Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich layers of chocolate and the fresh burst of strawberries in this delightful Strawberry Chocolate Cake.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2025-12-23T02:00:46.759Z

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry slices
Moist and fluffy texture that's irresistible
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Chocolate Cake Base

A chocolate cake serves as the ideal canvas for a variety of flavors, and this recipe truly excels in that regard. The combination of rich cocoa powder and granulated sugar creates a deep, indulgent flavor that is simply irresistible. The addition of baking powder and baking soda ensures that the cake rises beautifully, resulting in a moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you're a chocolate lover or just looking for a decadent dessert, this cake base will not disappoint.

One of the secrets to a successful chocolate cake is the incorporation of boiling water into the batter. This step not only helps to dissolve the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor, but also contributes to the cake's overall moisture. The result is a cake that remains fresh and delicious for days, making it perfect for any occasion. Pairing this chocolatey goodness with strawberries elevates it to a whole new level of dessert perfection.

Why Fresh Strawberries Matter

Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert, adding a vibrant burst of flavor and color. Their natural sweetness and slight tartness complement the rich chocolate cake beautifully, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Using ripe, in-season strawberries will ensure optimal flavor, so be sure to choose the juiciest berries you can find.

Besides their delicious taste, strawberries also bring a refreshing element to this cake. When layered between the chocolate cake and frosting, they provide a delightful contrast in texture, enhancing each bite. The juices released from the strawberries as they sit with sugar add an extra layer of sweetness and a hint of syrupy goodness that seeps into the cake layers, making every slice a delightful experience.

Frosting That Takes It Over the Top

The frosting for this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is as essential as the cake itself. Made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder, this rich and creamy frosting envelops the cake in a luscious layer of chocolatey goodness. The heavy cream adds a velvety texture that makes the frosting easy to spread while maintaining its structure.

For those who love a chocolatey finish, this frosting is a dream come true. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the chocolate flavor to shine through while perfectly complementing the fresh strawberries. Additionally, the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, giving it a warm and inviting aroma that will have everyone coming back for another slice.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Strawberries

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Make sure to wash and slice the strawberries ahead of time for the best presentation.

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of sugar. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes on medium speed. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, followed by a generous layer of strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional strawberries if desired.

Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before slicing for the best presentation.

Tips for Success

To ensure your cake rises perfectly, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can lead to a dense cake that doesn't rise as expected. It's also important to measure your ingredients accurately; consider using a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.

When preparing the strawberries, be patient while they sit with the sugar. This step is crucial as it allows the berries to release their juices, which will enhance their flavor and prevent the cake from becoming soggy. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the strawberries you use.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or even a casual get-together with friends. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress.

For a beautiful presentation, consider garnishing the top of the cake with additional fresh strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar. This not only enhances its visual appeal but also invites guests to dig in. Remember, the first bite is all about the visual aesthetics—make it inviting!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, you may want to refrigerate it to keep it fresh longer. Just be aware that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the cake and frosting.

For longer storage, consider freezing the cake layers before frosting. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then frost as desired for a quick and delicious dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce as an egg substitute.