Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-489324H33M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g strawberries, fresh or frozen; 50 g granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 190 g all-purpose flour; 75 g natural cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 115 g unsalted butter, melted; 100 g light-tasting oil; 100 g granulated sugar; 100 g brown sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 330 g milk, room temperature; 250 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 100 g powdered sugar; 70 g strawberry jam, from above; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200 g strawberries, finely diced; 7 strawberries, halved for decoration

Jump to Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about a Strawberry Chocolate Cake that brings together the rich, deep notes of cocoa with the sweet, vibrant tang of fresh strawberries. This decadent yet fresh cake is perfect for any celebration or a cozy treat to brighten your day. Every slice bursts with layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious strawberry jam, and smooth cream cheese frosting infused with strawberry goodness. If you love the delightful dance between chocolate and berries, this recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert for sharing joyful moments with family and friends.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential, each playing a special role in creating a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and stunningly beautiful. From the rich cocoa powder to fresh strawberries, every component enhances the taste, texture, and color of the final masterpiece.

Strawberries (500 g fresh or frozen): The star of our jam and decoration, they bring the bright, fresh flavor essential for that perfect strawberry taste.
Granulated sugar (50 g + 100 g): Used in the jam and cake batter to balance sweetness perfectly.
All-purpose flour (190 g): Provides the structure needed for the moist cake layers.
Natural cocoa powder (75 g): Gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor without overpowering the strawberries.
Baking powder and baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully with a tender crumb.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the cake.
Unsalted butter (115 g melted + 115 g softened): Adds richness and moisture for the batter and fluffy frosting.
Light-tasting oil (100 g): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
Brown sugar (100 g): Adds a subtle caramel depth to the cake.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help bind ingredients and create a light texture.
Milk (330 g, room temperature): Adds moisture and ensures the batter is smooth.
Cream cheese (250 g, softened): Creates a luscious and tangy base for the strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Powdered sugar (100 g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Complements strawberry and chocolate flavors subtly in the frosting.
Strawberry jam (about 70 g from the homemade batch): Infuses the frosting with fruity bursts and ties the cake together wonderfully.
Additional diced and halved strawberries: For layering inside the cake and decorating its beautiful top.

How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

The jam is a lovely homemade touch that elevates this cake beyond the ordinary. Combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of water in a small pot. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring every now and then until it boils and thickens to a jammy consistency. The key here is patience—let the jam cool completely in the fridge, allowing it to develop that perfect spoonable texture and bold strawberry flavor that will shine in both the filling and frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining the bottoms of two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create your dry base. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, light oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, then beat in the eggs. Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk, mixing gently after each addition to avoid overworking the batter. This dance ensures a tender and moist cake, rich with chocolate aroma and depth.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Divide the batter equally between your pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean yet leaves a few moist crumbs behind. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in their pans before carefully loosening the edges with an offset spatula and turning them out onto a wire rack. Cooling completely is crucial for flawless layering and frosting later on.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Begin by beating softened butter until creamy, then add cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. Fold in powdered sugar on low speed, followed by that vibrant strawberry jam and vanilla extract. The strawberry jam brings a fresh sweetness and natural pink hue to the frosting, giving this Strawberry Chocolate Cake a gorgeous, irresistible finish. Save a bit of the frosting to pipe decorative rings as you assemble.

Step 5: Assemble the Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Level the cake layers with a serrated knife to ensure even stacking, then slice each layer in half to create four thinner cakes. Starting with a base layer, pipe a frosting ring around the edge to hold the strawberry jam and diced strawberries filling in place. Spread the jam evenly inside the ring and top with diced strawberries for bursts of freshness and texture. Repeat with remaining layers, apply a thin crumb coat all around the cake, then finish with a beautiful final frosting layer. Press halved strawberries gently on top for an inviting and elegant decoration that practically begs you to dive in.

How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

Beyond the beautiful halved strawberries decorating the cake’s top, you can add a delicate sprinkle of cocoa powder or edible flower petals for an extra touch of charm. Fresh mint leaves can provide a pleasant contrast and brighten each bite. These little details turn your Strawberry Chocolate Cake into a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Pairing this dessert with a light accompaniment can be delightful. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or a refreshing fruit salad to complement the sweetness and richness. Fresh berries on the side echo the strawberry theme without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing the Strawberry Chocolate Cake into neat wedges and serving each with extra strawberry jam drizzled on the plate. For a party, arrange mini cake slices on decorative sticks for fun, bite-sized treats. Alternatively, create layered parfaits with crumbled cake, strawberry jam, and frosting for a playful twist that keeps all the flavors but reinvents the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Chocolate Cake will keep beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container or cake dome to preserve moisture and protect those delicate strawberries and creamy frosting from drying out or picking up fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to keep your delicious cake fresh longer, freeze individual cake layers (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil) for up to 2 months. Frosted cakes can also be frozen after an initial freeze to harden the frosting, then wrapped carefully to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is usually unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, bring the piece to room temperature from the fridge for about 30 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving as it risks melting the frosting and altering the fresh strawberry flavor.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making it?

Absolutely! While homemade strawberry jam offers fresh brightness and control over sugar, a high-quality store-bought jam works wonderfully in the frosting and filling, saving you time without compromising much on taste.

What size cake pans should I use for this recipe?

The recipe is designed for two 6-inch round cake pans. Using this size helps achieve the perfect thickness and layering for the Strawberry Chocolate Cake, but you can adjust baking time slightly if using different sizes.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Cream cheese is key for the tangy softness in the frosting, but a blend of mascarpone and butter can also work if you want a milder flavor. Just make sure the replacement is softened well for smooth mixing.

Is it okay to use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries are a great alternative especially when strawberries are out of season. Thaw and drain them well before making the jam to prevent excess moisture in your cake.

How long does the baking process take?

Once your oven is preheated, baking usually takes about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on your cake after 40 minutes by testing with a toothpick to ensure it is baked through but still moist.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is like inviting a little celebration into your kitchen with every step. The harmony between rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors, layered with creamy frosting, creates a dessert experience that’s as enjoyable to make as it is delicious to eat. Give it a try for your next gathering or just because, and I promise it will become one of your favorite sweet traditions.