Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Powdered sugar for dusting

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

I can’t tell you how excited I am to share my Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake recipe! This dessert combines rich chocolate layers with fresh strawberries that create a delightful contrast. The balance of flavors and textures is truly amazing—each bite is a celebration. I developed this recipe during a family gathering, and it quickly became the star of the show. The lightness of the strawberries perfectly complements the decadent chocolate, making it a memorable dessert for any occasion.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:06:43.865Z

One of my favorite moments while making this cake was watching my family's faces light up with joy when they took their first bites. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is not only an aesthetic delight but also offers a depth of flavor that you can't resist. I realized that using fresh strawberries makes all the difference; their natural sweetness enhances the cake's chocolatey richness.

While testing this recipe, I discovered that letting the layers cool completely before assembling results in a better texture that holds up beautifully. Additionally, a light dusting of powdered sugar on top elevates the presentation. I can assure you, this cake will be a showstopper at any event!

        Reasons You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Moist and fluffy cake layers with a creamy frosting
Visually stunning for celebrations and gatherings

      

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

The quality of your ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the best flavor and texture in this Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake. For the cocoa powder, I recommend using a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor. This type of cocoa gives the cake a rich, darker hue and enhances the overall taste. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients together to prevent any lumps and ensure an even distribution of leavening agents, which is essential for the cake to rise properly.

When it comes to strawberries, opt for fresh, ripe ones. Local, in-season strawberries will provide the sweetest flavor and the juiciest texture, elevating the entire dessert. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that may alter the cake's texture.

Mastering the Baking Process

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so start checking the cakes at the 30-minute mark. Look for a few key indicators that the cakes are done: they should spring back gently when pressed in the center, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Allowing the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks helps to prevent them from breaking apart, ensuring you have a perfect structure for layering.

While the cakes cool, make your frosting. Achieving the right consistency is crucial; it should be spreadable yet thick enough to hold its shape. If the frosting is too stiff, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to loosen it up; if it's too runny, a bit more powdered sugar will help thicken it. This attention to detail will make sure the frosting adheres nicely to the layers without sliding off.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake.

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Decoration

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Powdered sugar for dusting

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake.

Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Carefully stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Make the Frosting

In a bowl, cream the butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream, and beat until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top and add sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Decorate the Cake

Top the cake with more sliced strawberries and dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.

Let the cake set for a bit before slicing to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

For an extra chocolate kick, consider adding chocolate shavings on top or drizzling chocolate ganache over the frosting.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

If you want to prep in advance, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Once cooled, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap to keep them moist, and store them at room temperature. The frosting can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; when ready to use, simply whip it again for a few seconds to restore its fluffy texture.

For longer storage, both cake layers and frosting can be frozen. Individually wrap the layers in plastic, then in foil to protect against freezer burn. The frosting can be frozen in a suitable container. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow both the cake and frosting to come to room temperature before assembly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is visually stunning on its own, but you can elevate it further. Consider drizzling a chocolate ganache on top for an even richer flavor. To make ganache, heat equal parts heavy cream and chocolate until melted and smooth, and pour it over the frosted cake for a decadent finish. Alternatively, serving with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream can complement the dessert beautifully.

For a unique twist, you might experiment with different fruit layers. Raspberries or blueberries can provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate. You could also incorporate flavored extracts, like almond or orange, into the frosting to create a new flavor profile that pairs well with the chocolate and strawberries.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs if you're looking for an eggless version.