Rich and indulgent, Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the lusciousness of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake features a fudgy chocolate base complemented by a strawberry jam filling and creamy strawberry frosting. Its unique flavor profile and beautiful presentation make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate paired with sweet strawberries creates a heavenly taste that satisfies every sweet tooth.
- Versatile: Ideal for various occasions, this cake is perfect for celebrations or as an everyday dessert.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious cake without any fuss.
- Stunning Presentation: The vibrant colors of strawberries combined with the dark chocolate make for an eye-catching dessert.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will streamline your experience and make baking easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pans (round)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Electric mixer or whisk: Helps achieve a light and fluffy frosting texture quickly.
- Baking pans (round): Provides the perfect shape for your cake layers, ensuring even baking.
Ingredients
Rich and fudgy chocolate cake with strawberry jam filling and strawberry cream cheese frosting
For the Strawberry Filling
- 500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Chocolate Cake
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 115 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 100 g light-tasting oil
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 330 g milk (room temperature)
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 250 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 115 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 70 g strawberry jam (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- 200 g strawberries (finely diced)
- 7 strawberries (halved for decoration)
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries break down into a jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let it cool before using.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two round baking pans with butter or cooking spray.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
– all-purpose flour
– cocoa powder
– baking powder
– baking soda
– salt
Set aside for later use.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Melted unsalted butter,
2. Light-tasting oil,
3. Granulated and brown sugars until smooth.
4. Add in room-temperature eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually stir in the milk until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cooled strawberry jam.
3. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once cooled, place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry filling over it followed by a layer of frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with remaining filling and frosting.
Step 9: Decorate
Top with finely diced strawberries and halved strawberries around the edges for beautiful decoration.
Your delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake is ready! Enjoy this delightful treat that brings together chocolatey richness with fruity freshness in every bite!
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Serving a delicious Strawberry Chocolate Cake can be as delightful as making it. There are many creative ways to present this indulgent dessert that will impress your guests and elevate the experience.
Classic Slice
- Serve a generous slice of the cake on a dessert plate. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Layered Presentation
- For an elegant touch, stack two slices together with some strawberry jam in between. This enhances the strawberry flavor and creates a stunning visual.
Individual Portions
- Cut the cake into smaller squares or rectangles and serve them individually on small plates. This is perfect for parties or gatherings.
With Fresh Fruit
- Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries on top. This adds freshness and complements the flavors of the cake beautifully.
Ice Cream Delight
- Serve a slice of cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate and strawberry flavors.
Coffee Pairing
- Offer coffee or espresso as a beverage option alongside the cake. The bitterness of coffee pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
How to Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cake
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Chocolate Cake, consider these helpful tips that enhance both flavor and texture.
Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.
Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cocoa powder helps eliminate lumps, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
Don’t overmix: Mix your batter just until combined to avoid toughening the cake. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check doneness carefully: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Chill before frosting: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures cleaner edges when decorating.
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Strawberry Chocolate Cake can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
Fresh Berries: A mix of blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries offers a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds airy texture and balances the density of the chocolate cake.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice provides an extra layer of indulgence for chocolate lovers.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits can cleanse the palate between bites of rich dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta pairs beautifully with chocolate desserts, enhancing their flavors.
Mint Tea: Serving mint tea creates a soothing finish after enjoying dessert, promoting digestion while complementing flavors nicely.
Nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts add crunch and depth when sprinkled on top or served alongside each slice of cake.
Coffee or Espresso: Classic drinks like coffee enhance the chocolate experience, offering rich flavors that balance sweetness perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Strawberry Chocolate Cake, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes you should avoid for the best outcome.
- Ignoring room temperature ingredients – Using cold eggs or milk can lead to uneven mixing. Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before starting.
- Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements.
- Using old baking powder/soda – Expired leavening agents won’t help your cake rise. Always check the freshness of these ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Strawberry Chocolate Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date so you can track freshness.
Reheating Strawberry Chocolate Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices for 20-30 seconds, checking often to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Strawberry Chocolate Cake moist?
The combination of oil and melted butter adds moisture, while room temperature ingredients ensure even mixing.
Can I use frozen strawberries in the recipe?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well; just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before use.
How do I customize my Strawberry Chocolate Cake?
You can add nuts, swap out strawberry jam for raspberry, or mix in chocolate chips for extra flavor.
What can I serve with Strawberry Chocolate Cake?
This cake pairs perfectly with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is not only rich and fudgy but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added toppings, this cake will surely delight your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to customize it based on your preferences!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the delightful Strawberry Chocolate Cake, a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries that creates an irresistible treat for any occasion. This luscious cake features a fudgy chocolate base layered with homemade strawberry jam and topped with creamy strawberry frosting. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, an anniversary, or simply a sweet moment at home, this dessert is sure to impress. Its beautiful presentation and unique flavor combination make it a standout choice for dessert lovers everywhere. Enjoy the decadence of chocolate complemented by the freshness of strawberries in every bite!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 115 g unsalted butter (melted)
- 100 g light-tasting oil
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 330 g milk (room temperature)
- 250 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 115 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 70 g strawberry jam (from above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200 g strawberries (finely diced)
- 7 strawberries (halved for decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry filling by cooking strawberries, granulated sugar, and water until jam-like. Cool before use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two round baking pans.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: melted butter, oils, sugars, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually mix dry into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; cool on racks.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cooled strawberry jam until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake with layers of filling and frosting; decorate with fresh strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
