If you are a fan of decadent desserts that combine rich flavors and fresh fruit, you are in for a real treat with this classic Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe. Imagine moist, velvety chocolate cake layers hugging a luscious strawberry filling that bursts with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. This dessert is an absolute showstopper for any occasion and promises to delight your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply craving homemade comfort, this recipe brings together simple ingredients into an unforgettable cake experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the rich cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolate punch, to the fresh strawberries that add a juicy brightness, every element is essential.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake, making it tender yet sturdy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with moisture retention.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star for that intense chocolate flavor and lovely dark hue.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and chocolate richness.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Whole milk: Contributes to a creamy texture and enriches the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without a heavy feel.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate’s flavor.
- Boiling water: Unlocks the cocoa powder’s deepest flavors and loosens the batter for a lighter crumb.
- Fresh strawberries: The heart of the filling, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling to keep it fresh and zesty.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling so it holds beautifully between the cake layers.
- Unsalted butter: Key for creamy, rich frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it a silky finish.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfectly smooth and spreadable.
How to Make Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter
Start by greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until your batter is wonderfully smooth. The secret to a wonderfully moist chocolate cake? Gradually stir in boiling water last, which might thin the batter but ensures the richest flavor and a tender crumb after baking.
Step 2: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and pop them into a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center. Fresh from the oven, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling completely is crucial; you want to avoid melting your luscious strawberry filling in the next step!
Step 3: Create the Strawberry Filling
While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the filling. Combine chopped fresh strawberries, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer gently until the strawberries release their juices and soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. To achieve the perfect spreadable texture, whisk together cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the mixture, cooking for a few more minutes until thickened. Once thick and vibrant, let the filling cool fully — this is what makes the middle layer of your cake pop!
Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Frosting
Softened unsalted butter is the base for your sumptuous frosting. Beat it until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and heavy cream to get that silky, fluffy texture perfect for spreading. Feel free to adjust the cream amount to get a frosting that’s easy to work with but holds its shape beautifully over the cake.
Step 5: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread the cooled strawberry filling on top. Careful not to go too heavy or the filling might ooze out! Gently place the second cake layer over the filling. Now, slather your entire cake with the rich chocolate frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a delightful finishing touch, add fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings on top — it’s pure dessert perfection.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this cake effortlessly. Fresh whole or sliced strawberries on top not only add a burst of color but echo the filling’s lovely flavor. For extra indulgence, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings or curls for texture and visual appeal. A dusting of powdered sugar can offer a delicate, snowy finish that feels both elegant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe pairs beautifully with chilled vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a fruity red wine can create a lovely flavor harmony, enhancing your dessert experience and bringing all the layers of taste together.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, try slicing the cake into petite squares or individual trifle cups layered with strawberry filling and frosting. Another idea is to serve alongside fresh berries and mint leaves on the plate for a restaurant-style presentation. Fancy a twist? Drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top for added flair and even more chocolatey decadence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake stays moist and delicious for several days when stored properly. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full depth of flavors and silky frosting texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. The strawberry filling can also be frozen in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw everything overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting your cake to maintain freshness.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert once assembled, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer, bring slices to room temperature by letting them sit out for about 30 minutes. This will soften the cake and allow the flavors to shine without losing the creamy frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess liquid in your filling. You might need to simmer a little longer to get the right thickness.
Is this cake gluten-free?
The traditional version isn’t, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, though textures may vary slightly.
How long does the strawberry filling keep?
Refrigerated, the filling stays fresh for up to 3 days. It’s best used fresh for optimal flavor and consistency in your cake.
Can I make this cake vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like using flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter, you can definitely make a vegan adaptation of the Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe.
What’s the best way to get even cake layers?
Using a serrated knife or a cake leveler to slice off any domed tops after baking will help your layers stack neatly and give your cake a professional look.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe is a heartfelt way to bring joy to any dessert table. The harmony of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry filling never fails to impress, whether for a special celebration or a simple indulgence at home. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful cake as much as I do—it’s a timeless favorite that always brings smiles and happy moments.
Print
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and decadent Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling combines rich cocoa layers with a fresh, tangy strawberry filling and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any dessert craving, this cake features a delicate balance of chocolate and fruit flavors with a tender crumb and luscious frosting.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 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, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (or as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined for a balanced chocolate flavor.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually stir in the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this step ensures a moist cake texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the strawberries and release their juices.
- Thicken Filling: Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, add to the strawberry mixture, and cook while stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Cool Filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before assembling.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: Add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, if needed, to reach the desired spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread an even layer of cooled strawberry filling over it.
- Add Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down to secure.
- Frost Cake: Cover the entire cake with the prepared chocolate frosting, smoothing it with a spatula for an even finish.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings to enhance presentation and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the cake to enjoy the luscious combination of chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the cakes are completely cool before adding the filling and frosting to prevent melting.
- The boiling water makes the batter thin but results in a moist cake—this is expected.
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the filling.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter frosting, but the texture may be less creamy.
- This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
