This rich and indulgent chocolate cake with strawberries is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The moist chocolate cake layers are complemented by a luscious chocolate frosting and fresh, juicy strawberries, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and decadence. Whether served at a birthday party, a romantic dinner, or simply as a treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the deep flavor of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries.
- Moist and tender cake texture with a rich and creamy frosting.
- Simple to make with basic ingredients.
- Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend treat.
- Can be customized with different toppings and fillings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Boiling water
- Fresh strawberries
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
- Dark chocolate
Directions
- Prepare the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Blend the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth. Slowly incorporate the boiling water, mixing until the batter is well combined.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting: In a bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Pour in heavy cream and melted dark chocolate, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, then add sliced fresh strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Garnish and serve: Decorate with additional strawberries on top. Slice and enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10–12
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30–35 minutes
- Cooling and assembly time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Ganache Topping: Add a glossy chocolate ganache layer for extra richness.
- Whipped Cream Frosting: Swap the chocolate frosting for a lighter whipped cream frosting.
- Berry Mix: Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for added flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts between the layers for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: If desired, microwave slices for 10–15 seconds to slightly warm the cake before serving.
FAQs
How do I make the cake more moist?
Adding an extra egg or a bit more vegetable oil can help make the cake even more moist.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or applesauce for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost it before serving.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the cake pans well or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in the frosting?
Yes, but the frosting will be sweeter and less intense in flavor.
What is the best way to decorate the cake?
Fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar make excellent decorations.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, use almond milk and dairy-free butter and chocolate for a dairy-free version.
How do I ensure my cake layers are even?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between the cake pans.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick?
Add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Conclusion
This chocolate cake with strawberries is an irresistible dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of berries. Whether for a celebration or a simple indulgence, this cake is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy each bite with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist chocolate cake is layered with creamy chocolate frosting, topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for an elegant and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch cake pans.
- Make the cake batter: Whisk dry ingredients together. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in hot water last.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare frosting: Beat butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Assemble cake: Spread frosting between layers and over the cake.
- Decorate: Top with strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper flavor.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
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