If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate and the bright freshness of strawberries, this Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful celebration of flavors and textures, combining moist, cocoa-infused layers with juicy strawberries and creamy frosting, making every bite feel like a hug from your favorite friend. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this cake lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to create a moist, flavorful crumb and a fresh, fruity contrast that really makes the layers sing. From the cocoa powder that gives a rich chocolate base to the fresh strawberries adding vibrant color and flavor, these ingredients work harmoniously.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake, providing structure and texture.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without sweetness.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the cake layers perfectly.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness.
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk): Keeps the cake moist and soft.
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter): Adds moisture and tenderness.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warmth and depth.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Provide fresh fruitiness and a beautiful pop of color.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two round cake pans. This step ensures your cakes will release easily after baking and helps achieve those nice, smooth edges.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Taking the time to thoroughly mix these dry ingredients is key to distributing the cocoa and leavening agents evenly, which means every bite tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. The eggs act as a natural emulsifier, helping blend all ingredients seamlessly while adding richness to the cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. This gentle approach keeps your cake tender. Overmixing can make cakes dense and tough, so aim for a smooth batter without overworking it.
Step 5: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two greased pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After removing from the oven, let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling completely is important, especially before assembling the layers.
Step 6: Assemble with Strawberries and Frosting
Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of your favorite chocolate frosting between them, then sprinkle sliced fresh strawberries for that juicy, sweet crunch. Stack the second cake layer on top and finish frosting the entire cake. This is where the Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe really shines, combining luscious chocolate and fresh fruit into a visually stunning and extraordinarily delicious dessert.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To take your cake presentation to the next level, decorate with whole strawberries on top, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even some edible rose petals for an elegant touch. These garnishes add stunning visual appeal and hint at the delicious flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the chocolate and strawberry richness. For a more grown-up pairing, a glass of sparkling rosé or a robust coffee complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For hosting, try serving the cake on a decorative cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your dessert table. Alternatively, slice the cake into petite squares for a charming cake bite platter perfect for parties. You could also turn this recipe into cupcakes, layering frosting and strawberry slices on each for individual servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store the Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake stays fresh for up to 3 days, keeping the strawberries juicy and the chocolate frosting perfectly creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before assembling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge before frosting and adding strawberries. Avoid freezing the fully assembled cake with fresh strawberries as they may become mushy.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a warmer treat, serve a slice slightly warmed at room temperature but avoid microwaving as it can affect texture and melt the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe because they hold their shape and provide fresh flavor. Frozen strawberries can become watery and may affect the texture of the cake when layered.
What kind of frosting works best with this cake?
A rich chocolate buttercream or a whipped chocolate ganache pairs beautifully and enhances the chocolate-strawberry combo. You can also try cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness nicely.
Is there a dairy-free version of this cake?
Absolutely! Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use vegetable oil instead of butter. Make sure your frosting is dairy-free as well to keep the whole cake vegan-friendly.
How do I keep the cake moist?
Use the correct ratio of oil to flour and avoid overbaking. Also, adding the sliced strawberries between layers doesn’t just add flavor but naturally maintains moisture.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap out regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just check baking powder and other ingredients for gluten, and be mindful that texture might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe is truly a gem that combines classic flavors with a fresh twist. Its moist chocolate layers paired with bright strawberries make it a crowd-pleaser for all occasions. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and share the love and joy it brings to your table—it’s as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and moist Chocolate Strawberry Cake combines the deep flavor of cocoa with the fresh sweetness of ripe strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or an indulgent dessert, this cake features a tender crumb enhanced by vanilla and a luscious chocolate frosting layered with fresh strawberries for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Frosting Ingredients
- Chocolate frosting (quantity as per preference, typically about 1 to 1 ½ cups)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking, and if desired, lightly dust with cocoa powder or flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are well combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs along with the milk, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until you have a smooth mixture with no lumps.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cool, spread a layer of chocolate frosting on the top of one cake layer. Arrange sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the frosting.
- Layer and Finish: Place the second cake layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining chocolate frosting. Optionally, decorate with more sliced strawberries on top for an attractive finish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free frosting.
- Room temperature ingredients will blend better, yielding a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake texture.
- Fresh strawberries are best used soon after slicing to prevent excess moisture.
- Chocolate frosting quantity can be adjusted based on preference or coating thickness.
