Irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Name: Irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes

I absolutely love creating desserts that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. This Irresistible Chocolate Strawberry Cake combines rich chocolate layers with fresh strawberries for a treat that captivates both the eyes and the taste buds. The interplay of flavors, along with the moist cake and creamy frosting, makes it a perfect dessert for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special dinner, this cake will surely leave everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T13:35:30.477Z

When I first attempted this cake, I was searching for the perfect blend of chocolate and fruit. After several trials, I learned that using fresh strawberries not only adds bright color but enhances the overall flavor. I also discovered that allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting helps the frosting set beautifully, preventing any melting or sliding!

In one of my recent baking sessions, I experimented with different frosting techniques. I found that piping chocolate ganache around the edges creates a charming border, adding elegance to this homemade delight. It’s these little touches that impress guests and make the experience even sweeter.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Decadent layers that tantalize with every bite
Perfect for sharing during special occasions

      

Baking the Perfect Chocolate Layers

The key to achieving a tender and moist chocolate cake lies in the careful mixing of your ingredients. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, whereas under-mixing may result in floury pockets. Aim for a smooth consistency without lumps, ensuring that the wet ingredients are well distributed throughout the batter.

Incorporating boiling water into the batter not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also activates the cocoa, giving the cake a rich, moist crumb. Make sure to add the boiling water slowly to avoid splashing. The batter will be thinner than typical cake batters; this is completely normal and essential for the cake's signature lightness.

Frosting Tips for a Decadent Finish

For a rich frosting that complements the chocolate flavor, it's crucial to ensure your butter is at the right temperature—softened, not melted. This ensures that when you beat it, the frosting becomes airy and spreadable, making it easier to achieve that perfect texture. If the frosting feels too thick, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

A tip I often use is to let the frosted cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before garnishing with strawberries. This allows the frosting to slightly soften, making it easier to create smooth edges and a polished look. Furthermore, if you find yourself with leftover frosting, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week—excellent for quick touch-ups on future desserts!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful experience:

Cake Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)

With these ingredients ready, let's make magic happen!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your masterpiece:

Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that's okay! It ensures a moist cake.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream and vanilla, until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, layer fresh strawberries, then place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides.

Decorate

Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Now you're ready to impress your guests with this gorgeous dessert!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the frosting. It pairs beautifully with chocolate and strawberries!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert; you can prepare the layers a day in advance. Once cooled completely, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. If you're looking to extend freshness, consider freezing the layers. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they can last up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

For best results, apply the frosting shortly before serving. If you've already frosted the cake, cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it moist. The frosted cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just note that strawberries should be added fresh to prevent them from turning soggy.

Creative Variations

Feel free to experiment with flavor variations in both the cake and frosting. For instance, you can infuse the cake with espresso powder for a mocha flavor or incorporate orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist. In the frosting, consider swapping half of the cocoa powder for melted white chocolate for a different taste profile that still pairs beautifully with strawberries.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour, giving the cake a nutty flavor while slightly altering the texture to be more tender. However, keep in mind that variations in flour types may affect the final structure and moisture, so adjusting liquid ingredients accordingly might be necessary.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

→ How do I store the cake?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

→ Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and adjust as necessary.

→ What can I replace the eggs with to make it vegan?

You can use flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce as a substitute for each egg.