Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Indulge in the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries with this decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a luxurious dessert, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake layered with fresh strawberries and silky chocolate frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances sweetness and tanginess for an unforgettable treat.

Key Benefits of This Chocolate Strawberry Cake Delight

• Irresistible Flavor Pairing – Chocolate and strawberries create a classic, sophisticated taste.
• Moist & Tender Crumb – A perfectly balanced cake that stays soft for days.
• Versatile for Any Occasion – Fits birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or an elegant dinner dessert.
• Easy to Customize – Adapt with different frostings, fillings, or dietary tweaks.

Gather Your Ingredients: Cake, Filling & Frosting

(Makes one 9-inch, 2-layer cake)

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced (seasonal picking guide)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Filling

• In a pot, mix together strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until it thickens. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch round pans with grease and line them with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
• Gradually stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Step 3: Bake & Cool

• Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Assemble & Frost

• Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread strawberry filling evenly.
• Top with the second layer. Frost sides and top with chocolate frosting.
• Garnish with strawberries and chocolate shavings.

Pro Tips, Variations & Customization Ideas

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake:

• Even Baking: Rotate cake pans halfway through baking to ensure uniform doneness.
• Fluffy Frosting: Beat butter and sugar for at least 3 minutes to create a light, creamy texture.
• Clean Slicing: Dip your knife in hot water before cutting for neat, crumb-free slices.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Replace frosting with a glossy dark chocolate ganache for a richer finish.
• Berry Swirl: Fold pureed strawberries into the batter for a marbled effect.
• Layered Delight: Add a whipped cream cheese layer between cake tiers for extra tanginess.
• Mini Cakes: Bake in cupcake tins for individual portions (reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes).
• Boozy Twist: Soak cake layers in strawberry liqueur or chocolate stout for an adult version.

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by 25% and top with lightly sweetened strawberries.

Experiment with these tweaks to make the recipe uniquely yours!

How to Serve It Like a Pro

Presentation Ideas:

• Elegant Slices: Dust plates with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before plating for a professional touch.
• Berry Garnish: Top each slice with a fresh strawberry fan or a cluster of mixed berries.
• Chocolate Accents: Add chocolate-dipped strawberries or shaved chocolate curls for extra decadence.

Perfect Pairings:

• Coffee or Tea: Serve with espresso, cappuccino, or Earl Grey tea to balance the sweetness.
• Dessert Wines: Pair with a glass of port, Moscato, or late-harvest Riesling.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean, strawberry, or chocolate ice cream complements the cake beautifully.

Occasion-Specific Serving:

• Romantic Dinners: Plate with a drizzle of strawberry coulis in heart shapes for date nights.
• Brunch Buffets: Offer smaller portions alongside fresh fruit and pastries.
• Celebration Cakes: Decorate with edible flowers or gold leaf for special events.

Temperature Tips:

• Room Temperature: For fullest flavor, let refrigerated cake sit for 20–30 minutes before serving.
• Slightly Chilled: Firm up frosting by refrigerating for 15 minutes if slicing for a crowd.

Note: For outdoor events, keep cake shaded to prevent frosting from melting.

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Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Jessica

Indulge in a rich, moist Chocolate Strawberry Cake layered with fresh berries and silky frosting—perfect for celebrations or sweet cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 490 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• For the Chocolate Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Filling

• In a pot, mix together strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until it thickens. Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch round pans with grease and line them with parchment paper.
• Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a big bowl.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
• Gradually stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Step 3: Bake & Cool

• Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Assemble & Frost

• Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread strawberry filling evenly.
• Top with the second layer. Frost sides and top with chocolate frosting.
• Garnish with strawberries and chocolate shavings.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	490 kcal
Total Fat	25g
Saturated Fat	13g
Carbohydrates	64g
Sugar	45g
Protein	4g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	330mg
Cholesterol	70mg

FAQs

Conclusion: A Showstopping Dessert Worth Every Bite

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The marriage of rich, velvety chocolate with bright, juicy strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that will impress any crowd. What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance:

• Decadent yet approachable – While the layered presentation looks professional, the steps are simple enough for bakers of all levels
• Versatile for any occasion – equally at home at casual gatherings and elegant celebrations
• Crowd-pleasing flavors – the classic chocolate-strawberry combination never goes out of style

The moist, tender crumb paired with the luscious strawberry filling and silky chocolate frosting makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special milestone or simply treating yourself, this cake delivers both in flavor and presentation.

Why this recipe works every time:
✔️ The boiling water in the batter ensures an ultra-moist texture
✔️ Fresh strawberry filling adds natural sweetness and acidity
✔️ The frosting method creates clean, professional-looking layers

Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. For best results, bring slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors.

This is the kind of recipe that will have people asking for seconds—and the recipe itself. It’s guaranteed to become your new go-to celebration cake that looks as spectacular as it tastes. Happy baking!