Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in this decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake. This luscious dessert features layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy strawberry frosting, and luscious strawberry toppings that make it a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is perfect for indulging your sweet tooth and impressing your guests at the same time!
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a celebration of flavors, skillfully combining the deep, velvety taste of chocolate with the bright, refreshing notes of strawberries. Each bite offers a harmonious contrast that is both indulgent and refreshing. The chocolate cake is rich and moist, providing a wonderful canvas for the creamy strawberry frosting that captures the essence of fresh strawberries. This balance makes the cake suitable for a range of occasions, from formal celebrations to casual family gatherings.
The integration of strawberries into a classic chocolate cake creates a unique dessert experience. Fresh strawberries not only add a burst of color but also introduce a natural sweetness that complements the cocoa's richness. This cake embraces the best of both worlds, making it an excellent choice for those who love chocolate yet seek a hint of fruitiness. It's a recipe designed to tantalize your taste buds and guarantee a memorable dessert for your guests.
A Showstopper for Any Occasion
Whether you're crafting a cake for a birthday, an anniversary, or a casual gathering, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is sure to impress. Its stunning layers and beautiful decoration make it not only delicious but visually striking. Imagine bringing this cake to the table, adorned with fresh strawberry halves and delicate chocolate shavings, eliciting gasps of delight from your guests. It's a dessert that doesn’t just taste good but also leaves a lasting impression.
Moreover, the cake can be customized to fit various dietary preferences. With a few simple substitutions, you can create a gluten-free or dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor. This adaptability ensures everyone can enjoy the cake, making it a versatile choice for inclusive celebrations. Your loved ones are bound to feel special when served this delightful dessert, tailored just for them.
Tips for Baking Success
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups 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 Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!
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, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Frosting
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on top of one layer, then stack the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with halved strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Slice and serve your beautiful cake!
Storage and Shelf Life
After baking your Strawberry Chocolate Cake, it's important to store it properly to maintain freshness. Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to store it for a longer period, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. However, be aware that refrigeration might slightly alter the frosting's texture, making it less creamy than when freshly made.
For longer storage, freeze slices of the cake. Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply take out a slice, let it thaw in the refrigerator, and enjoy the take on a rich chocolate delight with fresh strawberries.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your Strawberry Chocolate Cake with a complimentary beverage can elevate the dessert experience. A cup of rich coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a refreshing twist, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to counterbalance the chocolate's richness. The creaminess adds a delightful element, making every bite even more enjoyable.
To enhance the presentation, consider drizzling a simple chocolate ganache over the cake before serving. This additional layer of rich chocolate not only amplifies the indulgence but also creates an eye-catching appeal. Mixing and matching flavors opens a world of possibilities, making your cake not just a treat, but a gourmet experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
→ How do I store leftover cake?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Experience the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in this decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake. This luscious dessert features layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy strawberry frosting, and luscious strawberry toppings that make it a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Created by: Lacey Montgomery
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 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 Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on top of one layer, then stack the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with halved strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 3g