance. Fresh halved strawberries on top add a burst of color and immediate freshness. A drizzle of strawberry coulis or a light dusting of cocoa powder adds sophistication and extra flavor that ties the entire dessert together. Consider a tiny mint leaf for a refreshing touch if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
These shooters are wonderfully rich and flavorful on their own, so pairing them with light sides works best. Fresh fruit salads, delicate shortbread cookies, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side make excellent companions, providing contrast in texture and temperature without overpowering the subtle complexity of the shooters.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these chocolate strawberry cake shooters in elegant shot glasses for a classy vibe or opt for small clear plastic cups at casual gatherings. Layering the strawberries carefully so they cling to the sides showcases their bright color. For a party, consider arranging them on a tiered tray with complementary decorations that highlight their festive colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any uneaten shooters covered tightly in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness and moisture. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days, though the texture is best enjoyed within the first day when layers remain distinct and fresh.
Freezing
While individual components can be frozen separately, freezing assembled shooters is not recommended as the delicate cream cheese layer and fresh strawberries may suffer texture loss. If desired, freeze the cake crumbs and ganache separately to save time for future use.
Reheating
Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating is not necessary. If you prefer slightly softer ganache, simply let the shooters sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as this will compromise the layered textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because frozen berries can become watery and may affect the texture. However, if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the layers.
What if I don’t have leftover chocolate cake?
No worries! You can bake a simple chocolate cake from scratch, use a boxed mix, or even use chocolate cookies crushed finely as a base substitute. The key is to create that rich, crumbly layer that pairs well with the creamy textures above.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
To keep the creamy texture, try using vegan cream cheese alternatives and non-dairy cream versions. For the ganache, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut cream. Adjust sweetness and flavors accordingly to maintain balance.
How far in advance can I assemble the shooters?
It’s best to assemble them no more than a few hours ahead of serving to preserve the freshness of the berries and the integrity of the layers. Chilling them for at least an hour before serving helps the flavors meld perfectly.
What size cups are ideal for these shooters?
Small shooter glasses or clear plastic cups around 3 ounces work beautifully for portion control and presentation. The layers are visually distinct in these sizes, making the dessert look as impressive as it tastes.
Final Thoughts
If you ever want to impress with a dessert that looks stunning but comes together effortlessly, this Chocolate Strawberry Cake Shooters Recipe is your go-to. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of chocolate, fruit, and cheesecake that feels indulgent yet fresh. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate any occasion or simply spoil yourself with a sweet treat.
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Chocolate Strawberry Cake Shooters Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 shooters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of chocolate cake crumble, rich chocolate ganache, fresh strawberries, and a creamy cheesecake topping served in individual shooter cups. Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Crumble
- 1 cup chocolate cake crumbs (from any leftover cake or boxed mix)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Chocolate Layer
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if strawberries aren’t very sweet)
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- Fresh halved strawberries
- Optional: strawberry sauce or coulis for a drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Crumble Base: Crumble leftover chocolate cake or cooled boxed mix cake into fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix the crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons into the bottom of each dessert glass or shooter cup and gently press to form an even base.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat just until it begins to steam, but do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy, then mix in vanilla extract. Spoon or pipe the ganache evenly over the cake crumble layer. Place the cups in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.
- Add the Strawberry Layer: Thinly slice fresh strawberries and line them along the inner edge of each shooter cup, cut side facing outward. Fill the center with additional strawberry slices or chopped berries. If desired, sprinkle the strawberries with sugar and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to release juices before layering.
- Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and airy. Pipe or spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the strawberry layer and smooth the surface with a spoon or offset spatula.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled shooters for at least 1 hour to set the layers. Just before serving, top each cup with a halved strawberry and, if desired, a small drizzle of strawberry sauce or coulis for extra color and flavor.
Notes
- Use a good quality semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache for best flavor.
- If fresh strawberries are not sweet enough, sprinkle with sugar and let them sit to macerate and release juices.
- The shooters can be prepared a day in advance and chilled to enhance flavors.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or a lower-fat alternative.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
