Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of Strawberry Chocolate Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, making it a delightful treat that’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Moist and fluffy texture that pleases every palate
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries makes this cake a standout dessert. The intense chocolate flavor is beautifully complemented by the natural sweetness of the strawberries, creating a perfect harmony that delights the senses. Each bite offers a burst of flavor, making it an irresistible treat for both chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, the use of fresh strawberries not only enhances the taste but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your cake. This visual appeal makes it an excellent centerpiece for any dessert table, sure to impress your guests. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, this cake offers a blend of flavors and aesthetics that is hard to resist.
The Joy of Baking
Baking this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is not only rewarding but also a fun activity to enjoy with family and friends. The process of mixing ingredients, baking the layers, and assembling the cake creates an opportunity to bond and share in the joy of creating something delicious. It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to the kitchen and inspire a love for baking.
Moreover, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different fillings, such as whipped cream or other fruits, and even adjust the sweetness level of the frosting. This flexibility allows you to make the cake your own, ensuring that every bite reflects your personal taste.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
To keep your Strawberry Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
When it comes to serving, this cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which adds an extra layer of creaminess. Fresh strawberries can also be used as a garnish, offering a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate. Additionally, serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate the dessert experience even further.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for your delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake.
For the 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, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Chocolate Cake.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and vanilla, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it with additional strawberries if desired. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake!
Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family!
Tips for Success
For the best results, measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure that you have the right proportions, especially for the flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake, while too little can cause it to fall apart. Take your time with the mixing process to achieve a smooth batter that will rise beautifully during baking.
Always preheat your oven before placing the cake inside. This ensures even baking and helps the cake rise properly. Additionally, consider using an oven thermometer to verify that your oven is at the correct temperature, as this can greatly affect baking times and results.
Creative Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding different flavor elements. For instance, you can incorporate a splash of almond extract for a unique twist or add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake and the strawberry filling for extra indulgence. You could even try using a different type of berry for a seasonal variation, like raspberries or blueberries.
If you want to make this cake even more decadent, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter for a delightful surprise in every slice. This variation not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost it the day you plan to serve.
→ What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture as a substitute for eggs.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the rich and delightful flavors of Strawberry Chocolate Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Created by: Keira Thompson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the 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, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water until well combined.
Pour the batter into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 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 a wire rack to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and vanilla, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate frosting.
Slice the cake and serve it with additional strawberries if desired. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g