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Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Olivia Brooks
This Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe combines fluffy chocolate cake, juicy strawberries, vanilla, cream, and butter for the ultimate celebration treat.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 to 12 slices
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • Two 8-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium).
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan (for strawberry filling)
  • Cooling racks
  • Offset spatula
  • Serrated knife (for leveling layers)

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 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 hot water or hot coffee

For the Strawberry Filling

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries chopped
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream plus more if needed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pans

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

  • Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and combined. Slowly pour in hot water or hot coffee and mix gently. The batter will be thin — that’s perfectly normal.

Step 4: Bake

  • Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.

Step 5: Make Strawberry Filling

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until berries soften and release juices.
  • Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Frosting

  • Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually. Pour in heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

  • Level cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate frosting around the outer edge to create a border. Spoon strawberry filling into the center.
  • Place second cake layer on top. Frost the entire cake smoothly using an offset spatula.
  • Decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
Keyword Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe