Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake

Decadent Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake Recipe with Strawberries and Apricot Preserves

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in a delicious and easy-to-make dessert with this Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a decadent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake recipe is a modern twist on the classic shortcake dessert. By using a microwave cake mix, this recipe cuts down on preparation time without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

8.6 oz (244 g) box of microwave chocolate cake mix
0.25 cup of apricot preserves
1 cup of whipped topping, thawed
1 cup of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches or kiwi fruit

How to prepare

Prepare a 8.6 oz (244 g) box of microwave chocolate cake mix in the provided pan according to the directions on the box.
Invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool.
In a small bowl, microwave the apricot preserves on high for 30 - 60 seconds, or until melted.
Brush the melted preserves over the top and sides of the cake.
Spoon whipped topping around the top and edge of the cake.
Arrange fresh fruit in the center.

Variations

Experiment with different flavors of cake mix and fruit toppings to create your own unique variations of Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake turns out perfectly, be sure to follow the directions on the cake mix box carefully. Make sure to allow the cake to cool completely before adding the apricot preserves and whipped topping for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is using a microwave cake mix to quickly and easily create the base of the shortcake.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute different flavors of preserves or whipped toppings to customize this recipe to your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake portion of the Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake ahead of time and add the toppings just before serving for a convenient make-ahead dessert option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake with fresh mint leaves or chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake contains approximately 220 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake is a good source of vitamin C from the fresh fruit topping.

Alergens

This recipe may contain allergens such as wheat and dairy. Be sure to check the ingredients in the cake mix and whipped topping for any potential allergens.

Summary

Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake is a delicious dessert option that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of protein and fat.

Summary

Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake is a quick and easy dessert option that is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy kitchen. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and on this particular day, she was preparing a special treat for dessert.

As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the way she effortlessly whipped up the most amazing dishes. Margaret had a way of making cooking look so easy and fun, and I always admired her culinary skills.

I asked Margaret what she was making, and she smiled mischievously before pulling out a tattered old recipe card from her recipe box. She handed it to me, saying, "I think you'll love this one. It's a family favorite."

I eagerly read the recipe for Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake and immediately knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. The combination of rich chocolate cake and sweet strawberries topped with fluffy whipped cream sounded absolutely divine.

Margaret saw the excitement in my eyes and offered to teach me how to make it. I eagerly accepted her offer and spent the rest of the afternoon learning the ins and outs of creating the perfect Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake.

The first step was to prepare the chocolate cake base. Margaret showed me how to mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. She then added in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter was smooth and well combined.

As the cake baked in the oven, Margaret taught me how to prepare the strawberries by washing, hulling, and slicing them. She then sprinkled them with a bit of sugar to bring out their natural sweetness before setting them aside to macerate.

Once the cake was finished baking and had cooled slightly, Margaret showed me how to carefully slice it into layers using a sharp knife. She then spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top of one of the cake layers before adding a mound of the macerated strawberries on top.

I watched in awe as Margaret expertly assembled the Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake, layering the cake and strawberries with whipped cream until it was tall and impressive. She then topped it all off with a final dollop of whipped cream and a few whole strawberries for garnish.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, I couldn't help but marvel at the deliciousness of the Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake. The rich chocolate cake paired perfectly with the sweet strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, creating a dessert that was both decadent and light at the same time.

I thanked Margaret profusely for teaching me how to make such a wonderful treat and vowed to make it for my own family and friends. From that day on, Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake became a staple in my repertoire of recipes, and I continued to share it with loved ones for years to come.

As I look back on that special day in Margaret's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for her friendship and her willingness to pass down her knowledge and recipes to me. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am so grateful to have learned from the best. And every time I make Chocolate Shortcut Shortcake, I am reminded of that warm summer day and the sense of wonder and joy that cooking brings into my life.