If you love the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for you! This moist and fluffy chocolate strawberry cake is layered with luscious chocolate ganache, fresh strawberries, and a smooth, creamy frosting. Whether you’re looking for strawberry cake recipes for a special occasion or a sweet dish recipe to satisfy your cravings, this cake is a must-try!
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because, this strawberry chocolate dessert is simple enough for beginners but elegant enough to impress. If you’re searching for easy baking recipes desserts or need some cake inspo, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Cake
✔ Rich and Moist – A soft chocolate cake with fresh strawberry filling.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for birthdays, parties, or as a weekend treat.
✔ Simple Yet Elegant – A great balance of flavors with minimal effort.
✔ Chocolate and Strawberries = Perfection – The ultimate classic dessert combination.
✔ Customizable – Adjust sweetness, add extra toppings, or make it into cupcakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) butter, softened
- 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Extra strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Kitchen Equipment Required
✔ Two 8-inch cake pans – For even cake layers.
✔ Mixing bowls – To prepare the batter and frosting.
✔ Electric mixer – For smooth, lump-free batter and frosting.
✔ Spatula – For spreading the frosting evenly.
✔ Saucepan – To make the ganache.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice for 5-7 minutes until soft and syrupy. Let cool.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before using.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the cake.
- Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cake.
- Drizzle extra ganache on top and decorate with fresh strawberries.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar!
Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Strawberry Cake
✔ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – It makes a big difference in flavor.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined for a tender cake.
✔ Cool the Cakes Completely – Warm cakes will melt the frosting.
✔ Strain the Strawberry Filling – For a smoother texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the Parchment Paper – Helps prevent the cake from sticking.
🚫 Using Cold Ingredients – Room-temperature eggs and milk create a better texture.
🚫 Overbaking the Cake – Check with a toothpick to avoid a dry cake.
Variations and Substitutions
✔ White Chocolate Strawberry Cake – Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate ganache.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
✔ Dairy-Free Version – Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
✔ Cupcake Version – Divide batter into muffin tins and bake for 18-20 minutes.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing:
- Wrap cake layers individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight and assemble when needed.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
🍓 Top with Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – For an extra indulgent touch.
🍫 Dust with Cocoa Powder – A classic, elegant finish.
☕ Pair with Coffee or Hot Chocolate – Complements the richness of the cake.
🍦 Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream – The perfect balance of flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! Thaw them first and drain excess liquid before cooking.
2. What’s the best chocolate to use for ganache?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a rich flavor.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cakes and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling.
4. How do I make the cake extra moist?
Add ½ cup sour cream to the batter for an ultra-moist texture.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate and strawberry lovers! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, need sweet snack recipes, or want a stunning cake inspo, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and subscribe for more delicious chocolate strawberry dessert ideas!
PrintStrawberry Chocolate Cake : A Decadent Dessert
If you love the combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for you!
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) butter, softened
- 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (45g) cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration (Optional):
- Extra strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring until smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, cook chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice for 5-7 minutes until soft and syrupy. Let cool.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before using.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Frosting
Using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the cake.
- Pour a thin layer of chocolate ganache over the strawberries.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the cake.
- Drizzle extra ganache on top and decorate with fresh strawberries.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar!
Notes
✔ Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder – It makes a big difference in flavor.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined for a tender cake.
✔ Cool the Cakes Completely – Warm cakes will melt the frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Keywords: Strawberry Chocolate Cake