Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with this Strawberry Chocolate Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Natalie Warren

Created by

Natalie Warren

Last updated on 2025-12-23T03:42:37.091Z

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines the richness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, making it a showstopper dessert that everyone will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
  • Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

A Perfect Combination of Flavors

The Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a luscious dessert that beautifully balances the richness of chocolate with the refreshing sweetness of strawberries. The combination of these two flavors creates a symphony on your palate that will leave you craving more. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the deep, chocolaty notes and the bright, fruity essence of strawberries, making this cake a standout choice for any dessert table.

Using fresh strawberries enhances the cake's flavor profile, adding a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the decadent chocolate. This cake is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual treat, as the vibrant red strawberries peeking through the rich chocolate frosting create an enticing presentation. Whether served at a birthday party, wedding, or casual family gathering, this cake is sure to impress.

The Secret to a Moist Cake

Achieving a moist and fluffy cake is all about the right ingredients and techniques. In this recipe, the inclusion of boiling water in the batter is a crucial step. This not only helps to dissolve the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor, but also ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist throughout baking. The combination of eggs, milk, and vegetable oil further contributes to the cake's tender texture, making it melt in your mouth.

Another important factor is the cooling process. Allowing the cakes to cool in the pans for a short period before transferring them to wire racks helps them retain moisture. This attention to detail ensures that every slice of your Strawberry Chocolate Cake is as delightful as the last, making it a memorable dessert for you and your guests.

Tips for Decorating Your Cake

When it comes to decorating your Strawberry Chocolate Cake, the possibilities are endless! The key to a stunning presentation is to use fresh strawberries as a garnish. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness not only enhance the cake's appearance but also add an extra layer of flavor. You can arrange the strawberries in a decorative pattern on top or even slice them and layer them between the cake layers for a more dramatic effect.

Consider adding a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even incorporate some chocolate shavings or sprinkles for added texture. Remember, the decoration should complement the flavors of the cake while also reflecting your personal style. With just a few thoughtful touches, your Strawberry Chocolate Cake will be a showstopper!

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start baking.

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make your cake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Then add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add fresh strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Garnish with more strawberries.

Let the cake sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage 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 enjoy it for a longer period, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance its flavors and textures.

For serving, slice the cake into generous pieces and pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This adds an extra layer of indulgence that complements the chocolate and strawberry flavors beautifully. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch things up, consider experimenting with different types of chocolate in your cake. Dark chocolate will provide a more intense flavor, while milk chocolate offers a sweeter profile. You can also try adding a hint of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate taste, creating a rich and sophisticated dessert that coffee lovers will adore.

For a fruity twist, try incorporating other berries such as raspberries or blueberries. These can be added to the frosting or layered within the cake itself. Each variation brings its unique flair, allowing you to customize your Strawberry Chocolate Cake to suit your taste preferences or to celebrate seasonal fruits.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, 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 unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with this Strawberry Chocolate Cake, a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Natalie Warren

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Cake Ingredients

  1. 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  3. 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  5. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  6. 1 teaspoon salt
  7. 2 large eggs
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  10. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  11. 1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  4. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  5. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  6. Fresh strawberries for garnish

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Then add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.

Step 02

Pour the batter evenly into two greased and floured 9-inch round cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Step 04

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then add fresh strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Garnish with more strawberries.

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