Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe – A Rich, Elegant, and Irresistible Dessert

Few desserts feel as romantic, luxurious, and truly unforgettable as a chocolate strawberry cake. It’s the perfect combination of deep cocoa richness and fresh berry sweetness, making it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or any day you want a dessert that feels extra special.

This chocolate strawberry cake recipe is incredibly moist, packed with chocolate flavor, layered with fresh strawberries, and topped with a silky chocolate ganache. It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for celebrations.

Let’s dive into the most delicious version of this cake you’ll ever make.chocolate strawberry cake recipe

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Balance: Deep chocolate layers paired with juicy fresh strawberries.
• Moist & Tender: Uses buttermilk and cocoa for a soft crumb.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: Fresh strawberries on top always look stunning.
• Versatile: Make it as a layer cake, sheet cake, or cupcake version.
• Crowd Favorite: This dessert never fails—everyone loves it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Strawberry Filling

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter

For Decoration

• Fresh whole strawberries
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together:
   • flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
5. Mix until smooth.
6. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, mixing until the batter becomes silky and thin.
   • This step makes the cake EXTRA moist.

Step 2: Bake

• Pour the batter into pans and bake for 28–32 minutes.
• When a toothpick comes out clean, remove from the oven.
• Let cakes cool completely before layering.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine:
   • diced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice.
2. Cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes until juicy and slightly thickened.
3. Let it cool fully.
   • This creates a sweet, fresh layer that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Step 4: Make the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream until steaming (do not boil).
2. Pour cream over chocolate chips and butter.
3. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
4. Allow to cool until slightly thickened but still pourable.

Step 5: Build Your Chocolate Strawberry Cake

1. Place the first cake layer on a plate.
2. Spread a thin layer of ganache.
3. Add a generous spoonful of strawberry filling.
4. Place the second cake layer on top.
5. Pour ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.
6. Finish with fresh strawberries on top for a perfect finish.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

1. Use Fresh Strawberries

The fresher the strawberries, the better the flavor and color.

2. Don’t Skip the Coffee

You won’t taste it — it simply deepens the chocolate flavor.

3. Let the Cake Cool Completely

Warm cake + strawberry filling = messy layers.

4. Use Buttermilk

It gives the cake tenderness and moisture no regular milk can match.

5. Chill Before Slicing

Refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes before cutting for clean, neat slices.

Variations You Can Try

Strawberry Cream Layer

Add whipped cream with sliced strawberries between layers.

Double Chocolate Version

Add chocolate chips directly into the batter.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Style

Dip whole strawberries in melted chocolate and place them on top.

Birthday Cake Twist

Decorate with sprinkles or edible gold flakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter → results in a dense cake
• Using cold ingredients → affects texture
• Adding filling while cake is warm → layers slide
• Too much ganache before setting → messy finish
• Not measuring ingredients properly → baking is precise

FAQs About Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain well to avoid excess liquid.

Q: Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for 2–3 days.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.

Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes.

Q: How do I store the cake?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for freshness.

Final Thoughts

This chocolate strawberry cake recipe is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves chocolate and fresh fruit. It’s elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply craving something sweet, this cake will never disappoint.chocolate strawberry cake recipe

chocolate strawberry cake recipeMoist chocolate layers, vibrant strawberry filling, and smooth ganache…
It’s perfection in every bite.

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