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Chocolate Strawberry Cake

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake combines rich, moist chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and luscious strawberry buttercream for a decadent dessert that's perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or any special occasion. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and sweet, juicy strawberries, creating a bakery-style cake that's both elegant and easy to make at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 3 minutes
Servings: 12 People
Course: cake
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake
  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup 65g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup 170g unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups 350g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk
  • ½ cup 120ml hot coffee or hot water
For the Strawberry Buttercream
  • 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups 480g powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup reduced strawberry puree cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
Filling
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
Decoration
  • Fresh whole strawberries
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Chocolate drizzle optional
  • Freeze-dried strawberry crumbs optional

Equipment

  • 2 8-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula
  • Cake turntable (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Oven
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  3. Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
  6. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  7. Step 4: Add Eggs
  8. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  9. Step 5: Prepare the Batter
  10. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  11. Step 6: Bake
  12. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  13. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  14. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  15. Step 7: Make the Strawberry Buttercream
  16. Beat the butter until creamy.
  17. Gradually add the powdered sugar.
  18. Mix in the reduced strawberry puree, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
  19. Step 8: Assemble the Cake
  20. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
  21. Spread an even layer of strawberry buttercream over the cake and arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
  22. Place the second cake layer over the filling.
  23. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
  24. Decorate with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, chocolate drizzle, and freeze-dried strawberry crumbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Reduce the strawberry puree before adding it to the frosting to prevent it from becoming runny.
  • Cool the cake layers completely before frosting.
  • Refrigerate the assembled cake for 20–30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts