If ever there was a show-stopper dessert guaranteed to win hearts, it’s the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake. This confection is pure celebration: fluffy pink strawberry cake layers, a rich chocolate ganache cascading over the top, and juicy fresh strawberries all make each slice feel special. It brilliantly captures everything delightful about those classic chocolate-dipped berries—sweet, luscious, and undeniably festive—while being surprisingly simple to pull off in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This list of ingredients keeps things straightforward, but every item plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or visual appeal. Trust me, each component here is chosen for maximum deliciousness and the prettiest final result.
- Strawberry cake mix: Delivers reliable, vibrant color and that nostalgic strawberry flavor, forming the perfect pink cake base.
- Eggs: Add structure and richness for tender, fluffy cake layers.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb super moist and delicately soft.
- Water: Helps the cake mix come together and bake evenly.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and extra moisture, making the cake incredibly tender with a subtle richness.
- Fresh strawberries (finely chopped): Bring real fruit flavor and lovely pops of juicy strawberry in every bite.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The secret weapon for a silky, slightly bittersweet ganache that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Heavy cream: Used to melt and smooth out the chocolate, resulting in a glossy, pourable ganache.
- Fresh whole strawberries (for garnish): The crowning glory that makes the cake look as stunning as it tastes.
- Optional chocolate drizzle or sprinkles: These are your “extra sparkle”—go classic or playful with your decorations!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two round cake pans. Grease and flour each pan generously, making sure every nook and cranny is coated to prevent sticking. This simple step is the first secret to flawless cake layers, so don’t skimp!
Step 2: Mix the Strawberry Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine your strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and luxurious sour cream. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and even, then gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries. That addition of real berries infuses the cake with bursts of flavor and an irresistible homemade twist.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the gorgeous pink batter between your prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, just until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off: a fully cooled cake makes for tidier, neater layers later on.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache
While your layers are cooling, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer—do not let it boil. Pour the steaming cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, let it sit for a few minutes, then stir patiently until you have a glossy, thick ganache. Let the ganache cool to a pourable (but not runny) consistency—this is key for that irresistible drip effect!
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on your prettiest plate, then gently spread a thin layer of ganache on top. Stack the second cake layer over that, then pour the rest of the ganache over the whole cake, encouraging some drips down the sides (it’s part of the charm!). Top with fresh strawberries and, if you’d like, a flourish of chocolate drizzle or some playful sprinkles. Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly elevate your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake. Arrange whole strawberries either clustered in the center or artfully around the edges. For even more bliss, try shaving some extra chocolate or adding a shower of festive sprinkles for sparkle. If you love a dramatic look, drizzle a little melted chocolate back and forth across the top for that classic, elegant dessert vibe.
Side Dishes
Let this cake be the star with simple, complementary sides. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and fruity cake. If it’s a special occasion, set out fresh berries on the side or a flute of sparkling rosé—both highlight the flavors in each slice nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
This cake loves a little fanfare! Try serving it on a white cake stand to make those strawberry-pink layers and glossy ganache pop. For parties or Valentine’s Day, cut into generous squares and serve in cupcake wrappers for a playful, easy-to-hold treat. You can even scatter edible flowers or gold leaf for an extra dose of fancy if you’re really looking to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake will stay fresh and luscious for up to three days—if you can resist finishing it before then!
Freezing
This cake is surprisingly freezer-friendly. For best results, freeze slices unadorned, wrapped well, for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight, then add any fresh strawberry garnish or extra drizzle after defrosting to keep everything vibrant and snappy.
Reheating
While you don’t need to warm up this cake to enjoy it, bringing a slice to room temperature before serving will revive its texture and enhance the flavors. For a slightly melty ganache, you can microwave a slice for 8 to 10 seconds; it’s like tasting a warm chocolate-dipped berry!
FAQs
Can I use homemade strawberry cake instead of a cake mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch strawberry cake recipe, feel free to swap it in. Just make sure your homemade cake is sturdy enough to handle the ganache and strawberries on top.
How do I get a perfectly smooth ganache drip?
The key is to let your ganache cool until it’s thick but still pourable. Check the consistency by letting a spoonful fall back into the bowl—it should slowly mound before settling flat. Gently nudge the ganache toward the cake’s edge with a spatula and let gravity create the drip effect.
What if I can’t find fresh strawberries?
If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use well-drained frozen berries in the cake. For garnish, skip the fruit and opt for strawberry candies, preserves, or chocolate-dipped dried strawberries for a fun twist.
Can I make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake as cupcakes?
Yes! Just divide the batter evenly into lined muffin tins, bake for 16 to 18 minutes, then top each cooled cupcake with a spoonful of ganache and half a strawberry for easy, portable treats.
Is there a way to boost the strawberry flavor?
For extra strawberry intensity, add a little strawberry extract to the cake batter or spread a thin layer of strawberry jam between the layers before the ganache. Every bite will taste even more like those classic coated berries!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about making and sharing a beautiful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake—it’s simple, stunning, and every forkful is pure joy. Whether for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, give this recipe a try and enjoy the smiles that follow. Happy baking!
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of strawberries and chocolate with this delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake. Moist strawberry cake layers filled with fresh strawberries, covered in a rich chocolate ganache, and topped with more strawberries, it’s a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Cake:
- 1 box strawberry cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
- 6–8 fresh strawberries (washed and dried)
- optional chocolate drizzle or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Cake: Preheat the oven, mix cake ingredients, fold in strawberries, bake, and cool.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, stir until smooth, and let thicken.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer cakes with ganache, top with remaining ganache, and garnish with strawberries and chocolate drizzle or sprinkles.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
- For extra strawberry flavor, consider adding strawberry extract or a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
