Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake, featuring rich chocolate layers complemented by fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat on any day, this recipe captures the delightful contrast between luscious chocolate and vibrant berry flavors, making it a standout choice for cake lovers. Impress your family and friends with a stunning dessert that not only tastes divine but also looks gorgeous on any dessert table.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that harmoniously blends the deep, rich flavor of chocolate with the bright and refreshing notes of fresh strawberries. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it an exceptionally satisfying dessert. The combination is so timeless that it's sure to please both chocolate lovers and fruit enthusiasts alike.
The layers of moist chocolate cake serve as the perfect backdrop for the strawberries, creating a visually appealing dessert that's almost too beautiful to eat. The fresh strawberries add a natural juiciness that perfectly contrasts the dense cake texture, making each slice a wonderfully textural experience. With this cake, you not only indulge your sweet tooth but also enjoy the benefits of delicious fruit!
A Versatile All-Occasion Dessert
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert for special occasions; it's versatile enough to be enjoyed any time. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer picnic, or simply craving something sweet, this cake fits the bill perfectly. Its eye-catching appearance elevates any dessert table, making it a great choice for gatherings.
The layers of chocolate and strawberries can be adapted for various occasions, from layered cakes for anniversaries to smaller versions for casual get-togethers. Plus, with simple adjustments, you can make it gluten-free or incorporate other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, allowing for endless variations that suit every palate and dietary need.
Tips for Baking Success
To ensure your Strawberry Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly every time, pay close attention to your baking time. Each oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This helps you achieve that desired moist texture without the risk of overbaking.
Cooling the cakes is equally crucial. Allowing them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then on a wire rack prevents them from becoming soggy. Additionally, when it comes to frosting, ensure your butter is adequately softened so that it blends seamlessly with the powdered sugar, creating a smooth and creamy frosting that can easily spread on your cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
Mix ingredients well and prepare for baking.
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa, beating well. Stir in vanilla and enough heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake
Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over the top. Add half of the halved strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate
Garnish the cake with remaining strawberries and chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!
Serve with a side of fresh strawberries.
Ways to Customize Your Cake
One of the joys of baking is the ability to personalize recipes to your taste, and this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is no exception. You can easily enhance the flavors by incorporating different extracts or adding a dash of espresso powder to amplify the chocolate richness. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts or using a textured layer like crushed cookies between the cake layers.
Additionally, if you want to switch up the frosting, consider a cream cheese frosting or even a whipped ganache for a lighter touch. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting can yield deliciously unique results that make this cake your signature dessert.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage is key to maintaining the flavor and freshness of your Strawberry Chocolate Cake. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days if covered, but for longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a zip-top bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits!
When it comes to serving your cake, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a delightful a la mode experience. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect finish to any meal or a sweet treat during afternoon gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture.
→ How do I store the cake?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake, featuring rich chocolate layers complemented by fresh, juicy strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat on any day, this recipe captures the delightful contrast between luscious chocolate and vibrant berry flavors, making it a standout choice for cake lovers. Impress your family and friends with a stunning dessert that not only tastes divine but also looks gorgeous on any dessert table.
Created by: Brianna Tate
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 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa, beating well. Stir in vanilla and enough heavy cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over the top. Add half of the halved strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish the cake with remaining strawberries and chocolate shavings. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g