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
Scale
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.
