So, not only do I have a working laptop again [yay! even though things weren’t so hard work-wise because I had a wonderful loaner laptop from some generous church friends], I also got my act together enough to share this amazing recipe I found for DOUBLE CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES! And on the most amazing day, too.
Why the shouting? Well, because chocolate and strawberry are things to shout about, duh. And because today, June 14th, is National Strawberry Shortcake Day [side note: I never know food holidays. So I’m psyched about this. Really psyched!]. But it’s also Flag Day, which leads me to the most important thing about today… it’s my grandparents’ 70th wedding anniversary. 70! Seven zero. Seventy. Years. Oh my goooooodness. That takes the cake today, right? Not buttery, chocolatey, shortcake that is just full of about a bazillion layers [even though it’s tasty]. Can you even believe it? This is one of my favorite pictures of them, dancing the ever-so-cheesy-yet-hopelessly-sentimental anniversary dance at our wedding. They won, even though at that point they had *only* been married for 66 years. Only. What an example, huh?
You don’t see commitment and longevity to marriage and relationships like this everyday, and my family is so blessed and thankful for their example. These Double Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes are definitely something to celebrate with–whether it’s a regular Tuesday night [like it was when I made these for our small group this week], National Strawberry Shortcake Day, or your grandparents’ 70th wedding anniversary, these are the perfect treat.
Chocolate and strawberry are a timeless match made in heaven [just like my grandparents] and I think you should definitely make these! And oh, if you do–don’t skimp on the good stuff: use quality dark chocolate, and make your own whipped cream. It’s ridiculously easy and so much better than anything out of a can. Trust me. I wish I lived close enough to my grandparents to make this for dessert for them tonight, but this blog post will have to suffice. I’ll email it to them later today [my grandpa is super tech savvy :)] so maybe you can do me a favor and leave ’em some anniversary love too? 🙂 Happy Anniversary, G&GY! Love you!
Double Chocolate Strawberry Shortcakes [from Lauren’s Latest]
Ingredients:
for the shortcakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, cut into small pieces
for the whipped cream
- 1 cup whipping cream or heavy cream
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
for the strawberries
- 1 pound strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking sheets with cooking spray or line with silpats or parchment paper.
In a large bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, sugar, and cocoa powder, then cut in butter with two knifes or a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in buttermilk and chocolate, then spoon out onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, watching closely to make sure they don’t burn. Remove from baking sheets immediately to cooling rack to cool completely.
Meanwhile, prepare whipped cream and strawberries.
To make whipped cream, add whipping cream, sugar, vanilla, and cornstarch to stand mixer and whip on high until firm peaks form. [Cover mixer with a kitchen towel to prevent splatters.] Refrigerate until serving.
For strawberries, mix together berries and sugar. Sugar isn’t necessary but it will make a yummy syrup!
To serve, top cooled chocolate shortcakes with a generous amount of whipped cream and strawberries. Enjoy!
Time: 30 minutes + time to cool.
Yield: 8 servings.
P.S. If you wanna trust me on another important strawberry and chocolate matter, be sure to order a Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Blizzard next time you’re at Dairy Queen. It’s one of those off the menu recipes, circa early 2000s, but most stores know how to make it. It is so good.
Linked up with Weekend Potluck.
Who knew it was national strawberry shortcake day?! I agree – chocolate + strawberry = match made in heaven. But apparently not as good of a match as your grandparents – they are adorable!
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thank you! i agree 🙂
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Happy anniversary to your grandparents! So adorable! And this strawberry shortcake?? With chocolate?? Ahhh-mazing!!!
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thanks sues!
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Love the idea of chocolate strawberry shortcake, yum! And so glad you clued me in to the Strawberry Shortcake day, I had no idea! 🙂
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i just came across it randomly… i’m usually the last one to know about food holidays, haha. pure coincidence!
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70 years?? Holy cannoli, good for them!
These little shortcakes look delicious, and of course, chocolate makes everything better.
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thanks, girl!
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Wow 70 years, that is SO amazing and inspiring! Sending tons of celebration wishes & love to your grandparents! (What a great photo of them!) And that shortcake looks heavenly!
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thanks dallas!
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Aw, your grandparents are so cute! Congrats to them, that is amazing! And what a great treat to celebrate!! Chocolate and strawberry is such a delicious combo
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it’s one of my favorites. thanks! 🙂
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Sarah: I am happy for you. Are you saving a piece of shortcake for me? Love, Dad
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hope you liked it!
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Whoa seventy years?! That is insane! And what a way to celebrate. These double chocolate shortcakes look amazing.
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thanks joanne!
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WOW! 70? Thats amazing. You must literally be able to know which way the other person is going to step before they do it at that point. I feel after 6 years, I pretty much know every trick Josh has haha. The shortcake looks great. Who doesn’t love shortcake?! And adding chocolate? Perfect
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i know. i can’t even imagine 70 years. these shortcakes are great- you should totally try them!
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The idea of chocolate shortcakes never occurred to me…I make plain ones quite often, but chocolate? Perfect combination with strawberries!
Beautiful picture of your grandparents. 70 years, wow! It must have been a wonderful celebration!
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i saw recipes for chocolate shortcake a number of years ago but never tried it til now. my husband got to pick between regular & chocolate and his choice was pretty easy and decisive. 🙂 definitely try it sometime!
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WOW! Congrats to your grandparents. That’s so wonderful to see their love! Also, I’m all over the chocolate twist on a shortcake. Two servings this way please.
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thank you erin!
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Oooh la la, certainly a dessert worthy of such a wonderful couple! Can’t beat chocolate and berries with whipped cream! Happy anniversary to your grandparents. 70 years is AMAZING!!
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thank you, veronica!
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Loving the idea of a chocolate shortcake!
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thank you, rachel!
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