Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cake 7 Secrets for Irresistible Homemade Perfection
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 32 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting); 5 cups powdered sugar; ⅔ cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting); Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe

Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert that combines rich, velvety chocolate layers with fresh, juicy strawberries for a show-stopping treat.

Tired of cakes that taste artificial or fall flat at celebrations? This recipe delivers a moist, decadent cake that stays fresh for days and tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery.

Hi, I’m Jack from Cooks Foody, and I’ve spent years perfecting this strawberry chocolate combination. What started as a birthday request from my sister turned into my most-requested dessert recipe.

The secret? Real strawberry filling, not jam, paired with a chocolate cake that’s impossible to overbake. In this guide, you’ll discover how to choose the best chocolate, master the layering technique, and customize flavors to create your signature version.

Why This Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe Works

This dessert combines indulgence with practicality, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced pastry enthusiasts.

Uses everyday pantry ingredients – No specialty items or hard-to-find components required
Foolproof chocolate base – The cake stays moist thanks to buttermilk and a touch of oil
Fresh strawberry filling – Real fruit flavor that doesn’t weep or make layers soggy
Make-ahead friendly – Bake layers in advance and assemble when ready
Customizable sweetness – Adjust sugar levels to match your taste preferences

Choosing the Right Chocolate for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Selecting quality chocolate transforms this dessert from good to extraordinary.

Best Chocolate Types for This Recipe

Dark chocolate with 60-70% cacao creates the perfect balance against sweet strawberries. Semi-sweet chocolate chips work beautifully for mixing into batter, while unsweetened cocoa powder provides depth without extra sugar. Avoid milk chocolate as it can make the cake overly sweet and compete with the strawberry flavor.

Buying Tips

Look for cocoa powder that’s Dutch-processed for a smoother, less acidic taste. When purchasing chocolate bars for ganache or decoration, check that cocoa or chocolate is the first ingredient listed. Fresh cocoa powder should smell rich and earthy, not musty or flat.

Substitutions

Replace dark chocolate with bittersweet for a more intense flavor. If you only have natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed, add an extra 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. For a lighter option, substitute half the chocolate with additional vanilla extract and reduce cocoa by one-third.

Ingredients & Prep for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake Base Essentials

2 cups all-purpose flour
1¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Fresh Strawberry Filling

3 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting Components

1½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
5 cups powdered sugar
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Allow eggs and buttermilk to reach room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing. Sift cocoa powder and flour together to prevent lumps. Prepare strawberry filling first so it has time to cool completely before assembling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Pre-Cooking Prep for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch round cake pans with butter and line bottoms with parchment paper. Lightly dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess. Bring all dairy ingredients to room temperature. Brew coffee and let it cool while you prepare other components.

Cooking Method for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Cooling Check for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Cakes are done when they spring back lightly when touched and edges begin to pull away from pan sides. Internal temperature should reach 205-210°F. Don’t overbake or cakes will become dry. If tops are browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Resting Your Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes on wire racks. Run a knife around edges, then invert onto racks to cool completely for at least 1 hour before frosting. Rushing this step will cause frosting to melt and filling to slide.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later!

I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to share your photos on Pinterest

Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Avoiding Dense or Dry Cake

Don’t overmix batter once wet and dry ingredients combine this develops gluten and creates tough texture. The coffee enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee, so don’t skip it. If batter seems thin, that’s correct – it ensures a moist crumb. Use an oven thermometer to verify accurate temperature since most ovens run hot or cold.

Tool Recommendations

A kitchen scale ensures precise measurements for consistent results. Offset spatulas make frosting smooth and professional-looking. Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to trim domed tops for even layers. A rotating cake stand simplifies decorating. Digital thermometer helps monitor baking progress.

Storage & Reheating

Cover assembled cake with a dome or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The strawberry filling keeps everything moist. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling.

Flavor Variations for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Customize this dessert to match any occasion or dietary preference.

White Chocolate Twist

Replace cocoa powder with melted white chocolate and reduce flour by ¼ cup. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to frosting for intense berry flavor. Use white chocolate ganache between layers instead of traditional frosting.

Reduced Sugar Option

Cut sugar in cake by ⅓ and use sugar substitute in frosting. The strawberry filling provides natural sweetness. Add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance flavor without added sugar.

International Inspirations

Create a Mexican chocolate version by adding 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon cayenne to batter. For Italian flair, brush layers with espresso syrup and add mascarpone to frosting. Try a French twist with raspberry liqueur brushed on cake layers (for adults only).

Flavor Variation Comparison Table

Variation	Key Addition	Flavor Profile	Best For
Classic	None	Rich chocolate with fresh berries	Traditional celebrations
White Chocolate	White chocolate, berry powder	Sweet, creamy, fruity	Summer gatherings
Mocha	Extra espresso, cream	Deep, sophisticated	Adult parties
Mint	Peppermint extract	Refreshing, cool	Holiday events
Orange	Orange zest, liqueur	Bright, citrusy	Elegant dinners
Salted Caramel	Caramel sauce, sea salt	Sweet and salty	Modern celebrations

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Pair this dessert with vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream for added richness. Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh strawberry halves, or edible flowers for visual appeal. Serve alongside hot coffee, cold milk, or sparkling water with a lemon twist. For an elegant presentation, dust plates with cocoa powder before plating. Cut clean slices by dipping your knife in hot water and wiping between cuts.

FAQs About Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before making the filling. Fresh strawberries provide better texture and flavor, but frozen work in a pinch. Increase cornstarch by 1 tablespoon to account for extra moisture.

How do I fix a dry cake? Brush layers with simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. This adds moisture without altering flavor. You can also add fruit preserves between layers. Prevention is key avoid overbaking and measure ingredients precisely.

Can I make this cake ahead? Absolutely. Bake cake layers up to 3 days in advance, wrap tightly, and refrigerate. Frosting can be made 2 days ahead and stored covered. Assemble the cake 1 day before serving for best results. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight.

What if my filling is too runny? Cook it longer to activate the cornstarch, or add another tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water. The filling must be completely cool and thickened before spreading on cake layers or it will soak through.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets? This traditional version contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. For gluten-free, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives. The cake can be adapted but texture may vary slightly.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake brings bakery-quality results to your home kitchen with straightforward techniques and accessible ingredients. The combination of rich chocolate layers and fresh strawberry filling creates a memorable dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake delivers every time.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake 7 Secrets for Irresistible Homemade Perfection