Here’s a Strawberry Chocolate Cake recipe that strikes a beautiful balance between rich cocoa and fresh, fruity sweetness—perfect for birthdays, romantic occasions, or when you just want to impress yourself.
🍓🍫 Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake (Makes 2 layers):
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee (for deeper flavor)
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 2½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Toppings (optional):
- Whole or halved fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings or ganache drizzle
🔪 Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Carefully stir in boiling water or coffee. Batter will be thin—don’t worry.
- Divide batter between pans and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare Strawberry Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until berries soften (5–8 mins). Add cornstarch slurry if you want it thicker.
- Let cool completely before using.
3. Make the Chocolate Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder, then slowly add powdered sugar and milk, alternating until fluffy.
- Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting, then spoon on strawberry filling (stay ½ inch from the edges).
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the top and sides. Decorate with strawberries and optional ganache or shavings.
📝 Tips:
- Want it extra decadent? Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the filling.
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for neater layers.
- It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Would you like a version that’s gluten-free, vegan, or made with a boxed cake shortcut?