Description

A delicious and elegant Chocolate Strawberry Cake featuring moist chocolate layers, fresh strawberry filling, and a luscious whipped cream frosting. Perfectly balancing rich chocolate with juicy berries, this cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk

Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and chopped
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
Optional: 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

Whipped Cream Frosting

1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Garnish

Fresh sliced strawberries or whole berries for decoration

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract. Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing gently until smooth and well combined.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly into two greased 8-inch round cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool completely before handling.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling: While the cakes cool, combine the chopped fresh strawberries with strawberry jam or preserves in a bowl. Mix until slightly thick and sweet. Adjust sweetness by adding sugar if desired.
Make the Whipped Cream Frosting: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator. Beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until soft peaks form to create a light, fluffy whipped cream.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry filling evenly on top. Add a layer of whipped cream over the filling. Place the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it evenly.
Garnish and Chill: Decorate the cake top with sliced or whole fresh strawberries. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the frosting to set.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
Mix the batter just until combined to avoid dense cake layers.
Fully cool cake layers before assembling to prevent melting the filling and frosting.
Prepare strawberries fresh for best flavor and moisture.
Use a serrated knife for clean cake layer cuts.
Chill mixing bowl and beaters for stable whipped cream frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Chocolate cake, strawberry filling, whipped cream frosting, berry dessert, celebration cake, layered cake, homemade dessert