Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

A rich, decadent Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Moist chocolate cake layers meet fresh strawberries and silky chocolate ganache, making every bite a heavenly indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Combination – The deep, rich chocolate perfectly complements the fresh sweetness of strawberries.
• Perfect for Any Celebration – A show-stopping cake that’s great for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!
• Easy Yet Elegant – Simple ingredients come together to create a bakery-quality masterpiece.

Pure Comfort

Chocolate and strawberries are a timeless duo. The balance of rich cocoa flavors and tart berries creates a cake that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

What You Need

• Two 8-inch cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Saucepan
• Cooling rack
• Cake spatula

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until combined. Pour in hot coffee and mix until smooth. Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cakes cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Cook until berries soften. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Stir into the strawberries and cook until thickened. Let cool completely.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then mix in butter. Let cool until slightly thickened.

4. Whip the Cream

Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

5. Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled strawberry filling over it. Place the second cake layer on top. Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Pipe whipped cream on top and garnish with fresh strawberries.

Make It Perfect

• Level the Cakes – Trim the tops if needed for even stacking.
• Chill the Cake Layers – A cool cake holds fillings and ganache better.
• Smooth Ganache Drip – Let the ganache cool slightly for the perfect consistency.

Mix It Up

• Add Nuts – Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds between layers.
• Change the Filling – Try raspberry jam instead of strawberries.
• Use White Chocolate – Swap dark chocolate ganache for white chocolate.

Perfect Partners

Pair your cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot espresso for an extra special treat.

Busy Day Hero

Make the cake layers in advance and freeze them. When ready, thaw and assemble.

Work Ahead

The strawberry filling and ganache can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Save Some For Later

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Everyone’s Happy

This cake is a guaranteed hit, whether served at a party or as a weekend treat.

Good For You Too

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and strawberries provide vitamin C, making this dessert a little more guilt-free!

Easy Clean Up

Line your work surface with parchment paper to catch ganache drips, and use one bowl for dry ingredients to reduce mess.

Switch It Up

Make cupcakes instead by dividing the batter into cupcake liners and reducing baking time to 18-20 minutes.

Simply Perfect

Every bite of this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake brings together moist cake, fresh fruit, and rich chocolate for an unforgettable dessert.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw and drain them before cooking to remove excess liquid.

2. Can I make this cake without coffee? Yes, you can substitute hot water or milk, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.

3. Can I use store-bought whipped cream? Yes, but homemade whipped cream holds up better.

4. How do I store leftovers? Keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

5. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

6. How can I prevent dry cake? Don’t overbake, and make sure to use buttermilk for moisture.

7. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is the ultimate combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress.

More Ways to Enjoy Strawberries and Chocolate

If you love the combination of chocolate and strawberries, you’ll definitely want to try these other delightful treats from Goodie Recipes! Indulge in the Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons, a perfect mix of crispy pastry and creamy cheesecake filling. For a smooth and fruity addition to your desserts, make Homemade Strawberry Purée to drizzle over cakes or ice cream. If you’re in the mood for more chocolatey goodness, the Dubai Chocolate Bar is a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. And for a creative twist on a classic, try the Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake for a gooey, peanut buttery delight. Lastly, for a fusion of cinnamon and creamy sweetness, the Churro Cheesecake is a must-try.

These recipes are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings!

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