Strawberry Chocolate Cake Recipe
This luscious Strawberry Chocolate Cake features rich, moist chocolate layers paired with homemade strawberry jam and a creamy strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a decadent fruity chocolate dessert, this cake balances the deep flavor of cocoa with the bright sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Strawberry Jam
- 500 g strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
Chocolate Cake
- 190 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 115 g unsalted butter, melted
- 100 g light-tasting oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 330 g milk, room temperature
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 250 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 70 g strawberry jam (from the homemade jam prepared above)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling and Toppings
- 200 g strawberries, finely diced
- 7 strawberries, halved for decoration
- Make the Strawberry Jam: In a small pot, combine 500 g strawberries, 50 g granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it boils and the foam rises. Continue cooking until the jam thickens and parts when stirred with a spatula, then slowly comes back together. Transfer to a bowl and chill completely in the fridge.
- Prepare Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper rounds on the bottom and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together 190 g all-purpose flour, 75 g cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted 115 g unsalted butter, 100 g light oil, 100 g granulated sugar, and 100 g brown sugar until combined. Add 2 eggs and whisk until smooth and light in texture.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add half the dry ingredients and half of 330 g milk to the wet ingredients, mixing gently after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans (about 540 g per pan). Smooth tops with a spatula or gently tap pans to even out. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Cakes: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then run an offset spatula around edges to loosen. Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before assembling.
- Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 115 g softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add 250 g softened cream cheese and beat until smooth. Slowly add 100 g powdered sugar and beat on low until combined. Mix in 70 g strawberry jam and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Reserve a small amount for piping if desired.
- Prepare Cake Layers: If the cake layers have domed, level them with a serrated knife. Then slice each round in half horizontally to create four even layers.
- Assemble Cake: Place first cake layer on a turntable or serving plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to create a barrier. Spread about 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam inside the ring, smooth evenly, then scatter diced 200 g strawberries on top. Repeat layering with remaining cake layers and filling.
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs. Chill briefly if needed, then scrape off excess for smoothness.
- Final Frosting and Decoration: Apply a final thick coating of frosting and smooth the surface using a cake scraper. Use a spatula to create swirls on the frosting. Garnish the top with halved strawberries arranged evenly for a fresh elegant finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure even mixing and better cake texture.
- Light-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil helps keep the cake moist without overpowering flavor.
- Homemade strawberry jam can be replaced with good quality store-bought jam if short on time.
- Chilling the cakes slightly before frosting helps reduce crumbs and creates a cleaner finish.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, let the assembled cake chill for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If desired, decorate with additional fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Strawberry chocolate cake, homemade strawberry jam, chocolate layer cake, cream cheese frosting, berry dessert, baked chocolate cake