If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that brings together the best of both fruity and chocolatey worlds, this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe is for you! Imagine plush, dreamy chocolate cake layered with a vibrant strawberry filling, all wrapped in the silkiest chocolate frosting. Each bite is pure delight—moist, rich, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s a cake that feels as gorgeous to slice as it does to see on the table, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses classic baking staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to deliver bold color, texture, and taste in every slice. Each element in this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe builds flavor, structure, and that “wow” factor.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, ensuring a soft crumb and sturdy structure for easy layering.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: For deep, chocolatey intensity without overwhelming sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the strawberry filling perfectly.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These rising agents work together to give the cake just the right lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and makes each flavor pop.
- Large eggs: Bind the cake and add richness to each layer.
- Whole milk: Brings moisture and tenderness to the crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and light—even days after baking!
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant note that bridges the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
- Boiling water: Blooming the cocoa with water deepens the chocolate flavor and helps create a delicate, plush texture.
- Fresh strawberries: The hero ingredient in the filling, delivering real fruity flavor and beautiful color.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling for those luscious cake layers.
- Lemon juice: A touch of acidity brightens the strawberries.
- Unsalted butter: Provides creaminess and structure for the chocolate frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sifts into the frosting, ensuring smoothness and a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Heavy cream: Lends silkiness to the frosting, making it easy to spread and whip up to fluffy perfection.
- Pinch of salt: Just a pinch in the frosting balances flavors and brings everything together.
- Fresh strawberries & chocolate shavings (for garnish): Instantly add elegance and a pop of color on top!
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and getting two 9-inch round cake pans ready. Grease them well and line the bottoms with parchment paper for the easiest cake release—nothing ruins the excitement quite like a stuck cake!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together your flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting aerates the ingredients and breaks up any lumps, ensuring your cake bakes up evenly tender.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth. The batter should be glossy and uniform.
Step 4: Stir in Boiling Water
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will look thin—don’t worry, that’s the secret behind the ultra-moist, feather-light crumb that sets this cake apart!
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean. Set the cakes on a wire rack and let them cool completely before assembling.
Step 6: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the cakes cool, combine your chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir often for 5–8 minutes, until the mixture thickens up, looking glossy and jammy. Allow it to cool fully—spreadable filling is key for this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe!
Step 7: Whip Up the Chocolate Frosting
Beat the softened butter and cocoa powder until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream. Toss in the vanilla extract and salt, then beat on high until light, fluffy, and oh-so-spreadable.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Set one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread all of the cooled strawberry filling right to the edges, then gently top with the second cake layer. Slather the top and sides with your billowy chocolate frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula for that professional finish.
Step 9: Garnish and Chill
If you want to go the extra mile, top your cake with fresh strawberries and a tumble of chocolate shavings or curls. Chill the finished cake for 30 minutes before slicing—this helps everything set, so your layers stay crisp and magnificent.
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a cake this stunning, a little garnish makes it irresistible! Stud the top with sliced or whole fresh strawberries, then sprinkle on a flurry of chocolate shavings or curls for truly decadent flair. Even a dusting of powdered sugar can add a magical finish to your Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe.
Side Dishes
Though this cake is the star, you can round out your spread with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a bit of tangy crème fraîche on the side. If you’re feeling extra fancy, serve alongside a fresh berry salad or a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe in dramatic layers by using a glass cake stand or a simple white platter. For special occasions, try mini individual cakes by baking in smaller pans and stacking with filling. Or, cut slices into elegant triangles and serve each with a drizzle of strawberry sauce for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain beautifully moist and flavorful for up to four days—just be sure no air sneaks in to dry out your masterpiece!
Freezing
You can freeze the cake (whole or individual slices) by wrapping it well in both plastic wrap and a layer of foil. It will keep its integrity in the freezer for up to two months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before indulging again.
Reheating
Cake is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full texture and flavor. If chilled or frozen, let slices sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. No need to microwave, as the frosting and filling can melt or separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries first to avoid excess liquid in the filling. They work beautifully, especially when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.
How do I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pan?
Always grease your pans generously, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your layers release effortlessly, keeping them intact and ready to fill.
Is it possible to make this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute a reputable 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll barely notice a difference in taste or texture.
What can I do if my frosting seems too thick or thin?
If your frosting feels too thick, add a touch of extra cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it spreads smoothly. If it’s too thin, sift in more powdered sugar gradually until you reach that fluffy, luscious consistency.
Can I add more strawberry flavor to the cake?
Definitely! Fold some finely chopped strawberries into your chocolate frosting, swirl in a thin layer of strawberry jam as you assemble, or even brush the cake layers with a little strawberry syrup for added punch.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe brings together the flavors everyone loves in one showstopping dessert. It’s brimming with fresh strawberries, dreamy chocolate, and a homemade touch that always impresses. Give it a try for your next special occasion—or just to treat yourself—and share a slice of joy with friends and family!
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate cake layers, sweet strawberry filling, and decadent chocolate frosting with this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake recipe. This show-stopping dessert is sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed. Stir in boiling water. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool.
- Make the Strawberry Filling: Cook strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened. Cool.
- Create the Chocolate Frosting: Beat butter and cocoa powder, then add powdered sugar and cream. Mix in vanilla and salt until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer cake with strawberry filling, frost with chocolate frosting, and garnish as desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
- The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored wrapped.
- For extra strawberry flavor, add chopped berries to the frosting or use strawberry jam.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
