Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake

Name: Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

I absolutely love making this Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake for special occasions. The rich layers of chocolate cake, combined with airy whipped cream, create a delightful experience that never fails to impress. As the cake bakes, the aroma fills the kitchen, inviting everyone in. This dessert is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and I find that it’s always a hit at parties. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice whenever I want to treat loved ones without spending the whole day in the kitchen.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-05T15:49:27.441Z

Creating this Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake was a labor of love that really paid off when I took that first bite. I started by experimenting with different ratios of cocoa to sugar, ultimately landing on a beautifully balanced flavor that’s not overly sweet. Each slice reveals moist layers of chocolate cake, punctuated by luscious whipped cream, making every mouthful feel indulgent.

While baking, I learned that letting the cake cool completely allows for easier assembly and prevents that dreaded cream from melting into the layers. It's a small but crucial step that ensures the cake retains its perfect structure, ideal for showing off at gatherings. Trust me, this cake is worth every minute spent!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor balanced with airy whipped cream
Versatile dessert that's perfect for any celebration
Incredible presentation that impresses friends and family

The Perfect Chocolate Cake

The foundation of this Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake is the chocolate cake. Using boiling water in the batter not only helps to dissolve the cocoa powder but also creates a moist and tender crumb. It's essential to sift the dry ingredients together first, as this aerates the flour and cocoa, leading to a lighter cake. Make sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

I recommend using high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can give a deeper color and richer taste compared to natural cocoa. If you're not a fan of oil, you can substitute with melted butter for added richness, but be aware it will slightly alter the texture. Always let your cakes cool completely before assembling; warm layers can cause whipped cream to melt and slide off, leading to a messy presentation.

Whipped Cream Mastery

Making the perfect whipped cream is a delightful yet crucial step in this recipe. Ensure your equipment is cold; chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes can help achieve better results. Start whipping the cream at a medium speed and gradually increase as you see soft peaks forming. Adding the powdered sugar gradually not only sweetens but stabilizes your cream, preventing it from deflating or weeping later on.

You can flavor the whipped cream with additional extracts or even a touch of espresso powder for depth. If you want a firmer finish, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch for stabilization. Be cautious not to overbeat; whipping past the stiff peak stage can lead to a grainy texture or even butter. If this happens, you can gently fold in a bit of fresh cream to salvage it.

Assembling and Serving Tips

When assembling the shortcake, it's essential to spread the whipped cream evenly to avoid an unbalanced cake that may tip over. I find it helpful to use an offset spatula, which allows for control and precision. Feel free to layer this cake creatively; adding fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries can lend both color and tang to contrast the rich chocolate and cream.

For make-ahead options, both the cake and whipped cream can be prepared a day in advance. Just store the layers wrapped tightly at room temperature and keep the whipped cream refrigerated until assembly. This cake can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, but I recommend enjoying it sooner for the best texture. When serving, a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings enhances its visual appeal while adding an extra touch of indulgence.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake:

For the Chocolate Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Whipped Cream

2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish

Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake:

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures, then stir in the boiling water until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Whipped Cream

While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to beat until stiff peaks are achieved.

Assemble the Shortcake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining whipped cream to cover the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Slice and serve your beautiful shortcake to delighted guests!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of espresso to the whipped cream mixture. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Key Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient plays an integral role in crafting the layers of this shortcake. For instance, the all-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while the unsweetened cocoa powder imparts the rich chocolatey flavor that defines the cake. Don't overlook the importance of eggs; they create stability and contribute to the cake's moisture, while the whole milk adds richness and helps create the tender crumb.

If you're looking to make this dessert a bit lighter, you can substitute some of the whole milk for buttermilk, which adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate. For a gluten-free version, a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend can be used, but check to see if it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

Customizing Your Dessert

This Decadent Chocolate Layered Shortcake is easily customizable to cater to different palates. Consider incorporating flavored extracts like almond or orange into the cake batter for a unique twist. You can also replace half the cocoa powder with finely crushed espresso beans or coffee powder to create a delightful mocha flavor that enhances the chocolate.

Add texture and flavor by mixing in chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter. For a slightly decadent touch, you could layer in a rich ganache or chocolate mousse between the layers instead of whipped cream, creating an all-chocolate experience. Experimenting with these variations can make this dessert your signature treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can substitute it with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

→ How can I store the leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unassembled cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

→ What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?

You can use coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping as an alternative.