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 tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with this exquisite Strawberry Chocolate Cake.

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2025-12-21T09:06:02.437Z

Experience the perfect balance of flavors with our Strawberry Chocolate Cake. This delightful dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the fresh sweetness of strawberries, creating a cake that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Moist and decadent texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Strawberry Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert; it's a celebration on a plate. Whether you're hosting a birthday party, an anniversary celebration, or simply want to impress your family during a weekend dinner, this cake fits the bill perfectly. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious, making it the centerpiece of any gathering.

This cake also pairs beautifully with various beverages. Serve it alongside a glass of cold milk, a rich cup of coffee, or even a bubbly glass of champagne for special occasions. The versatile flavor profile means that it can cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring that everyone at your event will leave with a smile.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results when making Strawberry Chocolate Cake, it’s essential to follow the recipe closely. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise and texture. When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing once the flour is added; this will help maintain the cake's light and fluffy texture.

Give your cakes ample time to cool before frosting. If the layers are still warm, the frosting may melt and slide off, leading to a messy presentation. Cooling your cakes on wire racks not only helps them cool evenly but also prevents them from becoming soggy.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you have any leftovers (which is often rare with this delicious cake!), storing them properly is key to maintaining freshness. Place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. If the cake is already frosted, consider placing a piece of wax paper between the cake and the lid to prevent the frosting from sticking.

For an extra touch, consider serving the cake with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors, creating a delightful contrast in textures that your guests will love.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Strawberry Filling

In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until combined.

Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the cake.

Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with chocolate frosting.

Garnish with additional strawberries on top if desired.

Let the cake set for about 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

While Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a rich treat, it’s also important to consider portion sizes. A slice can provide a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, making it an indulgent dessert that can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

If you're looking to make it a bit healthier, consider substituting some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate can increase antioxidants and reduce sugar content, giving you a more guilt-free indulgence.

Customizing Your Cake

One of the great things about this Strawberry Chocolate Cake recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or frostings. For instance, you can substitute the strawberry filling with a raspberry or cherry alternative, which will give a different yet delightful flavor profile.

If you're a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans between the layers for an added crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also adds a new layer of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.