The Dreamiest Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when a decadent chocolate strawberry cake appears on the table.

Luscious layers promise pure delight for anyone seeking a spectacular dessert.

Ripe strawberries and rich cocoa create a magical combination that melts hearts instantly.

Summer afternoons feel more special with this delightful treat waiting to be savored.

Passionate bakers understand how simple ingredients can become extraordinary culinary experiences.

Unexpected flavor connections make each slice a moment of pure pleasure.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate pure deliciousness.

Strawberry Cake Companion Matches

• Pair Rich Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the chocolate and strawberry flavors, enhancing the cake's decadent profile and providing a sophisticated drinking experience.
• Chill Champagne Alongside: Serve a crisp, slightly sweet champagne or prosecco that cuts through the cake's richness while echoing the strawberry notes, creating a celebratory and refreshing contrast.
• Match Creamy Dessert Liqueur: Introduce a smooth strawberry or chocolate liqueur like Baileys or Godiva, which intensifies the cake's flavor complexity and offers a luxurious post-dessert sipping experience.
• Brew Complementary Coffee: Prepare a medium-roast espresso or French press coffee with subtle chocolate undertones to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a warm, aromatic accompaniment.

Strawberry Cake Style Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Strawberry Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain cake structure.
• Vegan Berry Chocolate Creation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk. Create a vegan ganache using coconut cream and dark chocolate.
• Low-Sugar Berry Chocolate Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate mashed ripe strawberries for natural sweetness. Choose a sugar-free dark chocolate for the ganache.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Strawberry Treat: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and select dairy-free chocolate for ganache. Keep the rich chocolate flavor while accommodating lactose-intolerant guests.

FAQs

• Why bloom cocoa powder with boiling water?

Blooming cocoa powder with boiling water helps release its rich flavor and creates a deeper, more intense chocolate taste. This technique also ensures the cocoa dissolves completely, resulting in a smoother, more consistent cake batter.

• Can I use frozen strawberries for the buttercream?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can make the buttercream watery and affect the consistency. If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain them completely before adding to the buttercream.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Properly grease the cake pans and dust them with flour. For extra insurance, you can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal and helps the cakes maintain their shape when turning them out.

• What makes this buttercream different from traditional buttercream?

This strawberry buttercream incorporates fresh chopped strawberries directly into the frosting, giving it a natural fruity flavor and beautiful pink color. Traditional buttercream is typically just sweet without fruit mixed in.

Tasty Reasons to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

• Effortlessly Impress Guests: Wow your friends and family with a stunning chocolate strawberry cake that looks like it came from a professional bakery, despite being surprisingly simple to make.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit different preferences by adjusting strawberry amounts or adding extra chocolate garnishes, making it a versatile dessert for any celebration.
• Burst of Fresh Flavors: Combine rich chocolate with bright, juicy strawberries for a delightful taste experience that balances sweet and tangy notes in every single bite.
• No-Stress Baking Process: Follow straightforward steps that guide you through cake-making, ensuring even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert without feeling overwhelmed.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Must-Haves

• All Purpose Flour: Fine powder for the cake structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Creates cake's light and fluffy rise.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps with cake's softness.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to chocolate flavor.
• Boiling Water: Helps bloom cocoa powder.

• Unsalted Butter: Base for creamy buttercream.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Sweetens and thickens buttercream.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds fruity flavor and texture.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates smooth chocolate coating.
• Chocolate: Provides rich, glossy ganache topping.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Baking Directions

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab three round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Cocoa Magic

Whisk cocoa powder with boiling water until it transforms into a smooth, silky mixture. Let it chill out and cool down.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until perfectly integrated.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour in the cooled cocoa mixture and blend until super smooth.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Strawberry Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing thoroughly. Gently fold in fresh chopped strawberries for bursts of fruity flavor.

Step 8: Craft Decadent Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until glossy and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 9: Assemble Showstopping Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread thick layer of strawberry buttercream. Add second layer and repeat. Crown with final layer. Cover entire cake with remaining buttercream. Drizzle ganache over top, letting it cascade down sides. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a dramatic finish.

Baking Help for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

• Elevate Cocoa Flavor: Bloom cocoa powder with boiling water to intensify the chocolate's rich, deep taste and create a smoother cake texture.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Do not overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake moist and tender.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Let ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve the perfect dripping effect without making the cake too runny.
• Master Buttercream Technique: Add confectioners' sugar gradually and beat well after each addition to create a silky, smooth strawberry buttercream without lumps.
• Enhance Flavor Balance: Use fresh strawberries in buttercream to add natural sweetness and bright, fruity notes that complement the chocolate perfectly.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Save Without Losing Texture

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent buttercream smearing.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 1 month for quick dessert access.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. For frozen slices, thaw in refrigerator for 4-6 hours, then let sit at room temperature for best texture and flavor restoration.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet chocolate strawberry cake combines rich cocoa layers with luscious strawberry cream, creating a romantic dessert perfect for special moments. Delicate berries and silky chocolate intertwine, promising indulgent bites that melt softly and leave you craving another slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole buttermilk, room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Strawberry Buttercream Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 6 to 8 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
• 1 pinch of salt

Ganache Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 ounces (100 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C), then thoroughly coat three 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a rich cocoa base by whisking cocoa powder with boiling water until achieving a silky, smooth consistency. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
3. Craft the dry foundation by combining flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
4. Merge wet components by blending vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate vessel. Incorporate the cooled cocoa mixture, stirring until achieving a uniform texture.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing minimally to maintain the cake’s delicate structure and prevent over-working the batter.
6. Distribute the batter evenly across prepared pans, then bake for 25-30 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick, which should emerge clean. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
7. Whip the buttercream by beating unsalted butter with a hint of salt until creamy. Gradually introduce confectioners’ sugar, creating a smooth consistency. Delicately fold chopped fresh strawberries into the mixture.
8. Construct the ganache by heating heavy whipping cream to a gentle simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate, allowing it to rest momentarily before stirring into a glossy, rich sauce. Let the ganache cool slightly.
9. Assemble the masterpiece by layering cake rounds with strawberry buttercream between each tier. Enrobe the entire cake with remaining buttercream, then cascade the slightly cooled ganache over the top, allowing elegant drips to form. Garnish with fresh strawberries for a stunning final presentation.

Notes

• Choose high-quality cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor that elevates the entire cake’s taste profile.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more uniform batter consistency.
• Gently fold strawberries into buttercream to prevent crushing and maintain delicate fruit texture throughout the frosting.
• When making ganache, use room temperature cream and chop chocolate uniformly for seamless, glossy chocolate coating without lumps.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg