This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate cake layers and fresh strawberry filling, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache or buttercream. Perfect for any occasion, this cake delivers an irresistible blend of deep cocoa flavors with the bright and fruity sweetness of strawberries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The combination of chocolate and strawberries creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- It is an elegant yet simple dessert, ideal for celebrations or casual indulgence.
- The moist chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the fresh, juicy strawberry filling.
- You can customize it with different frostings, fillings, or toppings.
- It stores well, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
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 or hot coffee (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
- Fresh strawberries
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
- Heavy cream (for ganache or frosting)
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (for ganache or frosting)
- Powdered sugar (for buttercream frosting, if using)
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Batter – Preheat the oven and grease two cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the dry ingredients, then stir in the hot water or coffee to create a smooth batter.
- Bake the Cake – Divide the batter evenly into the cake pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling – Chop fresh strawberries and cook them with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool.
- Make the Ganache or Frosting – Heat heavy cream and pour it over chopped chocolate, stirring until smooth. For buttercream, beat butter with powdered sugar and cocoa powder until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread the strawberry filling, then add the second cake layer. Cover the cake with ganache or frosting.
- Chill and Serve – Let the cake set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour + cooling time
Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake – Add a layer of chocolate mousse between the cake layers for extra creaminess.
- Strawberry Whipped Cream Frosting – Swap ganache for a light strawberry-infused whipped cream frosting.
- Vegan Option – Use almond milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate to make a vegan version.
- Gluten-Free Alternative – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Strawberry Flavor – Add sliced strawberries between layers along with the filling.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: If unfrosted, store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep the frosted cake covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before assembling.
- Reheating: Bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
How do I keep my chocolate cake moist?
Using oil instead of butter, adding hot coffee or boiling water, and not overbaking the cake help retain moisture.
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid from making the filling too runny.
What frosting pairs best with chocolate strawberry cake?
Chocolate ganache, buttercream, or whipped cream frosting all complement this cake well.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until ready to assemble.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and line the pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
Yes, adding chocolate chips enhances the texture and makes the cake even richer.
How do I make a layer cake without it sliding?
Chill the layers before assembling, and spread a thin layer of frosting between the cake and the strawberry filling to help it stay in place.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes, simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18-20 minutes.
What is the best way to cut a layered cake neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat, even cuts.
Can I use a different fruit filling?
Yes, raspberries, cherries, or blueberries work well as substitutes for strawberries.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is an irresistible treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries. Whether you are making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress. With its moist texture, decadent filling, and customizable options, it is a dessert worth making time and again. Enjoy!
- 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 decadent chocolate strawberry cake features moist chocolate layers, silky chocolate frosting, fresh strawberries, and rich chocolate shavings for the ultimate indulgence!
Ingredients
For the chocolate 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 chocolate 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 together dry ingredients. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in hot water last.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely.
- 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 fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- For extra richness, brush cake layers with a bit of strawberry syrup.
- Let the cake chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *