Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

This chocolate strawberry cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich, moist chocolate cake layers with fresh strawberries and a luscious chocolate ganache. With a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and fruity sweetness, this cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Moist – The perfect soft and fudgy chocolate cake texture.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor – A natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a foolproof process.
• Show-Stopping Dessert – A stunning cake perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk or buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh strawberries, diced
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch (for thickening)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• Dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• Heavy cream
• Butter (for shine)

For Decoration (Optional):

• Whole strawberries
• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream

Directions

Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine & Add Coffee – Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet, then stir in hot coffee.
5. Bake – Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Filling:

1. Cook Strawberries – In a saucepan, mix diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Simmer – Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. Cool before using.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream – Warm heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil).
2. Melt Chocolate – Pour cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Add butter for shine. Let cool slightly.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake – Place one cake layer on a plate, spread strawberry filling evenly, then top with the second cake layer.
2. Pour Ganache – Drizzle ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
3. Decorate – Garnish with whole strawberries, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake – Dip strawberries in melted chocolate for extra decoration.
• Strawberry Buttercream Frosting – Swap ganache for a strawberry-infused buttercream.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Extra Fudgy Cake – Add ½ cup sour cream to the batter for more moisture.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat – Let the cake sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid before making the filling.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Use buttermilk instead of regular milk and don’t overbake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble before serving.

Can I use store-bought chocolate cake mix?

Yes, for convenience, but homemade gives the best flavor.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for ganache?

Use a microwave in 20-second intervals or a double boiler.

Do I have to use coffee in the cake?

No, but it enhances the chocolate flavor. Hot water can be used instead.

Can I use white chocolate ganache?

Yes! White chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberries.

How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Measure ingredients accurately and do not overbake.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes! Bake for about 18-20 minutes in a muffin tin.

What’s the best knife for cutting the cake cleanly?

Use a serrated knife and wipe it clean between slices.

Conclusion

Chocolate strawberry cake is the perfect dessert for chocolate and fruit lovers alike. With its rich, moist layers, fresh strawberry filling, and silky chocolate ganache, this cake is a true showstopper. Whether for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this homemade delight will impress every time. Try it today!

Print