Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in a decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake that combines rich chocolate layers with fresh strawberries for a delightful treat.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a perfect fusion of flavors, offering a rich chocolate base complemented by fresh strawberries. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress your guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
- Moist and fluffy texture that everyone will adore
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Strawberries and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven. The sweetness of fresh strawberries beautifully complements the deep, rich flavor of chocolate. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake brings together these two beloved ingredients, offering a taste experience that is both indulgent and refreshing. Each bite reveals layers of moist chocolate cake accented with bursts of juicy strawberries, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
In addition to their complementary flavors, strawberries add a wonderful texture to the cake. The contrast between the soft, fluffy chocolate layers and the fresh, juicy strawberries creates a memorable mouthfeel. This cake is not only visually stunning but also a feast for the palate, ensuring that it will be a hit at any gathering.
A Cake for All Occasions
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake fits the bill perfectly. Its elegant appearance and delicious flavor make it suitable for any event, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. You can impress your guests with this show-stopping dessert that is sure to be the highlight of the meal.
Moreover, this cake can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of frosting or add layers of cream between the cake and strawberries. Each variation can offer a unique twist, allowing you to make the cake your own while still enjoying the classic combination of chocolate and strawberries.
Tips for Baking Success
To achieve the best results with your Strawberry Chocolate Cake, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure that you have the right proportions, leading to a perfectly moist and fluffy cake. Additionally, room temperature eggs and milk can help create a smoother batter that blends more easily.
Another key tip is to avoid overmixing your batter once you've added the boiling water. This step is crucial for maintaining the cake's light texture. Gently folding the ingredients together ensures that the batter remains airy, which contributes to the cake's overall fluffiness. Remember, a little care in the mixing process goes a long way!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 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
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top and add sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Strawberry Chocolate Cake, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of these accompaniments complements the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries beautifully, enhancing the overall dessert experience. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on the plate for an extra touch of elegance.
For a more festive presentation, garnish the cake with additional sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings. This not only makes the cake visually appealing but also invites your guests to dig in. Don’t forget to serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea, as the combination of flavors can create a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (though they might not last long!), store your Strawberry Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If the weather is particularly hot and humid, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to maintain its freshness. Just make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method preserves the cake's flavor and texture, allowing you to enjoy it later. Just thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use applesauce or a flaxseed mixture as an egg substitute, though it may slightly alter the texture.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Indulge in a decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake that combines rich chocolate layers with fresh strawberries for a delightful treat.
Created by: Aubrey Collins
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 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
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until well combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Add heavy cream and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting on top and add sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g