Chocolate Strawberry Cake

This chocolate strawberry cake is the perfect blend of rich cocoa and sweet fruit. With moist chocolate layers, a fresh strawberry filling, and smooth strawberry buttercream, every bite is indulgent yet balanced. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and delivers bakery-style results without the fuss. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself, this cake impresses with both flavor and presentation. Top it with chocolate-covered strawberries or a drizzle of ganache for a beautiful finish. If you love chocolate and strawberries together, this is the cake you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate strawberry cake delivers everything you want in a dessert — rich flavor, eye-catching layers, and a fresh twist. Each bite is soft, moist, and filled with the deep taste of chocolate balanced by sweet strawberry notes. The contrast of silky chocolate cake and fruity filling makes it both satisfying and refreshing.

You’ll also love how simple it is to make. The ingredients are easy to find, and the steps are clear enough for beginners. You don’t need professional baking experience to achieve delicious results with this recipe. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, this cake is a showstopper that never fails to impress.

From the strawberry buttercream to the rich cake layers, every element works together to create a dessert that feels special but doesn’t take hours to make. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want something delicious, beautiful, and guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

This chocolate strawberry cake includes three main parts: the moist chocolate cake layers, the strawberry filling, and the strawberry buttercream frosting. Each component uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a cake that’s rich, fruity, and incredibly satisfying.

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  
• ½ cup vegetable oil
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  
• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
  

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
  
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
  
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  
• 2 tablespoons water
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
  
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
  
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• Pinch of salt
  

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate ganache (made with chocolate chips and heavy cream)
  
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
  
• Extra fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a rich chocolate strawberry cake with fresh flavor in every bite.

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line two round cake pans (8 or 9 inches) with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
   
2. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   
3. Mix wet ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
   
4. Combine the mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing at a low speed until just blended.
   
5. Add hot water: Slowly pour in hot water or hot coffee and mix until the cake batter is smooth and slightly thin.
   
6. Bake the cake layers: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   
7. Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
   

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

1. Cook strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
   
2. Gently heat the filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the strawberry mixture thickens and turns glossy, about 5–7 minutes.
   
3. Cool the filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before using.
   

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Buttercream

1. Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
   
2. Add strawberry powder: Mix in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until combined.
   
3. Add sugar gradually: Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition.
   
4. Adjust consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.
   

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cakes: If needed, trim the tops of the cake layers to make them flat.
   
2. First layer: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or board. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the top.
   
3. Add the second layer: Carefully place the second cake layer over the first, pressing down lightly to set it in place.
   
4. Crumb coat: Spread a thin layer of strawberry buttercream over the entire cake to catch crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes.
   
5. Final frosting: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
   
6. Decorate: Top the cake with chocolate ganache drizzle, chocolate-covered strawberries, or fresh strawberries if desired.
   

With these steps, you’ll create a moist chocolate cake with strawberry buttercream and a fresh strawberry filling — a combination that’s rich, fruity, and perfect for any occasion.

Pro Tips and Variations

Making a chocolate strawberry cake at home is easier with a few smart tricks. These tips ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and beautiful every time.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps the cake batter mix more evenly, resulting in a softer texture.
  
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep the cake layers light and tender.
  
• Level your cake layers: Use a serrated knife to trim any domed tops so your layer cake stacks neatly and doesn’t slide.
  
• Cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake can cause the buttercream to melt. Always let the cake layers cool fully before assembly.
  
• Chill before final frosting: Applying a crumb coat and chilling the cake helps achieve a smooth final layer without crumbs showing through.
  
• Use fresh strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries add the best natural sweetness and flavor to the filling.
  

Easy Variations to Try

• Chocolate Ganache Drip: For an elegant finish, pour chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and let it drip down the sides before adding decorations.
  
• Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake: Swap the strawberry buttercream for whipped cream frosting for a lighter, shortcake-inspired twist.
  
• Extra Strawberry Filling: For an even stronger strawberry flavor, double the strawberry filling and spread a thin layer between each frosting coat.
  
• White Chocolate Version: Substitute dark chocolate ganache with white chocolate ganache for a sweeter, more delicate flavor pairing.
  
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make a gluten-free chocolate strawberry cake.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate strawberry cake is a showstopper that fits almost any special occasion or casual gathering. Its rich layers, fruity filling, and smooth frosting make it the perfect centerpiece for dessert tables or celebration dinners.

Best Occasions to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake

• Birthday Parties: The beautiful layers and fresh strawberries make it a festive choice for birthdays of all ages.
  
• Valentine’s Day: Chocolate and strawberries are a classic romantic pairing, ideal for sharing with loved ones.
  
• Mother’s Day or Father’s Day: Celebrate with a homemade cake that feels thoughtful and luxurious.
  
• Weddings or Anniversaries: This cake makes a wonderful addition to dessert tables or small celebrations.
  
• Casual Weekend Treats: You don’t need a special reason to enjoy a rich slice of cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
  

Serving Tips

• Slice with a hot knife: Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry before slicing. This helps cut clean slices without dragging the frosting.
  
• Top fresh before serving: If you’re adding chocolate-covered strawberries or fresh fruit, place them on the cake just before serving to keep them looking fresh.
  
• Pair with fresh berries: Serve extra strawberries or raspberries on the side for added freshness.
  
• Add a drizzle: A little extra chocolate ganache drizzled over each slice takes it from delicious to unforgettable.
  

Whether served simply or dressed up with extra decorations, this chocolate strawberry cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.

Conclusion

This chocolate strawberry cake brings together everything you want in a homemade dessert — rich chocolate flavor, fresh strawberry filling, and a light, fruity buttercream. With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create a cake that looks beautiful and tastes even better.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this cake offers the perfect balance of indulgent and refreshing flavors. The moist chocolate layers, smooth frosting, and bright strawberry notes make every bite memorable.

Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that everyone will love.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Emily

Make a rich, moist Chocolate Strawberry Cake layered with fresh strawberries and buttercream. Easy, delicious, and perfect for any special occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk room temperature
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 2 –3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings:

• Chocolate ganache made with chocolate chips and heavy cream
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Extra fresh strawberries for garnish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line two round cake pans (8 or 9 inches) with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Mix wet ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
• Combine the mixtures: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing at a low speed until just blended.
• Add hot water: Slowly pour in hot water or hot coffee and mix until the cake batter is smooth and slightly thin.
• Bake the cake layers: Evenly pour the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

• Cook strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice.
• Gently heat the filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the strawberry mixture thickens and turns glossy, about 5–7 minutes.
• Cool the filling: Remove from heat and let the strawberry filling cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Strawberry Buttercream

• Beat butter: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
• Add strawberry powder: Mix in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until combined.
• Add sugar gradually: Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating after each addition.
• Adjust consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the buttercream is smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

• Level the cakes: If needed, trim the tops of the cake layers to make them flat.
• First layer: Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or board. Spread a layer of strawberry filling over the top.
• Add the second layer: Carefully place the second cake layer over the first, pressing down lightly to set it in place.
• Crumb coat: Spread a thin layer of strawberry buttercream over the entire cake to catch crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes.
• Final frosting: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
• Decorate: Top the cake with chocolate ganache drizzle, chocolate-covered strawberries, or fresh strawberries if desired.

Notes

Nutrition Information

• • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 38g

• Protein: 5g

 

Keyword cake recipe, chocolate cake with strawberry, chocolate strawberry cake, homemade chocolate cake, strawberry chocolate cake

FAQs