If you’re looking for the perfect dessert that’s both stunning and delicious, this strawberry chocolate cake is it! Rich, moist chocolate cake layers are filled with sweet, juicy strawberries and covered in a smooth, creamy chocolate frosting. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, with no complicated techniques required. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion like a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just want to treat yourself, this homemade strawberry chocolate cake is guaranteed to impress. Keep reading to find out how to create this unforgettable dessert from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Cake
This strawberry chocolate cake combines two classic flavors into one irresistible dessert. The rich, moist chocolate layers are perfectly balanced by a fresh strawberry filling and a creamy chocolate frosting, making every bite pure heaven. It’s a show-stopping cake that’s surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you’re craving something special. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create a bakery-quality cake that looks as good as it tastes. Once you try it, this strawberry chocolate cake is sure to become a favorite for every celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chocolate cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the strawberry filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk (more if needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For decoration:
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth.
- Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Filling
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl and toss them with sugar.
- Let the strawberries sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out their juices, creating a syrupy mixture.
Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
- Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then continue to beat the frosting until it’s smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the first cake layer on a serving platter.
- Spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top of the first cake layer.
- Add a generous layer of the strawberry filling on top of the frosting, ensuring an even spread.
- Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down to secure the layers.
- Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
- Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries for a beautiful finish.
Chill and Serve
- Allow the assembled cake to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help the frosting set.
- Slice and serve the cake, enjoying the decadent layers of chocolate and fresh strawberry filling.
Expert Tips
For a truly bakery-worthy strawberry chocolate cake, a few simple tips make all the difference. First, always use room temperature ingredients—they mix more evenly and create a smoother batter. When mixing, be careful not to overbeat the cake batter; this keeps your cake tender and moist. Before assembling, chill the cake layers in the refrigerator to make stacking and frosting much easier. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the filling to maximize flavor, and pat them dry to avoid making the cake soggy. Finally, apply a thin crumb coat of frosting first to trap any loose crumbs, then chill the cake briefly before adding the final layer of frosting for a clean, polished look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Even though this strawberry chocolate cake is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Avoid using underripe or overripe strawberries, as they can make the filling either too tart or too watery. Always let your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and slipping. Don’t skip the crumb coat — that thin first layer of frosting helps you achieve a smooth, clean finish. Also, be sure not to overmix your batter, or the cake can turn out dense instead of light and fluffy. With a little extra attention to these details, you’ll bake a strawberry chocolate cake that looks beautiful and tastes incredible.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry chocolate cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious, so make sure to serve it in style! For the perfect presentation, slice the cake carefully with a warm knife to get clean cuts and showcase the beautiful layers. Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors. You can also drizzle extra chocolate ganache or caramel sauce over the cake to add a touch of extra indulgence. If you’re serving it at a party, garnish with additional strawberries or even mint leaves for a fresh, vibrant look.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid soggy layers.
2. How do I make the cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chocolate frosting ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and re-whip it for a few seconds before frosting the cake.
4. How do I prevent the strawberries from sinking into the cake?
To keep the strawberries from sinking, toss them in a small amount of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the cake layers. This helps them stay suspended in the filling.
5. Can I make this as cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake batter in a muffin tin to make individual strawberry chocolate cupcakes. Adjust the baking time, as cupcakes will take about 15-20 minutes to bake.
Final Conclusion on Strawberry Chocolate Cake
This strawberry chocolate cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy any sweet tooth. With its rich chocolate layers, fresh strawberry filling, and creamy chocolate frosting, it’s a deliciously indulgent treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a special gathering, or simply craving a homemade dessert, this cake will definitely impress. Easy to make and fully customizable, it’s a foolproof recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice—this strawberry chocolate cake is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. If you’re looking for another delicious dessert, try making a No Bake Eclair Cake with Cream Cheese—it’s a quick and creamy treat that pairs perfectly with your strawberry chocolate cake