Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

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Chocolate strawberry cake is made with fresh strawberries and rich, delicious chocolate! It’s perfect for a special occasion and will appease all chocolate lovers.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (1)

Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling

This chocolate strawberry cake can’t be beat. It’s three layers of rich, fruity goodness. If you love chocolate-covered strawberries, then this cake is for you!

It’s perfect if you’re looking for a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert, or looking for something special to make for after an anniversary dinner!

Why You’ll Love this Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe:

  • Decadent dessert: Chocolate lovers are going to love this decadent chocolate cake. The strawberry filling makes it that much sweeter and pairs perfectly with the chocolate flavor!
  • Easy-to-make: This chocolate cake with strawberries is decadent with three layers, but it’s still super simple to make!

A triple-tiered, rich chocolate cake with strawberry filling, covered with chocolate frosting, and topped with fresh strawberries. Truly perfect for the occasion!

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2)

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (3)

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How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Chocolate Cake: Mix the cake batter, and pour into 3 round cake cake pans. Bake and let the layers cool.
  2. Strawberry Filling: Cook down the strawberries and sugar in a saucepan, until thickened, to make the filling.
  3. Chocolate Frosting: Combine ingredients in a mixer until it reaches a creamy consistency with stiff peaks.
  4. Assembly: Shave off the rounded tops of the cake to create flat layers. Then assemble layers of cake, frosting, and filling. Finish by frosting around the entire cake.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (4)
Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (5)

What is chocolate strawberry cake?

Chocolate strawberry cake is a rich chocolate layer cake filled with fresh strawberry filling and topped with chocolate frosting.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for chocolate strawberry cake?

While you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder you prefer, I like to use natural cocoa powder here because the baking soda helps to neutralize the acidity of natural cocoa powder, letting its rich flavor shine.

How do I keep chocolate cake moist?

To keep chocolate cake moist, always measure the dry ingredients using the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour or cocoa powder, as these both can dry out the cake.

Can I make chocolate strawberry cake with frozen strawberries?

Yes! If you are able to find frozen sliced strawberries, those are a great substitute! Simply add less water to the strawberries on the stovetop to account for the water released from the frozen strawberries.

Can I freeze chocolate strawberry cake?

Due to the high moisture content of the strawberry filling, I do not recommend freezing chocolate strawberry cake.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (6)

Decoration Tips

As the photos show, adding cut strawberry halves on top as decoration is a fun choice. If you’re making this cake for Valentine’s Day or an anniversary you can also shape the strawberry halves into a heart shape. I’d love to hear how you decorated it once you’re done. Drop a comment below if you made a unique design you’d like to share!

Make Ahead Instructions

You can bake the chocolate cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The strawberry filling can be cooked up to 1 day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chocolate strawberry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature. I do not recommend freezing this cake.

Substitutions

  • For a gluten-free cake, swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
  • In place of the vegetable oil, you can use any other neutral oil, such as canola, avocado, or coconut. Or, try melted butter!
  • You can use more granulated sugar in the cake in place of the brown sugar.
  • You can use any cocoa powder you have on hand for this recipe, as long as it is unsweetened.
  • You can use any milk you like in this recipe, including plant-based milk.
  • You can use frozen sliced strawberries in place of fresh; simply use less water!
  • If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you could also use raspberries or cherries.
  • In place of the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Strawberry Cake

  • Sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps. This will allow the batter to combine more easily.
  • Take care not to overmix the batter; otherwise, you’ll end up with a dry, tough cake.
  • Let the strawberry filling cool to room temperature before using.
  • While you can frost this cake at room temperature, the frosting will work best if the cake has been chilled beforehand.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (7)

I hope you enjoy this chocolate strawberry cake as much as I do. How did your cake turn out? Let me know in the comments below!

More Chocolate and Strawberry Recipes!

  • Chocolate Cupcakes
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Pops
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

If you make this recipe be sure to leave us a comment or rating. Enjoy!

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (8)

4.77 from 13 votes

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Chocolate strawberry cake is made with fresh strawberries and rich, delicious chocolate! It’s perfect for a special occasion and will appease all chocolate lovers!

Prep: 20 minutes minutes

Cook: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 slices

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (9)

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

  • cups all-purpose flour 420 grams
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda 12 grams
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder 4 grams
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 grams
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil 150 grams
  • 2 cups granulated sugar 400 grams
  • 1 cup brown sugar 213 grams
  • cups unsweetened cocoa powder 126 grams
  • 4 large eggs 200 grams
  • 2 cups whole milk 454 grams
  • 1 cup water 227 grams
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 12 grams

For the Strawberry Filling

  • cups sliced fresh strawberries 585 grams
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar 150 grams
  • 1 cup water 227 grams
  • tablespoons cornstarch 18 grams

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • 2 cups unsalted butter 452 grams, room temperature (4 sticks)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar 452 grams
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 84 grams
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 8 grams
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup heavy cream 114 grams

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)

  • 3 9-inch Round Cake Pan

  • Hand Mixer

Instructions

For the Chocolate Cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray. Set aside.

  • Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to a large bowl and whisk until combined.

    3½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, sugars, and cocoa powder together. Add in the eggs, milk, water, and vanilla extract and whisk until combined.

    ¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup brown sugar, 1½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 large eggs, 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until just combined.

  • Divide the batter evenly among the 3 cake pans (about 740 grams per pan).

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes.

For the Strawberry Filling

  • Add the strawberries and sugar to a saucepan over low-medium heat.

    3½ cups sliced fresh strawberries, ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • Whisk together the water and cornstarch and add to the strawberries.

    1 cup water, 2½ tablespoons cornstarch

  • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Allow to cool.

For the Chocolate Frosting

  • Using a hand mixer, cream the butter until smooth.

    2 cups unsalted butter

  • Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix until well incorporated.

    4 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Add in the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream and mix again until the frosting reaches a smooth and creamy consistency with stiff peaks.

    2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ cup heavy cream

For Assembly

  • Using a bread knife, shave off the rounded top of each cake to create a flat top.

    Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (10)

  • Transfer 1 cake layer to a cake stand and spread a thin layer of frosting over the top.

  • Pipe a ridge of frosting around the cake about ½-inch from the edge to prevent the filling from seeping out.

  • Spoon the strawberry filling on top, within the frosting border.

    Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (11)

  • Repeat this process (frosting the cake, piping the ridge, spooning the filling) with the 2nd layer. Place the 3rd layer of cake on top. Then, frost the entire exterior of the cake.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free cake, swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
  • In place of the vegetable oil, you can use any other neutral oil, such as canola, avocado, or coconut. Or, try melted butter!
  • You can use more granulated sugar in the cake in place of the brown sugar.
  • You can use any cocoa powder you have on hand for this recipe, as long as it is unsweetened.
  • You can use any milk you like in this recipe, including plant-based milk.
  • You can use frozen sliced strawberries in place of fresh; simply use less water!
  • If you’re not a fan of strawberries, you could also use raspberries or cherries.
  • In place of the heavy cream, you can use half-and-half.
  • Sift the dry ingredients to remove any lumps. This will allow the batter to combine more easily.
  • Take care not to overmix the batter; otherwise, you’ll end up with a dry, tough cake.
  • Let the strawberry filling cool to room temperature before using.
  • While you can frost this cake at room temperature, the frosting will work best if the cake has been chilled beforehand.

Storage:Store chocolate strawberry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 slice)

Calories 1074Calories from Fat 486

% Daily Value*

Fat 54g83%

Saturated Fat 27g169%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 10g

Monounsaturated Fat 14g

Cholesterol 159mg53%

Sodium 568mg25%

Potassium 507mg14%

Carbohydrates 149g50%

Fiber 8g33%

Sugar 108g120%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 1252IU25%

Vitamin C 25mg30%

Calcium 147mg15%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin – Easy Dessert Recipes

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Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe - Easy Dessert Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is a secret ingredient for cakes? ›

To summarize, applesauce is a secret weapon for creating moist and healthier cakes. Its natural sweetness and moisture make it a great substitute for high-fat ingredients like oil or butter. So go ahead, embrace the power of applesauce and elevate your cakes to new levels of deliciousness!

What is the best chocolate for chocolate covered strawberries? ›

Chocolate chips work perfectly fine; chopped chocolate bars or melting wafers work even better. And it doesn't matter which type of chocolate you prefer—dark, milk, or white—they all make delicious chocolate-covered strawberries!

Can you use Hershey's bar for chocolate covered strawberries? ›

If you're feeling crafty, grab some wooden skewers and make a chocolate covered strawberries bouquet. No matter the occasion, HERSHEY'S chocolate covered strawberries are guaranteed to impress.

What fruit goes well with chocolate cake? ›

Dark Chocolate + Sweet Fruit

Great examples are banana, mango, figs, pears, and, of course, strawberries. That punch of sweetness will balance the bitterness and leave you with a harmonious bite.

What is the main ingredient that makes a cake moist? ›

One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise.

Which 2 ingredients help the cake to rise? ›

A leavening agent is baking soda, yeast or baking powder. It's that magical ingredient that makes your cakes rise.

How do you keep chocolate from falling off strawberries? ›

Wash and Thoroughly Dry the Strawberries First

I like to do this in advance and allow the strawberries to sit on some paper towels for at least an hour, allowing them to fully air dry. Dipping a damp strawberry will not only ruin your melted chocolate but it won't stick properly to the strawberry.

Why do strawberries and chocolate go so well together? ›

They're a tasty combination of the sweet, tangy flavor of strawberries and the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate.

Why won t my chocolate-covered strawberries harden? ›

This is the number one problem people have. A huge mistake people make is washing their berries right before dipping them in chocolate. The chocolate then can't adhere to the skin of the strawberries because there is still moisture on them from the water! Your berries need to be dry when you dip them.

Can you use M&Ms for chocolate-covered strawberries? ›

Introducing Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries made with M&M'S® MINIS. The treat everyone knows and loves is sweet for the classic things (in fact, chocolate-dipped strawberries are hard to beat no matter what the occasion is), but when you add even more chocolate to the mix, well, you have something extra special.

How do you store chocolate-covered strawberries after making them? ›

Chocolate-covered strawberries will last for two to three days in the refrigerator. It's impossible to prevent condensation completely, but placing a paper towel sprinkled with baking soda at the bottom of your storage container may help soak up some of the moisture.

How to melt a Hershey bar for chocolate-covered strawberries? ›

Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Place the chocolate and shortening in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth. (If using candy bars, coarsely chop chocolate before adding to saucepan.). Remove from heat.

What two cake flavors go well together? ›

Other Classic Cake Flavor Combinations
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Lemon Buttercream.
  • Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream.
  • Sweet Potato Cake with Marshmallow Frosting.
  • Gingerbread Cake with Mocha Buttercream.
  • Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.
  • Dark Chocolate Orange Cake with Chocolate Ganache.
May 26, 2023

What can I top a chocolate cake with besides frosting? ›

10 Aesthetic Ways to Decorate a Cake Other Than Frosting
  1. Fondant. Fondant is an extremely useful and versatile decorating material. ...
  2. Ganache. Ganache is a smooth and silky glaze made of chocolate and cream. ...
  3. Fruit. ...
  4. Buttercream Icing. ...
  5. Flowers. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Sprinkles. ...
  8. Marshmallows.
Jun 18, 2023

What drink goes best with chocolate cake? ›

Chocolate cake

Any dessert wine, such as Madeira, Port, Muscat or Riesling, will bring a good balance of sweetness and acidity. Chilling it for three hours in the fridge before serving will optimise the flavours.

What is the secret of a delicious cake? ›

Success of a cake depends on the correct blending of ingredients, the careful creaming of butter and sugar, as well as the gentle folding of egg whites (if added separately) to maintain maximum aeration. Please read Basic Rules For Baking. Fold or Folding: A method of gently mixing ingredients.

What is your best baking secret? ›

Combine ingredients as gently as possible without overmixing. Creamed butter and sugar should be pale and fluffy, never yellow and gritty. Butter temperature is a vital detail that should not be overlooked. Don't open the oven door until goods are done baking.

What is the secret to baking a moist cake? ›

Seven Bakery Secrets to Incredibly Moist Cakes Every Time
  1. Use Buttermilk Instead of Milk.
  2. Add Vegetable Oil.
  3. Use Instant Clearjel or Instant Pudding Mix.
  4. Use the Right Recipe.
  5. Don't Overbake.
  6. Bake in Sheet Pans Instead of individual Cake Pans.
  7. Use a Simple Syrup or Glaze.
Apr 23, 2021

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