Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines rich, moist layers of deep chocolate flavor with the fresh sweetness of juicy strawberries. This easy-to-make dessert uses simple ingredients to create a tender, visually stunning cake perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a delicious treat.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about half the berries)
Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk (plus more if needed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries or a few drops of strawberry extract (optional)
Garnish
- Sliced fresh strawberries
- Optional: dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar
- Prepare Your Ingredients and Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Rinse, hull, and puree about half of the fresh strawberries. Slice the remaining strawberries for garnish and set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar to combine evenly for a consistent crumb and balanced flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the pureed strawberries until the mixture is smooth and uniform, creating a moist batter with a strawberry undertone.
- Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing well. For a strawberry twist, fold in finely chopped strawberries or a few drops of strawberry extract.
- Assemble and Decorate: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, then top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake and decorate with additional fresh strawberries. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
- Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and slipping.
- If the frosting is too soft, chill it briefly to make spreading easier.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and well drained to avoid excess moisture.
- To keep the cake moist, use vegetable oil instead of butter in the batter.
- Store leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw fully before frosting and serving.
- For best flavor, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: strawberry chocolate cake, chocolate cake with strawberries, moist chocolate cake, easy chocolate strawberry cake, birthday cake, layered cake