Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in this luscious cake.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a perfect blend of flavors that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. The moist chocolate sponge is layered with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a gathering of friends, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is sure to impress. Its rich chocolate base and fresh strawberry filling create a stunning visual and flavor combination that's perfect for celebrations. The cake not only looks beautiful but tastes divine, making it an ideal centerpiece for any dessert table.
The moist and fluffy texture of the cake complements the light and airy strawberry filling, creating a harmonious balance. Each bite is a delightful experience, where the intense chocolate flavor meets the sweetness of fresh strawberries. This cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings joy and satisfaction to everyone who indulges in it.
Tips for Baking Success
Baking a cake can sometimes be intimidating, but with a few tips, you'll be on your way to creating this delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake like a pro. First, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps them to mix more easily and creates a smoother batter. Additionally, don’t skip the boiling water step; it enhances the chocolate flavor and ensures a moist cake.
Another helpful tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we want to avoid. Lastly, always test your cakes for doneness with a toothpick. Each oven is different, so keep an eye on your cakes to prevent overbaking.
Storing 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 keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, especially if your kitchen is warm. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
When it comes to serving, this cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. You can also garnish with additional chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent touch. This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for the palate.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Whole strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before starting the preparation.
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 the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry filling over the top. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining filling.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for best results.
Nutritional Information
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a delightful indulgence, but it's also essential to be mindful of portion sizes. Each slice contains a rich blend of flavors and nutrients, thanks to the fresh strawberries and quality ingredients used. While it may not be a daily treat, enjoying this cake on special occasions can fit into a balanced diet.
For those watching their sugar intake, consider substituting some granulated sugar with a sugar alternative or reducing the overall sugar amount slightly. This can help make the cake a little lighter while still retaining its delicious taste.
Variations to Try
If you're looking to mix things up, there are plenty of variations to try with this cake. For a different flavor twist, consider adding a layer of cream cheese frosting between the cake layers for a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. Alternatively, you can incorporate other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a delightful berry medley.
For a more adult version, consider adding a splash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or raspberry liqueur, to the whipped cream filling. This adds a sophisticated flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberries, perfect for a dinner party or a special celebration.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ How can I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers 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 assemble it just before serving.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in this luscious cake.
Created by: Holly James
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Whole strawberries
- 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 the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Slowly stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely on a wire rack.
In a medium bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry filling over the top. Place the second layer on top and spread the remaining filling. Decorate with whole strawberries and chocolate shavings.
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