Description
This luscious Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines rich cocoa-flavored layers with a fresh strawberry filling and decadent chocolate frosting. Perfectly moist chocolate cake is layered with a sweet strawberry compote and enveloped in silky chocolate buttercream, then garnished with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, making it an irresistible dessert for any celebration or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee
Strawberry Filling
- 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (450g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries (halved)
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Drizzle of chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Liquid: Slowly pour in the boiling water or hot coffee while stirring gently. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and results in a moist cake.
- Divide Batter and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Make Chocolate Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder while beating on low speed. Then add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream or milk. Increase the speed and beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake – First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Evenly spread a layer of the chocolate frosting over the cake.
- Add Strawberry Filling: Spoon the cooled strawberry filling over the chocolate frosting layer, spreading it gently to cover evenly.
- Add Second Cake Layer and Frost: Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry filling. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
- Smooth Frosting: Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting for a professional finish.
- Garnish: Decorate the cake with halved fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings or curls, and optionally drizzle chocolate ganache for extra decadence.
- Serve: Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve. Enjoy the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries!
Notes
- Use hot coffee instead of boiling water to enhance the chocolate flavor in the cake.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cool before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
- Fresh strawberries in the filling add natural sweetness and texture—avoid overcooking to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs, milk, butter, and cream with plant-based alternatives.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
