Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
A delightful blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this cake is sure to impress at any occasion.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a celebration of flavors that will delight your taste buds. The combination of moist chocolate cake and fresh strawberries creates an unforgettable dessert experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
- Moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Combination
Strawberries and chocolate are a classic pairing, beloved by many for their complementary flavors. The sweetness of ripe strawberries balances out the rich, intense taste of chocolate, creating a dessert that delights the senses. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake brings these two ingredients together in a way that enhances their natural flavors, making each bite a harmonious experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake promises to satisfy cravings.
Using fresh strawberries not only adds a burst of flavor but also a pop of color, making the cake visually appealing. When you slice into this cake, the vibrant red of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the deep brown of the chocolate layers, creating a stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests. This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any gathering where you want to make a statement.
A Cake for All Occasions
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is incredibly versatile. It's an excellent choice for formal celebrations, such as weddings or milestone birthdays, yet simple enough for a casual family gathering. The moist and fluffy texture makes it a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone will enjoy a slice. You can also customize this cake for various themes by adjusting the decorations or adding different fruits.
Moreover, this cake is easy to make, requiring common ingredients found in most kitchens. With just a few steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you're an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through the process with ease, making it a perfect project for anyone looking to impress.
Tips for Success
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated 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 whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, milk, vegetable 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 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on wire racks.
Make the Frosting
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
Let the cake set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess adds a wonderful contrast to the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, enhancing the overall flavor profile. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce on the plate for an extra touch of indulgence.
For a more elegant presentation, consider garnishing each slice with additional fresh strawberries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Edible flowers can also be a beautiful addition, especially for special occasions. These small touches can make your cake look professionally made and add to the enjoyment of your dessert.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this cake!), it's important to store them properly to maintain freshness. Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. It can last for up to a week in the fridge, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
To freeze the cake, slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and allows you to enjoy a piece whenever you crave it. Just remember to let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost just before serving.
→ What type of cocoa powder should I use?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
A delightful blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this cake is sure to impress at any occasion.
Created by: Charlotte Wilson
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 granulated 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 whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for decoration
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, vegetable 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 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely on wire racks.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with milk and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fresh strawberries.
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