This post is sponsored by Driscoll’s. All opinions are mine alone.
Irresistibly decadent twist on classic strawberry shortcakes! Try these tender and rich chocolate shortcakes filled with juicy strawberries and whipped cream. Additional drizzle of chocolate sauce is completely optional, but I know you wouldn’t skip it.
Are you enjoying this strawberry season? I definitely am! First, I made whole bunch of strawberry jam, now these amazing strawberry shortcakes! Wanna join me in the fun?
Since National Strawberry Shortcake Day is just around the corner (it’s on June 14th, and no, I’m not making that up, it’s a real thing), I’ve partnered with my all time favorite berry company, Driscoll’s, to inspire you to bake this classic summer dessert for your family and friends.
To change things up, I decided to give a little decadent twist to otherwise classic light and buttery shortcakes. One of the best decisions I’ve made in the kitchen! I mean, chocolate and strawberries are just darn good together, yes?
If you follow me on snapchat (my handle: shineshka), you’ve seen first hand the mountain of brown blobs I baked up one day. Batch after batch, I rigorously tested multiple variations to finally land on perfect one.
- First batch turned out flat, bland, and had an off taste from baking soda. (Buttermilk and baking soda weren’t great choices for this recipe.)
- Second try was nothing to brag about. Simply blah, but it was off to a good start.
- Third time was a charm though! Tall, buttery, rich shortcakes studded with chocolate chips all over. It was everything I had imagined and then some.
Yeah, I struggled to perfect this recipe, but at the end, it was all worth it. What I learned is that you need all that butter and fat for the most tender and rich shortcakes. Don’t skimp on those fats, because unlike many shortcake recipes, mine makes 12 mini ones. Calories don’t count on mini desserts, right? 😉
The best part is it’s ridiculously easy to make these shortcakes. If I can make it 4 times in one day while taking care of an infant, you’ll have no problem. No mixers, no special tools, you only need simple ingredients and good ol’ bowl with a pastry cutter to make these babies.
Now, let’s talk about strawberries for a second. Long time ago, I picked up this trick to macerate strawberries in balsamic vinegar for a quick dessert, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Balsamic vinegar combined with a little bit of sugar compliments the strawberries beautifully, producing the most fabulous syrup in the process. I like to mash half of the strawberries and leave the other half in slices for a beautiful presentation.
For some reason, I associate this method with Ina Garten, so I might have picked this trick from her show. Don’t quote me on that though, I’ve been doing this for many years and can’t remember exactly where I got this idea.
Oh and that chocolate syrup is totally optional. But I couldn’t resist the temptation of extra dose of chocolate. You know me, I’m a helpless chocoholic.
Hope you make these beauties soon.
As always, thank you so much for reading!

Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes
Ingredients
For biscuits:
- 1 ¾ cups 190gr all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup 20gr unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 tablespoons 115gr unsalted butter, cut into 1 tablespoons pieces
- 1 cup 240ml heavy (whipping) cream
- ½ cup 90gr semisweet chocolate chips
For macerated strawberries:
- 2 packages 2lbs Driscoll’s strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For whipped cream:
- 1 cup 240gr heavy (whipping) cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- To make the biscuits, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until butter is about pea-size.
- Add the heavy cream and mix until the dough comes together. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Divide the dough into 12 rounds and arrange on two baking sheets lined with silicone mat, or parchment paper.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the biscuits are nice and crisp. Transfer them onto a wire rack to cool completely. (Biscuits can be made a day in advance. Store the cooled biscuits at room temperature, covered. However, once assembled the cakes should be served right away.)
- Macerate the strawberries, while the biscuits are cooking. In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30-60 minutes.
- To make the whipped cream, whisk the heavy cream in a mixing bowl with whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue to mix until hard peaks form. Stir in Greek yogurt and vanilla extract and mix for another minute or so until the cream is smooth and delicious.
- To assemble the cakes, cut the biscuits in half horizontally. Spoon macerated strawberries on the bottom half and top with whipped cream. Replace the top of the biscuit and place another spoonful of whipped cream. If desired, decorate with fresh strawberries. Serve immediately.
Agness of Run Agness Run says
Amazing treat for people with sweet tooth, Shinee! Keep us posted on more similar recipes.
Shinee says
Thank you, Agness!
nicole (thespicetrain.com) says
You’re absolutely right, I would never skip the chocolate sauce on these beauties! They look and sound delicious. 🙂
Shinee says
Thanks, Nicole! Chocolate sauce is a nice touch for sure. 🙂
Amanda Mason says
Beautiful, beautiful pics! And I love strawberries soaked in a flavored balsamic vinaigrette! I’d love to try to make a gluten free version of this! If I do…I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Shinee says
What kind of flavored balsamic vinaigrette do you use? That sounds amazing! I should try that for a change. And please do let me know about gf version, Amanda.
Kelly @ Mostly Homemade Mom says
Chocolate and strawberries are one of those genius combinations. I think I may have to try your chocolate strawberry shortcakes for our next summer get-together – how bright and fresh these are!
Shinee says
Definitely give these a try! It’ll be a hit. Let me know if you make these, Kelly.
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says
Looks like the ultimate decadent dessert! Strawberries and chocolate were made to be together and calories def don’t count on mini desserts!
Shinee says
Glad you agree, Vicky! 🙂 Thanks.
Anne Murphy says
I love strawberry shortcakes – and I love strawberries with chocolate – and I never thought to put the two together! What a great idea!
Shinee says
It sure was a great idea. Thanks, Anne!
Mark, Compass & Fork says
Such a classic combination of ingredients. This looks really inviting. But I am laughing at how many “National days” there are of various dishes.
Shinee says
Haha practically every day is National Something Day! It’s fun though. Thanks for stopping by, Mark.
olivia @ livforcake says
Well these look and sound absolutely perfect! I would love one with my afternoon coffee. Or, you know, for lunch :).
Shinee says
Olivia, thanks so much! I wish I had some today too. 🙂
Emily @ Emily's Tasty Adventures says
These look amazing. Love your beautiful photos. Can’t wait to try this recipe this summer.
Shinee says
Thank you, Emily! Hope you enjoy these. Let me know how they turn out if you give it a try.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
Oh my god Shinee…these photos are just everything! All that choc! Yum!
Shinee says
Haha thanks, Thalia! Love all the chocs.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life says
Those look so decadent! I love strawberries and chocolate together! Can I just come over and take one off your hands? 🙂
Shinee says
Absolutely, Michelle! 🙂
Kim @ Three Olives Branch says
Yum! Â I am a huge fan of berries in desserts, and chocolate with strawberries is one of the best combos! Â These look amazing
Shinee says
Agreed, berries are great in desserts, especially during the summer. Thank you, Kim!
Kathi @ Laughing Spatula says
What a wonderful twist on shortcake! Â I love the idea of chocolate and strawberry. Â Could eat a few of these this summer!
Shinee says
Thanks, Kathi! Glad you liked the twist. 😉
Krysten (@themomnoms) says
This looks absolutely sinful.  I’m going to have to make it for my hubby for Father’s Day.  Thank you for the inspiration and great recipe! 😀Â
Shinee says
That sounds like a great plan, Krysten! Let me know how it turns out if you try it.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Strawberry shortcakes are my dad’s favorite and I love ANYTHING with chocolate, so this looks perfect! What a delicious (and gorgeous) recipe!
Shinee says
Thanks, Liz. Hope you give this a try this summer.