Strawberry Chocolate Cake – A Luscious, Decadent Treat

✨ Introduction

Rich chocolate cake meets sweet, juicy strawberries in this irresistible Strawberry Chocolate Cake. Moist chocolate layers are stacked with luscious strawberry filling and topped with silky chocolate ganache, creating a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a romantic occasion, a birthday party, or simply because chocolate and strawberries are the perfect match, this cake will steal the spotlight.

---

🍽️ Servings & Time

• Yield: 10–12 slices
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
• Assembly Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

---

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water

For the Ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings

---

🧑‍🍳 Equipment Needed

• 2 round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans
• Stand or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cake stand or plate

---

🍳 Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
• Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
• Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Let cool completely before assembling.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling:

• In a saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.
• Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (about 1–2 minutes). Cool completely.

3. Make the Ganache:

• Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly until thick but pourable.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling on top.
• Place second cake layer over the strawberries.
• Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.

---

🔁 Variations

• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Vibes: Dip whole strawberries in extra ganache and place on top for decoration.
• Strawberry Cream Filling: Mix whipped cream into the strawberry filling for a lighter, mousse-like center.
• Layer More: Slice cakes in half horizontally to create a 4-layer masterpiece!

---

🧊 Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cake layers (unfilled) for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.
• Room Temp: Can sit out up to 6 hours if serving the same day.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use strawberry jam instead of homemade filling?
Yes — in a pinch, a good-quality strawberry jam will work!

Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for about 18–20 minutes and fill the centers with strawberry compote.

What’s the best chocolate for ganache?
Use a good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor.