Name: The Ultimate Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Strawberries
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 180 min
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa (optional); 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup strong black coffee; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 batch strawberry frosting; 8-10 fresh strawberries (sliced); 1 batch chocolate ganache

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Get ready for a truly delightful dessert experience! This incredible chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries combines the rich depth of chocolate with the bright, sweet burst of fresh strawberries. We craft moist chocolate cake layers, pile them high with a vibrant fresh strawberry frosting, and finish everything with a decadent chocolate ganache. To top it all off, we add more fresh, juicy strawberries for that perfect pop of color and flavor. It’s a beautiful, delicious cake, perfect for any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Strawberries

This recipe is designed to impress without overwhelming you in the kitchen.

Enjoy an incredibly indulgent, moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth.
Savor the bright, fresh strawberry flavor from the homemade frosting and fruit.
Present an elegant dessert, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration.
Drizzle rich, silky chocolate ganache for an extra layer of decadence.
Satisfy both your deepest chocolate cravings and your love for fresh fruit in one bite.
Create an impressive chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries that’s surprisingly achievable for any home baker.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this spectacular cake is the first step to success. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder (optional, but recommended for deeper color)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup strong black coffee
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For Assembling:

1 batch homemade strawberry frosting (prepared with fresh strawberry puree for vibrant flavor and color)
8-10 fresh strawberries, sliced (for filling)
1 batch chocolate ganache (rich, smooth, and easily drizzled or poured)
Additional fresh strawberries (whole, for decoration)

Notes & Substitutions:

Using Dutch process cocoa enhances the deep chocolate color and flavor; natural cocoa works too, but the color may be lighter. For a deeper, darker chocolate color and smoother flavor, consider the benefits of Dutch process cocoa powder in baking. Strong coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee; you can use water or hot water with espresso powder if preferred. If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice, then let it sit for 5 minutes before using. Always use fresh strawberries for the filling to ensure the best texture. Frozen berries are great for the frosting, but not for layering inside the cake.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking this chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries a breeze.

Two 9-inch round cake pans
Stand mixer with whisk attachment (or an electric hand mixer)
Large and medium mixing bowls
Wire cooling racks
Offset spatula (for easy frosting application)
Cake plate or cardboard round (for assembly)

Instructions

Creating this stunning chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is a straightforward process when you follow these steps. Let’s get baking!

Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. Set them aside.
In the large bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed until all dry ingredients are just combined.
Add the eggs, buttermilk, strong coffee, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes. The batter will be quite thin, which is normal for this moist cake.
Pour the thin batter evenly into your prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
Cool the cake layers in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto wire racks to cool completely. Ensuring they are fully cool prevents your frosting from melting.

Prepare Strawberry Frosting and Chocolate Ganache:

Follow your favorite recipe for homemade strawberry frosting. This typically involves blending fresh strawberries into a puree and incorporating it into a classic buttercream.
Prepare a batch of rich chocolate ganache. This usually means heating heavy cream and pouring it over chopped chocolate, then stirring until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it is pourable but not hot.

Assemble the Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Strawberries:

If necessary, level your cake layers with a serrated knife for an even foundation.
Place one cooled cake layer onto your chosen cake plate or cardboard round.
Spread about one-third of the prepared strawberry frosting evenly over the first cake layer.
Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries in a single layer over the frosting.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the sliced strawberries.
Frost the entire cake with the remaining strawberry frosting. Aim for a smooth, even coating all around.
Pour or drizzle the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake. Let it cascade down the sides artistically.
Decorate your magnificent chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries with additional whole fresh strawberries. For an extra special touch, dip some whole strawberries into a small amount of leftover ganache before placing them on top.
Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving a perfect chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is simple with a few key tricks.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, buttermilk, and even coffee (if using a pre-made batch) are at room temperature. This helps ingredients combine smoothly.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Beat until just combined.
Prepare Pans Properly: Grease and flour your pans thoroughly to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Cool Cakes Completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Patience is key!
Perfect Ganache: If ganache is too thick, gently warm it over a double boiler. If too thin, let it cool longer.
Smooth Frosting: Use an offset spatula and a turntable if possible for easy, even frosting. A crumb coat can also help achieve a cleaner finish.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Enjoying your chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is the best part! Here’s how to make the most of it.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this delectable cake slightly chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. For an extra treat, pair a slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk. The rich chocolate and fresh strawberry notes are truly a match made in heaven. For another fruity delight, consider a strawberry cake with strawberry filling.

Storage:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again. This brings out the cake’s moist texture and full flavor.

Make Ahead:

Cake Layers: Bake the cake layers ahead of time, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Frosting: Prepare the strawberry frosting up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature, then re-whip it briefly before use.
Ganache: Make the chocolate ganache a day ahead and refrigerate. Gently reheat over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave until pourable again.

Variations:

Explore different berry fillings like fresh raspberries or blueberries for a unique twist. Use white chocolate ganache instead of dark for a stunning visual contrast. You can also adapt this recipe to make delicious cupcakes, topping them with strawberry frosting, ganache, and a mini chocolate strawberry.

Nutrition

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this decadent cake.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 slice
Calories	776 kcal
Carbohydrate Content	52 g
Protein Content	5 g
Fat Content	12 g
Saturated Fat Content	3 g
Polyunsaturated Fat Content	5 g
Monounsaturated Fat Content	3 g
Trans Fat Content	0.1 g
Cholesterol Content	29 mg
Sodium Content	445 mg
Potassium Content	162 mg
Fiber Content	3 g
Sugar Content	35 g
Vitamin A	73 IU
Calcium	58 mg
Iron	2 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.

FAQ

Why is coffee in the chocolate cake?
Coffee significantly enhances the rich flavor of chocolate without making the cake taste like coffee. It simply deepens the cocoa notes for a more complex profile.

Do I have to use coffee in the cake?
No, you don’t have to use coffee. You can substitute it with an equal amount of hot water or hot water mixed with 1 teaspoon of espresso powder.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for making the strawberry frosting. However, for the cake filling, fresh strawberries are highly recommended to avoid excess moisture and maintain texture.

Can I use different size cake pans?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans might require less time, while larger or sheet pans will need different bake durations.

What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Dutch process cocoa powder is ideal for a darker, richer color and a smoother chocolate flavor in this particular chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries. Natural cocoa can also be used, but the cake’s color will be lighter and the flavor slightly different.

Conclusion

This chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries truly offers the best of both worlds – the deep, comforting richness of chocolate paired with the bright, refreshing sweetness of fresh strawberries. It’s a showstopper dessert that feels incredibly special, yet it’s entirely achievable for any home baker. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles. We encourage you to try this impressive recipe soon. Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations and leave a review!