The Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Whisk your way into pure bliss with this decadent chocolate strawberry cake that promises to melt hearts instantly.

Sweet strawberries dance through rich chocolate layers, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each slice tells a delightful story of indulgence and passion.

Berries add a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the deep cocoa notes.

Imagine cutting through velvety frosting to reveal luscious fruit-studded crumb waiting beneath.

Professional bakers and home cooks alike will find joy in crafting this stunning dessert.

Ready to impress everyone at your next gathering?

This cake is your ticket to culinary celebration.

Why Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe Feels So Luxurious

• Whip Up Effortless Decadence: This chocolate strawberry cake recipe requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a showstopping dessert without complex techniques.
• Quick and Convenient Crowd-Pleaser: With just 35 minutes of baking time and simple ingredients, this cake delivers maximum flavor and impressive results, ideal for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Celebrate Any Moment: Whether it's a birthday, romantic date night, or casual weekend treat, this rich chocolate cake with potential strawberry frosting or filling transforms ordinary moments into delightful celebrations.
• Customize with Ease: The versatile recipe allows creative modifications like adding fresh strawberries, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream, letting bakers personalize their dessert experience without complicated adjustments.

What You Need For Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Light and soft base for cake structure, unbleached flour works best.
• Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate flavor, Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for richer taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's moisture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for cake's rise and texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness and structure to the cake.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tanginess.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and softness in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out chocolate flavor.
• Hot Coffee: Intensifies chocolate taste and creates a more moist cake.

• Fresh Strawberries: Bright, fresh topping that complements chocolate, choose ripe and firm berries.
• Heavy Cream: Base for potential frosting or whipped cream topping.
• Chocolate: Optional for garnish or additional chocolate drizzle, dark chocolate recommended.

How To Bake Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your cake pans and give them some love with a light coating of oil or butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure a smooth cake release.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and look like a chocolatey dream.

Step 3: Bring the Cake to Life

• Fresh eggs
• Creamy buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything with enthusiasm until smooth. Here’s the magic touch: pour in hot coffee and watch the batter transform into a silky, rich mixture.

Step 4: Bake with Passion

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the waiting oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool and Prepare

Let the cakes rest for 10 minutes in their pans. Gently remove them and place on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before the next exciting step.

Step 6: Craft the Strawberry Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh strawberry puree

Beat until light, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Assemble the Masterpiece

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting. Carefully position the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 8: Decorate with Flair

• Fresh strawberry slices
• Chocolate shavings
• Optional chocolate drizzle

Slice, serve, and watch everyone fall in love with your incredible chocolate strawberry creation!

Tips To Nail Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Boost Coffee Flavor: Enhance the chocolate cake's depth by using high-quality espresso or strong dark roast coffee, which intensifies the rich chocolate notes without overwhelming sweetness.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Ensure precise baking time and check doneness with a toothpick test to maintain moisture; remove cake from oven the moment it passes the test to keep texture tender and soft.
• Create Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, adding xanthan gum for better structure and maintaining the cake's delicate crumb.
• Maximize Strawberry Complement: Select ripe, in-season strawberries and macerate them with a touch of sugar before decorating to intensify their natural sweetness and create a juicier topping.
• Control Batter Consistency: If the batter seems too thin, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking, which helps stabilize ingredients and ensures even cake texture.

How To Store Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe Without Losing Moisture

• Preserve your delectable chocolate strawberry cake's freshness by storing it properly.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping the cake away from strong-smelling foods.
• When ready to serve, let the cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to restore its soft, moist texture.
• For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and decorating to maintain its incredible flavor and tender crumb.

Great Pairings With Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir that complements the chocolate's deep flavors and balances the cake's sweetness with its tannic structure.
• Match with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the cake to create a delightful temperature contrast and enhance the strawberry and chocolate notes.
• Combine with Espresso or Cappuccino: The strong coffee undertones in the cake make an espresso or cappuccino an ideal companion, intensifying the chocolate's rich taste and providing a warm, aromatic finish.
• Enjoy with Fresh Berries Garnish: Add a small side of fresh mixed berries like raspberries or blackberries to amplify the strawberry element and provide a refreshing, tart counterpoint to the cake's decadence.

Fun Variations On Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Berry Bonanza Cake: Replace strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry chocolate cake that bursts with fresh fruit flavors.
• Nutty Chocolate Delight: Fold chopped almonds or hazelnuts into the batter and sprinkle crushed nuts between cake layers for added crunch and rich, toasted undertones.
• Mocha Strawberry Fusion: Enhance the coffee notes by adding a shot of espresso to the chocolate frosting and garnishing with chocolate-covered espresso beans alongside fresh strawberry slices.
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Strawberry: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers and top with caramelized strawberries for a sweet and salty flavor profile.

Top Questions About Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Why use hot coffee in the chocolate cake batter?

Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a deeper, richer taste. It also adds moisture and helps activate the cocoa powder, resulting in a more intense chocolate experience.

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

Absolutely! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and it’ll work perfectly in the recipe.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overworking the toothpick test to prevent unnecessary holes in your cake.

• What makes this chocolate cake so moist?

The combination of vegetable oil, buttermilk, and hot coffee creates an incredibly moist texture. These ingredients work together to keep the cake soft, tender, and deliciously rich.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate strawberry cake merges rich cocoa layers with luscious strawberry cream, creating a dessert that whispers sweet romance. Delicate flavor balance and elegant presentation promise pure culinary bliss you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 grams) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (3 grams) salt

Cake Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) hot coffee (or hot water for a milder taste)

Strawberry and Chocolate Topping:

• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
• 1 cup (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (75 grams) fresh strawberries, sliced
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully coat two 9-inch circular baking vessels with a light layer of grease and line with parchment paper, ensuring smooth surface coverage.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly combining flour, cocoa powder, granulated sweetener, leavening agents, and sodium chloride in a spacious mixing receptacle. Whisk until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
3. Transform the dry mixture into a cohesive batter by introducing liquid components: beaten eggs, cultured dairy liquid, vegetable-derived fat, and aromatic extract. Blend until ingredients integrate seamlessly, maintaining a silky texture.
4. Incorporate the hot coffee essence, which will thin the mixture and enhance the chocolate’s deep, robust flavor profile. Gently stir to ensure complete integration.
5. Distribute the liquid chocolate composition evenly between the prepared baking containers, guaranteeing balanced volume and consistent depth.
6. Position the filled pans into the preheated thermal environment. Allow the confection to transform for 30-35 minutes, monitoring doneness by inserting a slender testing implement into the center – it should emerge without raw batter residue.
7. After removing from the oven, permit the chocolate layers to rest and stabilize for approximately 10 minutes. Carefully extract the delicate cakes from their metal constraints and transfer to a cooling surface, allowing complete temperature reduction before further preparation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake’s taste profile.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter that bakes evenly.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the filling and decoration to add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the chocolate cake.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 45 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg