If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate and fresh, juicy strawberries, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s a luscious layered cake bursting with deep cocoa flavor and a vibrant strawberry filling that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this cake is an irresistible combination of texture, taste, and color that makes every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a beautifully moist and flavorful cake. Each element plays a crucial role, from the cocoa powder adding that rich chocolate depth to the fresh strawberries providing natural brightness and freshness.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our cake’s structure, making it tender but sturdy enough for layering.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the deep, intense chocolate taste that cake lovers crave.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the bitterness of cocoa and tartness of the strawberries.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Create lift and lightness in the cake layers, ensuring a perfect texture.
- Salt: Enhances every other flavor, especially the sweetness and chocolate notes.
- Eggs: Bind the cake ingredients and contribute to a moist crumb.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a soft bite.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist longer than butter alone.
- Vanilla extract: Gives a lovely aromatic lift that complements chocolate beautifully.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor while thinning the batter for an even bake.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra moistness with a tender crumb result.
- Fresh strawberries: The star in our filling, providing vibrant sweetness and texture.
- Lemon juice: Balances sweetness and brightens the strawberry filling.
- Unsalted butter: The creamy base of our chocolate frosting, essential for smoothness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper—it ensures easy removal later. Next, whisk your dry ingredients together: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a perfectly blended base so the cake rises evenly.
Then, add your eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, then carefully stir in boiling water. Expect a thin batter here; that’s key for a moist, tender crumb. Finally, fold in the sour cream gently to keep everything luscious.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. As your kitchen fills with the rich scent of chocolate, resist the urge to open the oven too often. Let your cakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on—it’s the secret to neat layers and easy assembly.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the cakes cool, combine chopped fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally, letting the berries soften and the mixture thicken slightly—this only takes about 5–7 minutes. Cooling the filling completely before assembling prevents it from making the cake soggy or sliding out.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
Beat softened butter until creamy, then add cocoa powder and mix thoroughly. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until your frosting reaches a luscious, fluffy consistency. Stir in vanilla extract for an added depth of flavor. This frosting will be your cake’s perfect smooth finish.
Step 5: Assemble Your Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Place one cake layer on your plate or cake stand, then spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top. Carefully add the second cake layer, then frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting. For a show-stopping presentation, sprinkle fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings on top.
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are a classic, but adding chocolate shavings or curls gives the cake an elegant touch. A light dusting of powdered sugar across the top can also add visual appeal. These simple garnishes make your homemade cake look bakery-worthy without much extra effort.
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a heavenly companion to this strawberry chocolate cake. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis can elevate the fruity chocolate blend and balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a fresh strawberry on the side and a sprig of mint for color contrast. Layering the cake in a clear glass trifle bowl with extra strawberry slices allows you to showcase every vibrant layer. For parties, consider mini versions in cupcake liners for easy, sharable treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying a slice (or two), keep your leftover strawberry chocolate cake covered and refrigerated. This helps maintain the creamy frosting texture while keeping the cake layers moist. Bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavors and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either whole or in slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready, thaw refrigerated overnight for best texture. The strawberry filling holds up well, making this a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best at room temperature, avoid microwaving the entire slice, which can melt the frosting unevenly. Instead, let it sit out for 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a few seconds in the microwave (10-15 seconds) can soften the frosting just enough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Frozen strawberries work well if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking the filling to avoid a watery texture.
Is this cake suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, the Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients like eggs and dairy but no animal gelatin or meat products.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, but results can vary. Look for blends designed for cakes for best texture.
How long can the cake be stored at room temperature?
Because of the fresh strawberry filling and dairy frosting, it’s best to store the cake in the fridge if you’re planning to keep it beyond a few hours.
Can I use a different fruit for the filling?
Absolutely! Raspberries or cherries make delicious alternatives and complement chocolate nicely, but strawberries remain the classic star in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe is one of those joyful desserts that brings a smile to anyone’s face. The delightful contrast of luscious chocolate and bright, natural strawberry flavor makes it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat just for you. Give it a try, and you’ll be creating sweet memories one slice at a time.
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a decadent layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake with a fresh strawberry filling and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake blends moist chocolate layers with fruit-infused sweetness for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk (plus more as needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine all dry ingredients thoroughly. Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. Carefully stir in the boiling water — note that this will thin the batter — then fold in the sour cream gently for moisture and richness.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked. Remove from the oven and let the cake layers cool completely in the pans, then turn them out onto a rack to cool further before assembly.
- Make Strawberry Filling: Combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries soften and the mixture thickens slightly into a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let this filling cool completely before using to prevent sliding when assembling the cake.
- Prepare Chocolate Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy using a mixer. Add the cocoa powder and mix until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar in parts, alternating with the milk, mixing well between additions until the frosting becomes smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer on top. Apply the chocolate frosting evenly across the top and sides of the assembled cake. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired for an attractive finish.
Notes
- Chill the strawberry filling before assembly to help prevent the cake layers from sliding.
- This cake is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
- You can prepare the cake a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
