why make this recipe

Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or family gatherings. The balance between the sweet chocolate and the luscious strawberries makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it a great centerpiece for any dessert table.

how to make Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup homemade strawberry jam
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups strawberries for decoration

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter into prepared pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with strawberry jam and top with sliced strawberries.
Place the second cake layer on top.
For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy.
Frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with extra strawberries.
Slice and serve!

how to serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake at room temperature for the best flavor. You can cut it into slices and enjoy it alone or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself.

how to store Strawberry Chocolate Cake

To store the cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the slices. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

tips to make Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Make sure to measure your ingredients carefully for the best results.
Allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
You can adjust the amount of strawberry jam according to your taste.

variation

For a different flavor, you can add orange zest to the batter or use raspberry jam instead of strawberry. You can also experiment with different types of frosting, like chocolate ganache.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the cake.

Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.

Is this cake suitable for special diets?
This recipe contains gluten and dairy. If you need a gluten-free or dairy-free option, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.