Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters

Name: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Chocolate shavings; Whole strawberries

Highlighted under: Favorite Baking Collection

I absolutely love indulging in these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters! Combining the rich flavors of chocolate and the fresh taste of strawberries creates a delightful dessert experience. The layers of creamy chocolate mousse and sweet strawberry purée are presented in elegant little glasses, making them perfect for special occasions or as a weeknight treat. They're so easy to assemble yet create a stunning presentation that impresses everyone. It's a delightful way to enjoy the classic chocolate-strawberry pairing in a new form.

Created by

Juliet Ashford

Last updated on 2026-02-16T00:11:35.798Z

When I first decided to make these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters, I wanted to combine everything I love about both chocolate and strawberries into one elegant dessert. I found that using fresh, ripe strawberries truly enhances the dish's flavor, and I enjoyed layering the ingredients to create a visual feast. My biggest tip is to let the mousse chill before you layer it with the strawberry purée for that perfect creamy texture!

After experimenting with various ways to present this dessert, I realized that small glasses not only make it chic but also keep each layer intact. The moment I served these to friends, the compliments flooded in. It’s rewarding to see smiles all around as they savor each layer of this delicious treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor combined with luscious berries
Beautifully layered for a stunning presentation
Quick and easy to make, yet impressive enough for guests

Understanding the Layers

The beauty of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters lies in their layered structure. Each layer serves a distinct purpose, both texturally and flavor-wise. The chocolate mousse is rich and creamy, providing a luxurious base that complements the sweetness of the strawberry layer. It's essential to whip the cream just to stiff peaks so it holds its shape when layered, preventing it from sinking into the strawberries. Watch for that perfectly glossy finish when folding in the melted chocolate to ensure a smooth, decadent mousse.

The strawberry layer brings a bright, fruity contrast that balances the deep flavors of chocolate. The sugar and lemon juice help enhance the strawberries' natural sweetness while adding a tangy kick. For the best flavor, choose ripe strawberries; this is crucial as under-ripe strawberries will not provide the same sweetness or depth. Also, consider adjusting the sugar based on your taste and the strawberries' ripeness—less sugar can be used if they are particularly sweet.

Assembly Tips

When assembling your dessert shooters, the order of layers is vital for visual appeal and flavor balance. Start with the chocolate mousse, spooning it in gently so it doesn’t deflate. I often use a piping bag for both layers to create cleaner, defined edges and a more elegant presentation. This also allows for better control over how much mousse and purée you're adding, which helps in getting those beautiful layers just right.

To enhance the visual contrast between the layers, you might consider using clear glassware. The shot glasses not only showcase the distinct colors but also allow guests to admire the beautiful, layered effect. If you're serving a larger crowd, you can easily scale the components up, ensuring to keep the ratios the same, but be aware that the chilling time may increase slightly to ensure all shooters are adequately chilled before serving.

Ingredients

To create these yummy dessert shooters, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chocolate Mousse

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For Garnish

Chocolate shavings
Whole strawberries

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble your dessert shooters:

Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream until fully combined. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Strawberry Layer

In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.

Assemble the Shooters

In small glasses or shot glasses, layer the chocolate mousse at the bottom, followed by the strawberry purée. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full, finishing with the mousse. Top with chocolate shavings and a whole strawberry for garnish.

Chill and Serve

Place the assembled dessert shooters in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to chill. Serve cold and watch them disappear!

Your delightful dessert shooters are ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to snap a picture before the magic happens!

Pro Tips

Using fresh, quality ingredients really elevates this dessert, so choose ripe strawberries and good-quality chocolate. Letting the chocolate mousse chill before layering helps achieve the perfect texture. Feel free to experiment with different flavored mousses or add additional layers!

Make-Ahead Ideas

One of the advantages of these dessert shooters is that they can be prepared in advance. Both the chocolate mousse and strawberry purée can be made and refrigerated up to a day ahead. Just be sure to cover them properly to prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge affecting the flavors. When you're ready to serve, assemble the layers and chill briefly to firm everything up before presenting to your guests.

For added flexibility, you can also prepare the chocolate mousse and store it in the refrigerator overnight. It will hold its shape well, while the flavor only improves. If you're looking to vary the fruit, this recipe can easily adapt to other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You would follow the same technique for preparing the fruit layer for these alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dessert Shooters, consider garnishes to elevate the visual appeal. Aside from chocolate shavings and whole strawberries, you can add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top for extra decadence. Fresh mint leaves can also provide a refreshing pop of color and flavor, enhancing the overall presentation and taste experience.

Another fun way to serve these shooters is by creating a dessert bar. Prepare a few different fruit layers, such as mango or passionfruit, in addition to the classic strawberry. Encourage guests to assemble their dessert shooters, allowing them to mix and match flavors. This not only adds a personalized touch but also provides a fun activity for your guests, making your event memorable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before blending.

→ How can I make the mousse dairy-free?

You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free chocolate to make the mousse dairy-free.

→ Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse and strawberry layer a day in advance. Just assemble right before serving.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.