Why Make This Strawberry Chocolate Cake
There’s something truly special about the combination of strawberries and chocolate that delights the senses. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake brings together rich chocolate flavors with the freshness of strawberries, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a bridal shower, or just a joyful family gathering, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth. The moist, fluffy chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart strawberry frosting, resulting in a delightful treat that captures both elegance and comfort in every bite.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Making this delectable cake is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. From mixing the rich chocolate batter to preparing the creamy strawberry frosting, each stage of the process is satisfying and rewarding. Plus, the combination of homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries adds layers of flavor that elevate this cake to a whole new level. Get ready to delight your friends and family with this mouthwatering creation!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 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 homemade strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree or additional jam
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures that your cake layers come out easily without sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly for an even mix.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin; this helps create a super moist cake).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Make sure the batter is leveled for uniform baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of strawberry jam on top of one cake layer, followed by some fresh strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with additional chopped strawberries if desired. Serve and enjoy the layered chocolate-strawberry goodness!
Nutritional Information
Per slice (1/12 of cake):
- Calories: 340
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake
This cake is versatile and can be served in various settings. For a casual gathering, simply slice it and serve as is. If you’re dressing it up for a special occasion, consider adding fresh whipped cream on top or serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant dessert option, dust it lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine to enhance the delightful flavors.
How to Store Strawberry Chocolate Cake
To keep your Strawberry Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. If storing in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to regain some of its delicious texture. For extended storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Feel free to swap the vegetable oil for melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative.
- Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to achieve maximum rise.
- For an extra fruity flavor, add a teaspoon of strawberry extract to the frosting.
- Consider using freeze-dried strawberries in the frosting for an intensified strawberry taste.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes: Use the same batter to make delightful cupcakes. Bake for 18-20 minutes, then frost with the strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
- Chocolate-Mint Variation: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist on the traditional flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the cake.What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?
For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative.How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter by about 1/4 cup and also choose a less sweet homemade jam for the filling.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that will delight both your taste buds and your eyes. The blend of chocolate and strawberries creates a beautiful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try making this cake at home; your friends and family will surely love it. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Method
- 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. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until well combined. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and ensure it's leveled.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and strawberry puree, mixing until fluffy and spreadable.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of strawberry jam on top of one layer and add fresh strawberries.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the strawberry cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate with additional chopped strawberries if desired. Serve and enjoy!