There is something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries, and this Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake brings that classic pairing to life in the most delicious way. Whether you are searching for the perfect Birthday Cake Strawberry Chocolate lovers will adore, or simply want to elevate your weekend baking, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Imagine slicing into a Dark Chocolate Strawberry Cake to find vibrant layers of real Strawberry Filled Chocolate Cake, all topped off with a luscious Strawberry Cake Chocolate Frosting that melts in your mouth. This Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe is carefully designed to be incredibly moist, using real strawberry compote to infuse pure fruit flavor into every single bite. Beautifully decorated with elegant Strawberry Cake With Chocolate Shavings, this showstopper looks absolutely stunning when presented as a Strawberry Chocolate Cake On Stand at your next gathering. It is the ultimate fusion of Chocolate Cake And Strawberry Cake, offering a beautiful contrast of deep cocoa notes and bright berry sweetness.
Helpful Tips
- Always make sure your cake layers are completely cold before assembling; otherwise, your chocolate frosting and strawberry filling will slide right off.
- Pipe a sturdy frosting border (or dam) around the edge of the first layer to securely lock the fresh strawberry filling inside and prevent leaking.
- For beautiful chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature bar of high-quality dark chocolate.
- You can swap the homemade fresh strawberry filling for a high-quality store-bought strawberry jam if you are short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and combined.
- Stir in the boiling water by hand using a spatula. The cake batter will be very thin, but this is the secret to a super moist dark chocolate cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, make the strawberry filling: Combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until the strawberries soften.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the strawberry mixture. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Make the chocolate frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter for 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- To assemble the cake, place the first cake layer on a cake stand. Pipe a thick ring of chocolate frosting around the outer top edge of the cake layer to act as a barrier.
- Spread the cooled strawberry filling inside the frosting ring. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting using an offset spatula. Decorate the top with fresh strawberries and dark chocolate shavings before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, finely chopped (for filling)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry for filling)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, whole or halved (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)
Shopping List
- Produce: 2.5 cups fresh strawberries, 1 fresh lemon
- Dairy & Eggs: 2 large eggs, 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup unsalted butter, 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Pantry: All-purpose flour, Granulated sugar, Unsweetened cocoa powder, Baking powder, Baking soda, Salt, Vegetable oil, Vanilla extract, Cornstarch, Powdered sugar, Semi-sweet or dark chocolate bar
Equipment Needed
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Offset spatula
- Cake stand
Variations & Serving Ideas
Display this gorgeous creation on a elevated cake stand to make it the centerpiece of your celebration. Use a sharp, warm knife wiped clean between slices to ensure beautiful, clean cuts that showcase the vibrant strawberry layer. This decadent cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh cup of coffee. To store leftovers, place the cake in an airtight cake keeper or cover cut surfaces with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days, bringing it back to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
I hope you absolutely love making and sharing this chocolate strawberry cake! It is always a huge hit at my family gatherings, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Please leave a comment and rate the recipe below to share your baking journey with us! #DarkChocolateStrawberryCake #StrawberryCakeChocolateFrosting #ChocolateStrawberryCakeRecipe #ChocolateStrawberryLayerCake #StrawberryFilledChocolateCake #BirthdayCakeStrawberryChocolate #ChocolateCakeAndStrawberryCake #StrawberryCakeWithChocolateShavings #StrawberryChocolateCakeOnStand
#DarkChocolateStrawberryCake #StrawberryCakeChocolateFrosting #ChocolateStrawberryCakeRecipe #ChocolateStrawberryLayerCake #StrawberryFilledChocolateCake #BirthdayCakeStrawberryChocolate #ChocolateCakeAndStrawberryCake #StrawberryCakeWithChocolateShavings #StrawberryChocolateCakeOnStand
