Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Indulge in the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with this delightful Strawberry Chocolate Cake.
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a perfect combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the moist cake layers with luscious strawberry frosting that will leave your taste buds craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Moist and tender cake layers that melt in your mouth
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, perfect for celebrations
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant strawberries and the rich indulgence of chocolate. The sweetness of fresh strawberries complements the deep cocoa flavor, creating a balanced taste that appeals to a wide range of palates. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday celebration, a romantic dinner, or simply a treat for yourself.
The contrast between the moist, tender chocolate cake and the creamy, fruity strawberry frosting ensures every bite is a delightful experience. Each layer offers a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue, making it hard to resist just one slice. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a joyful celebration of flavors.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cake, start by ensuring all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the mixture come together smoothly and ensures even baking. When mixing your batter, avoid overmixing to maintain a light and fluffy texture. Gently fold in the boiling water at the end, as this step is crucial for creating a moist cake.
When baking, it's important to monitor the time closely. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. A toothpick should come out clean when the cake is ready. Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Once assembled, Strawberry Chocolate Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you wish to prepare it in advance, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months.
When serving, consider pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Drizzling some chocolate sauce over the top adds an appealing finish that enhances the overall presentation. This cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Chocolate shavings
Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor!
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.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving for a better structure.
Pairing Drinks with Your Cake
The rich flavors of Strawberry Chocolate Cake pair wonderfully with various beverages. For a classic choice, opt for a glass of milk, which complements the chocolate and balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Coffee lovers might enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso, which adds depth to the cake's flavors.
If you're looking for something more festive, consider serving this cake with a fruity sparkling wine or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir. The fruitiness of the wine will enhance the strawberry notes, making for a delightful tasting experience.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize your Strawberry Chocolate Cake! For a unique twist, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an extra indulgent touch. You can also incorporate chocolate chips into the cake batter for added texture and bursts of chocolate flavor.
If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds nutritional value while maintaining a delicious taste. For a vegan option, replace eggs and milk with plant-based alternatives, and use vegan butter for the frosting.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before frosting.
→ Can I substitute the flour?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free option.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and texture for the frosting.
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the harmonious blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries with this delightful Strawberry Chocolate Cake.
Created by: Harper Collins
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish
- 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. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Gradually stir in boiling water until well combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Add strawberry puree, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with fresh 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