Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a slice of pure indulgence? You know, that chocolate strawberry cake recipe that just screams "special occasion?" This is it! The sweet tang of strawberries meets rich, dark chocolate in perfect harmony.

Trust me, this chocolate strawberry dessert is a winner.

Brief Overview

This chocolate strawberry layer cake comes from classic American baking. It's perfect for birthdays or a "just because" treat. It's a medium difficulty recipe and takes about an hour and a half, serving around 8 people.

Main Benefits

Honestly, the best part is the sheer joy this cake brings. The combination of flavours is divine, and a bit of strawberry is always a healthy start, right?.

This is a best chocolate strawberry cake moment just waiting to happen.

Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:8 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot coffee
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled and chopped)
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tbsp milk or cream, as needed

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans (or line with parchment).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth.
• Slowly mix in the hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin – don't panic, it's supposed to be!
• Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Important: Cakes MUST be completely cool before frosting!
• In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until strawberries break down.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely. It will thicken more as it cools.
• Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low until combined.
• Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons milk. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes, adding more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
• Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge of the cake layer to create a dam. Spread strawberry filling inside the dam.
• Top with the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream.
• Decorate with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a simple swirl of buttercream.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

What's Inside This Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake?

We're talking about a moist easy chocolate cake recipe layered with a homemade strawberry filling and topped with a decadent chocolate buttercream frosting .

Sounds good, doesn't it? It is like summer in your mouth.

The Chocolate Cake

The base of this dream is a rich chocolate cake, using pantry staples like flour, cocoa, sugar, eggs, and milk.

Don't skip the hot water or coffee! It unlocks the chocolate flavor like magic.

The Strawberry Filling

It's a homemade strawberry sensation. Fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cornstarch create a vibrant and sweet filling. You know, if Wimbledon was a cake.

The Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Ah, the crowning glory! Softened butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla. It's a classic strawberry cake recipe chocolate frosting that's simply irresistible.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Right then, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this chocolate strawberry layer cake . I promise, it's easier than navigating the M25 on a Friday afternoon.

Honestly, this is going to become your go-to easy chocolate cake recipe .

Main Ingredients for a Truly Special Cake

Here's the lowdown on what you need, measured both ways because, well, why not?

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups (220g) . Plain flour is fine.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¾ cup (65g) . Go for a decent quality one, you know? It really impacts the flavour.
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups (400g) . Standard white sugar does the trick.
• Baking powder: 1 ½ tsp .
• Baking soda: 1 ½ tsp .
• Salt: 1 tsp .
• Large eggs: 2 . Free-range if you can.
• Whole milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Full fat is best.
• Vegetable oil: ½ cup (120ml) . Sunflower or rapeseed is peachy.
• Vanilla extract: 2 tsp .
• Hot water or hot coffee: 1 cup (240ml) . I reckon the coffee gives it a deeper, richer chocolate cake with fresh strawberries vibe.

For that Homemade Strawberry Filling:

• Fresh or frozen strawberries: 1 ½ cups . Chop them up nicely. Fresh is brill, but frozen works in a pinch, innit.
• Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup (65g) .
• Lemon juice: 1 tbsp .
• Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry): 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water .

For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

• Unsalted butter: ¾ cup (170g) . Softened is key . Seriously, if it's not soft, you'll end up with lumpy frosting.
• Powdered sugar: 2 ½ cups (300g) . Also called icing sugar.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: ¾ cup (65g) .
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp .
• Milk or cream: 2-4 tbsp .

Seasoning Notes for the Best Flavor

This cake's all about balance. The cocoa and sugar enhance the chocolate notes, while the vanilla adds a lovely warmth.

Lemon juice in the homemade strawberry filling stops it being too sweet. Think of it as a carefully curated chocolate strawberry dessert .

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon in the cake batter would be just the ticket.

Equipment Needed for Strawberry Chocolate Cake Ideas

• Two 9-inch round cake pans.
• Parchment paper. Makes life SO much easier.
• Mixing bowls.
• Electric mixer.
• Small saucepan.
• Whisk.
• Rubber spatula.
• Cake tester or toothpick.
• Wire rack.
• Piping bag and tip.

Right, now you've got the kit, we can crack on with making the best chocolate strawberry cake ever.

Right, let's dive into how we're actually making this showstopper, this Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake . Forget soggy bottoms, we're aiming for Bake Off worthy! This recipe isn’t rocket science, promise.

This is a fun journey into the heart of this chocolate strawberry layer cake and trust me, the result is worth it.

Prep Like a Pro: Getting Organized

First things first, the essential mise en place . Honestly, prepping everything beforehand is a game-changer. Chop your strawberries , measure out your sugar, get your butter softened.

You know the drill. This homemade strawberry filling is super easy but needs some love. It's a crucial step for that burst of flavour.

Got your pans ready? Great! Now, preheat that oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . No one wants a cold oven party.

Lads, trust me, greasing and flouring (or lining with parchment!) saves lives... cake lives, anyway.

Let's Bake This: Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, time to get messy!

1. Whisk the dry ingredients: Flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
2. Mix in the wet bits: Eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat 'til it's all smooth.
3. Hot coffee/water time! Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee. Don't freak, it will be thin.
4. Bake time! Pour the batter into your pans. Bake for 30- 35 minutes . Peek at 30 minutes and grab a toothpick. If it comes out clean, you're golden!
5. Cool those bad boys! Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes , then flip them onto a rack. MUST. BE. COOL.

Pro Tips for Cake Greatness

Honestly, the most important tip is patience . Don't rush the cooling process. Nobody likes melted chocolate buttercream frosting . I used to always try and rush it, and every time the frosting would melt!

Speaking of frosting, use softened butter . Seriously. It makes a world of difference. No one wants lumpy frosting. Try not to overbake.

Dry cake is sad cake. Check at 30 minutes and see if it is done. Consider making the strawberry filling ahead of time.

It actually tastes better the next day! This easy chocolate cake recipe has become my go-to for all special events.

If you are struggling to come up with strawberry chocolate cake ideas , you can always add a bit of Baileys.

If you can manage to do it right you will have the best chocolate strawberry cake

This chocolate strawberry dessert is gonna wow everyone. Promise! Plus, you can always look for more strawberry cake recipe chocolate frosting inspiration.

Recipe Notes for Your Dream Cake

Right, so you're itching to bake this chocolate strawberry cake recipe , eh? Before you dive in headfirst, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs that'll make your chocolate strawberry layer cake a proper showstopper.

These are like the little secrets your nan would slip you while she's teaching you her best baking baking tips and tricks .

Serving Suggestions: Putting on the Ritz

Okay, let's talk presentation. First impressions matter, even with cake! Think about a light dusting of icing sugar. Or, go wild and arrange some chocolate cake with fresh strawberries elegantly on top.

It is a Wimbledon, after all. As for sides? A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic. For a grown-up vibe, pair it with a glass of prosecco.

After all, you've baked this best chocolate strawberry cake , time to celebrate.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

You've baked a masterpiece, now what? If you have any leftovers (highly unlikely, mind you), wrap the strawberry chocolate cake ideas tightly in cling film.

Stick it in the fridge; it'll happily keep for 3 days . Freezing this chocolate strawberry dessert is an option. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Honestly, sometimes I sneak a slice straight from the freezer. Don't judge.

Variations: Getting Creative

Fancy a twist? Swap the strawberries for raspberries. Oh my gosh, a chocolate raspberry cake ! For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Just remember to check that it contains xanthan gum. It is critical for structure. For a lighter frosting, blend some strawberry puree into the chocolate buttercream frosting for strawberry deliciousness.

Or look into strawberry cake recipe chocolate frosting variations.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Bits (Sort Of)

Alright, let's be real. This isn't exactly a health food. But hey, life's too short to skip dessert, eh? Each slice is roughly 550 calories .

It has some protein (5g), and fat (25g), and carbs (75g). Don't focus on that, focus on the joy this easy chocolate cake recipe brings.

Plus, strawberries are a fruit, so… vitamin C? Look at you being all healthy! It has cocoa, so it has antioxidants.

Boom!

So, there you have it! With these homemade strawberry filling tips and tricks, you're all set to bake a chocolate strawberry cake recipe that'll impress even Mary Berry.

Now go on, get baking. You got this!