Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly marries the rich, velvety taste of chocolate with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. This cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a celebration of two beloved ingredients that have captured hearts and palates for generations. Originating from the classic combination of chocolate and fruit, this cake has become a staple at birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions, bringing joy to those who indulge in its luscious layers.
What I love most about Chocolate Strawberry Cake is its incredible versatility. The moist chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a texture that is both decadent and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will surely become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients:
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ 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 Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Preparing the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure that your cakes come out easily after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! It helps create a moist cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Strawberry Filling
- While the cakes are cooling, let’s prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Toss the strawberries gently to coat them in the sugar and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the strawberries to release their juices and create a delicious syrup.
- After the strawberries have macerated, you can choose to leave them as is for a chunky filling or mash them slightly with a fork for a smoother texture. I usually prefer a mix of both for added texture!
Making the Chocolate Ganache
- To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Once the cream is hot, remove it from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- After 5 minutes, whisk the mixture until it is smooth and glossy. If you find any lumps, you can return it to low heat for a minute while stirring until fully melted.
- Let the ganache cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly, which will make it easier to spread on the cake.
Assembling the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. This will be the base layer.
- Spread a generous amount of the strawberry filling over the top of the first cake layer. Make sure to leave a little space around the edges to prevent the filling
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chocolate Strawberry Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. The moist, decadent layers of chocolate cake paired with the sweet, juicy strawberries create a dessert that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding a hint of orange zest to the frosting for a citrusy twist or incorporating a layer of chocolate ganache for an extra layer of indulgence. I encourage you to try this Chocolate Strawberry Cake and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added. Remember, baking is all about having fun and making it your own, so don’t hesitate to get creative. Happy baking! Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cake: A Decadent Delight for Every Occasion
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake features rich chocolate layers filled with sweet strawberry filling and topped with luscious chocolate ganache, making it perfect for celebrations or a delightful treat any day!
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake layers
- Strawberry filling
- Chocolate ganache
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry filling.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired.
- Slice and serve your delicious chocolate strawberry cake!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the strawberry filling by adding more or less sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
