Classic Strawberries Cream Chocolate Layer Cake

Classic Strawberries Cream Chocolate Layer Cake

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:12 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour, sifted
• 3 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 ½ cups Unsweetened Dark Cocoa Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
• 3 large Eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups Buttermilk, room temperature
• ¾ cup Vegetable Oil (or Canola)
• 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract (for cake)
• 1 ½ cups Hot, strong brewed Coffee (or hot water)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, softened (for buttercream)
• 4 cups Powdered (Icing) Sugar, sifted
• ½ cup Fresh Strawberry Purée (strained)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (for buttercream)
• ¼ tsp Salt (for buttercream)
• 8 oz Dark Chocolate (60–70% cacao), finely chopped or chips (for ganache)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Double Cream, for ganache)
• 1 pint Fresh Whole Strawberries (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Prep the Tins and Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch cake tins, lining the bottom with parchment circles.
• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and 1 Tbsp vanilla extract until smooth.
• Mix Batter: Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
• Add Coffee: Carefully pour the hot coffee (or water) into the batter, mixing until smooth and thin. This thins the batter dramatically, which is correct.
• Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared tins. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Cool: Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely (about 1 hour).
• Prepare Strawberry Purée: Wash, hull, and blend 1 cup of strawberries until smooth. Strain the purée through a sieve to remove seeds. Set aside the measured ½ cup.
• Make Buttercream: Cream the softened butter until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Add the 1 tsp vanilla and salt. Finally, beat in the cold strawberry purée until light and incorporated (3-5 minutes).
• Make Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until completely smooth. Cool to room temperature until thick enough to spread but still pourable for the drip.
• Level the Layers: Once the cakes are completely cool, use a long serrated knife to level the dome off the top of each layer.
• Crumb Coat: Place the first layer on your serving plate. Apply a thin, even layer of the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the entire cake to lock in loose crumbs.
• Chill: Refrigerate the cake for 15–20 minutes until the crumb coat is set firm.
• Fill the Cake: Remove the cake from the fridge. Spread one-third of the strawberry buttercream over the first layer. Top with the second layer, repeating the buttercream step. Place the final cake layer on top.
• Final Frosting and Drip: Use the remaining strawberry buttercream to frost the sides and top smoothly. Use a piping bag to carefully apply the remaining, slightly warmed ganache around the top edge, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.
• Decorate and Chill: Arrange fresh, hulled strawberries on top of the ganache and around the base. Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes before serving for stability.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 kcal

Protein:7 g

Fat:30 g

Carbs:75 g

Fiber:3 g

Sugar:60 g

Sodium:300 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American

Fancy a Proper Showstopper?

Oh my gosh, are you ready for the ultimate bake? I’m talking about the king of all Strawberry Chocolate Cake recipes.

Honestly, this isn't just a dessert. It's a celebration. This recipe delivers a rich, dark flavour bomb paired perfectly with light, fresh summer berries.

Forget those complicated Chocolate Strawberry Cake Designs ; this one looks incredible but keeps the steps simple.

We’re aiming for a proper Celebration layer cake recipes vibe here. Think deep, dark chocolate sponge paired with sweet, airy strawberries and cream chocolate cake .

It’s sophisticated, but still totally approachable for a home baker.

Why This Cake is Worth the Effort

I won’t lie; this is a medium difficulty bake, but don't panic! It takes about two and a half hours, start to finish.

The good news? Most of that time is spent cooling, which means you can stick the kettle on and relax.

This specific version, the Chocolate With Strawberry Cake , is guaranteed to impress 10 to 12 people. I’ve made simple chocolate cakes before, but adding that fresh fruit element elevates everything.

The secret to why this works is the contrast. You get that intense, deep Moist dark chocolate cake fresh strawberry filling that is truly fudgy.

We use hot coffee in the batter, which doesn’t make it taste like coffee, but it intensifies the cocoa flavour tenfold.

It’s genius, you know?

The Ultimate Flavour Combination

This bake is the perfect partner for any special occasion, be it a birthday or just when you need a big mood boost.

Seriously, the joy of slicing into a Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is unmatched.

What makes this recipe special is the frosting. We’re not using that sickly sweet supermarket stuff. This is the Best chocolate cake recipe with strawberry buttercream you will ever taste, made vibrant with fresh purée.

We finish it off with a smooth fudgy chocolate cake ganache drip and simple garnishes like elegant Chocolate Cake With Chocolate-covered Strawberries .

It looks professional, but you made it yourself!

Remember my first attempt at a layer cake? It slid apart in the fridge and looked like a mudslide. That's why the chilling time is crucial in this recipe.

We need those layers stable so your cake stands tall! Right then, let’s stop chatting and get started. Here is the list of ingredients you need to create this amazing treat.

The Secret Stash: Ingredients for Your Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Honestly, the ingredients list for this showstopper isn’t scary at all. You probably have most of it already. This is how we make a proper Celebration layer cake recipes that looks complicated but is actually simple.

We are aiming for that perfect Chocolate With Strawberry Cake balance. Remember, quality matters here!

Getting the Goods: Main Ingredients

To get that truly moist dark chocolate cake fresh strawberry filling , start with your core ingredients.

For the Fudgy chocolate cake ganache drip base, the quality of your cocoa powder is everything. Seriously. I once used cheap stuff and the cake tasted sad. Go dark!

We need 3 cups (360 g) of All-Purpose Flour and 1 ½ cups (125 g) of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder. You need the full power of 3 cups (600 g) of sugar, because this is a layer cake, not a health food snack! Oh, and the secret weapon? 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of hot, strong brewed coffee.

It doesn't taste like coffee, I promise. It just makes the cocoa sing.

For the gorgeous filling—the Best chocolate cake recipe with strawberry buttercream —we need fresh strawberries. 1 cup (180 g) of strawberries puréed gives us the half cup of liquid we need.

That freshness is key to cutting through the richness of the chocolate. Make sure your butter, 1 cup (225 g) , is properly soft.

This avoids clumpy buttercream.

Quick Flavor Boosts and Substitutions

Don't skip the salt! Just 1 tsp (5 g) of fine sea salt in the cake batter balances the sweetness.

And the ganache needs great chocolate. Aim for 60%–70% cacao dark chocolate chips.

If you don't have buttermilk, don't fret. A quick hack: put 1 ½ tablespoons of white vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, then top it up with regular milk to equal 1 ½ cups (360 ml) .

Let it sit for ten minutes. Hello, buttermilk substitute!

Tools for Your Strawberry Chocolate Cake Designs

You don't need fancy gadgets, but a couple of essentials make the job loads easier.

First, you need 3 x 8-inch (20 cm) round cake tins . Baking three thin layers is much better than trying to slice one thick cake.

Trust me, I learned that the hard way.

An electric mixer is a must for the buttercream. Trying to whisk 4 cups (480 g) of powdered sugar by hand is just pure faff.

Use a stand mixer or a good hand mixer.

Finally, the offset spatula. This is non-negotiable for spreading both the frosting and the Fudgy chocolate cake ganache drip smoothly.

If you don't have one, grab one! It's cheap and essential for any layered creation. That little tool makes the difference between a rustic cake and a genuine Strawberries and cream chocolate cake masterpiece.

Let’s Get This Chocolate Party Started!

You are about to make the most magnificent Celebration layer cake recipe you have ever attempted. Seriously. This specific Strawberry Chocolate Cake is an absolute showstopper, but the method is honestly straightforward.

Let’s stop faffing about and get baking.

The Prep: Getting Your Head Straight

Everything in Its Place, Like a Proper Grown-Up

Before the mixer even dreams of spinning, you need your mise en place sorted. If you want that gorgeous, creamy texture in your Best chocolate cake recipe with strawberry buttercream , all your cold ingredients—especially those three large eggs and the buttermilk—must be at room temperature.

Trust me, cold butter and cold eggs lead to curdled sadness. I learned that the hard way during my first disastrous attempt at a Chocolate With Strawberry Cake years ago.

It looked like scrambled eggs, bless it.

Organise your three 8-inch tins right now. Grease them, flour them lightly, and lay those parchment paper circles in the base.

Oven set to 350° F ( 175° C) ? Good. Now you’re ready to roll.

The Method: Magic in the Batter

Step-by-Step to Fudgy Perfection

1. Dry Mix: Whisk together all the flour, sugars, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure it's fully combined so you don’t get a sneaky pocket of baking powder later.
2. Wet Mix: Separately, whisk the room temperature eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. It should look perfectly smooth.
3. Combine: Slowly introduce the wet mix to the dry mix in your stand mixer on low speed. Mix until just combined—don't overwork the gluten!
4. The Coffee Boost: Here is the secret to a super Moist dark chocolate cake fresh strawberry filling . Gently pour in the hot, strong brewed coffee. Yes, the batter will look shockingly thin, like soup! Don't panic; this is correct. The hot liquid activates the dark cocoa, giving you that incredible fudgy chocolate cake ganache drip flavour.
5. Bake: Divide the runny batter equally into the three prepped tins. Bake them for 30– 35 minutes . When a skewer comes out clean, they are done.
6. Cool Down: Cool them in the tins for 10 minutes , then move them to a wire rack to cool completely—this takes about 1 hour . Do not rush this step!

Pro Tips: Avoiding the Crumb Disaster

Shortcuts to the Perfect Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Honestly, the biggest challenge with any stacked cake is keeping the crumbs out of your pretty frosting.

1. The Essential Chill: Once your cake layers are cool and leveled, you must apply the initial thin layer of ganache (the crumb coat).

This is essential for achieving a professional Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake look. Refrigerate that crumb-coated cake for 15– 20 minutes until the chocolate is firm.

That crusty, firm coating locks every single stray crumb inside.

2. Fluff the Buttercream: When making the Best chocolate cake recipe with strawberry buttercream , once all the ingredients are in, don't stop mixing.

Let that stand mixer whip for a full 3 to 5 minutes on medium-high speed. This incorporates air, making the buttercream light, airy, and so easy to spread.

You want it fluffy, not dense!

This ensures your final stack, topped with beautiful Chocolate Cake With Chocolate-covered Strawberries , is clean, stable, and ready for admiring glances!

Serving the Showstopper: Tips for Plating and Presentation

Honestly, after all that layering, you deserve a medal. This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is a beauty! A little secret: a study found people are way happier when cake looks amazing.

We want that "Oh my gosh!" moment. I always use a crisp white plate. It makes the vibrant red of the strawberries and the deep colour of the Fudgy chocolate cake ganache drip really pop.

Think high contrast!

For that extra wow factor, try adding a few extra Chocolate Cake With Chocolate-covered Strawberries right around the base. It’s a simple trick, but it elevates your Chocolate Strawberry Cake Designs instantly.

Want to feel like you're cheating on a healthy day? Serve it with a tiny dollop of crème fraîche. It adds a lovely tang.

If you need a drink, skip the milk. A chilled Prosecco is incredible with this. The bubbles cut right through the richness.

Keeping Your Cake Fabulous (Storage Savvy)

Because of that dreamy, fresh Best chocolate cake recipe with strawberry buttercream , this cake absolutely must live in the fridge.

That fresh purée is unstable at room temperature. The challenge is keeping the sponge moist.

Store any slices in an airtight container. If you have the whole cake left, cover it loosely with cling film.

Whatever you do, don't leave it out more than 2 hours . When you want a slice, pull it out 30 minutes before serving.

This allows the Strawberry Chocolate Cake to warm slightly. It brings back that amazing Moist dark chocolate cake fresh strawberry filling texture.

Never, ever microwave a leftover slice! Learned that the hard way, trust me.

Quick Swaps for Any Occasion

I love that this recipe is so flexible. If you are serving someone gluten-free, use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the chocolate sponge.

It works wonderfully! You’ll still get that incredible fudginess.

What if strawberries aren't looking their best? No drama! Swap the strawberry purée for raspberry or even passion fruit curd.

This turns it into a totally different, yet equally delicious, Strawberries and cream chocolate cake . Seasonal swaps make baking fun!

Why This Cake Is Also Kind Of Healthy (Sort Of)

Okay, let's be real—it’s a celebration treat. But we can feel good about a few things. The dark cocoa powder in our Chocolate With Strawberry Cake is loaded with antioxidants.

You are actually getting a little boost! And those beautiful, fresh strawberries? Hello, Vitamin C! Think of this as the ultimate indulgence that also happens to deliver fresh fruit and dark chocolate goodness.

This isn't just one of those Celebration layer cake recipes ; it’s happiness in slice form. Go ahead, enjoy every bite!