Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet, juicy taste of strawberries. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration, a romantic dinner, or just a sweet treat for yourself. The layers of moist chocolate cake are complemented by fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 350
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 25 grams
Sodium: 200 mg

Why Make This Chocolate Strawberry Cake

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s an indulgent delight for your taste buds. Its tender layers of moist chocolate cake paired with the freshness of strawberries creates a perfect harmony that can make any occasion feel special. Serving it at your next gathering will surely impress your guests. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that can adapt to seasonal variations by using other fruits or flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Making Chocolate Strawberry Cake is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake that tastes as good as it looks.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ 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 fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix will form the base of your chocolate goodness.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and smooth. Then, carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is fully combined. This will make your cake extra moist.
Step 4: Baking

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Assembling the Cake

Once cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting over the top, then layer with sliced strawberries. Add the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with the remaining chocolate frosting.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake

For an elegant presentation, garnish your Chocolate Strawberry Cake with additional fresh strawberries on top. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. This cake pairs well with coffee or a glass of milk, making it a delightful dessert for any gathering.

How to Store Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the un-frosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw and frost as desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients, especially strawberries, are fresh for the best flavors.
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: This prevents lumps and makes for a smoother batter.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry, mix just until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off.
Frosting Tip: Chill your frosting for a bit before spreading it to make it easier to work with.

Delicious Variations

White Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Substitute cocoa powder with white chocolate and use a white chocolate ganache frosting.
Mocha Strawberry Cake: Add instant coffee to the batter for a mocha twist.
Lemon Strawberry Cake: Replace chocolate frosting with lemon frosting for a refreshing citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them first to prevent excess moisture in the cake.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free frosting.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can replace eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
How do I make homemade chocolate frosting?
Mix 2 cups powdered sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup softened butter, and 1/4 cup milk until smooth.
Can I bake this as one cake instead of two?
Yes, you can bake it as a single layer, but adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake recipe brings together the enticing tastes of chocolate and strawberries that everyone loves. It’s not only a stunner visually but also delivers with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging, this cake is bound to impress. So gather your ingredients and give it a try—you won’t regret it!