Chocolate Shortcakes with Sour Cherry Topping

These Chocolate Shortcakes with Sour Cherry Topping are the perfect dessert to impress guests at brunch or a special occasion. The rich, chocolatey biscuits are complemented by a sweet yet tangy sour cherry topping, and a dollop of fluffy whipped cream ties everything together for a delightful finish. Whether served at brunch or as a sweet treat for a celebration, this dessert is sure to satisfy your craving for something indulgent, with a lovely balance of flavors.

Recipe Details

• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 834.7
• Rating: 4.5 / 5 (2 reviews)

Ingredients

For the Cherry Topping:

For the Chocolate Shortcakes:

For the Whipped Cream:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sour cherries, honey, and cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cherries will begin to release their juice, and the liquid will thicken into a syrup.
3. Once thickened, remove the pan from heat and set it aside to cool. For best results, refrigerate the topping for at least 30 minutes (or you can prepare this a day in advance).

Step 2: Make the Shortcake Biscuits

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Whisk until thoroughly blended.
3. Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until it resembles a coarse meal.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and buttermilk. Add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture, stirring just until the dough is evenly moistened.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it lightly until it just comes together (don’t overwork the dough).
6. Pat the dough to about 1 1/4 inches thick. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut out the shortcake biscuits. Gather the scraps and repeat until all the dough is used.
7. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown on top.
9. Transfer the biscuits to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter.

Step 4: Assemble the Shortcakes

1. Slice the cooled shortcake biscuits in half horizontally.
2. Place the bottom halves of the biscuits on individual dessert plates.
3. Generously spoon the whipped cream onto the bottom half of each biscuit.
4. Evenly distribute the sour cherry topping over the whipped cream, ensuring each serving gets plenty of cherries and syrup.
5. Place the top half of each biscuit at a slight angle on top of the cherries.
6. Lightly dust the biscuit tops with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative finish.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Shortcakes:

• Cherries: If fresh sour cherries are not available, you can substitute with frozen cherries or jarred sour cherries (just be sure to drain them well before use).
• Make Ahead: The cherry topping can be made up to a day in advance, which makes this recipe easier to prepare when you’re hosting guests.
• Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the shortcakes with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Dough Handling: Handle the biscuit dough as little as possible to ensure the biscuits stay tender and light. Overworking the dough will result in dense biscuits.

Conclusion

Chocolate Shortcakes with Sour Cherry Topping is a decadent dessert that’s both visually appealing and deliciously indulgent. The chocolate biscuits are rich and slightly sweet, while the sour cherry topping brings a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the creaminess of the whipped topping. This dessert is a perfect choice for brunch or any occasion when you want to treat yourself and your guests to something special. With a balance of sweetness and tang, it’s a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat.