✨ Introduction
Rich chocolate cake meets sweet, juicy strawberries in this irresistible Strawberry Chocolate Cake. Moist chocolate layers are stacked with luscious strawberry filling and topped with silky chocolate ganache, creating a show-stopping dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a romantic occasion, a birthday party, or simply because chocolate and strawberries are the perfect match, this cake will steal the spotlight.
🍽️ Servings & Time
- Yield: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
- Assembly Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the Ganache:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings
🧑🍳 Equipment Needed
- 2 round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans
- Stand or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cake stand or plate
🍳 Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before assembling.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (about 1–2 minutes). Cool completely.
3. Make the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly until thick but pourable.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling on top.
- Place second cake layer over the strawberries.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.
🔁 Variations
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Vibes: Dip whole strawberries in extra ganache and place on top for decoration.
- Strawberry Cream Filling: Mix whipped cream into the strawberry filling for a lighter, mousse-like center.
- Layer More: Slice cakes in half horizontally to create a 4-layer masterpiece!
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cake layers (unfilled) for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling.
- Room Temp: Can sit out up to 6 hours if serving the same day.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strawberry jam instead of homemade filling?
Yes — in a pinch, a good-quality strawberry jam will work!
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for about 18–20 minutes and fill the centers with strawberry compote.
What’s the best chocolate for ganache?
Use a good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake – A Luscious, Decadent Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before assembling.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (about 1–2 minutes). Cool completely.
- Make the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly until thick but pourable.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling on top.
- Place second cake layer over the strawberries.
- Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Vibes: Dip whole strawberries in extra ganache and place on top for decoration. Strawberry Cream Filling: Mix whipped cream into the strawberry filling for a lighter, mousse-like center. Layer More: Slice cakes in half horizontally to create a 4-layer masterpiece! 🧊 Storage Tips
Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze: Freeze cake layers (unfilled) for up to 2 months. Thaw before assembling. Room Temp: Can sit out up to 6 hours if serving the same day. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use strawberry jam instead of homemade filling?
Yes — in a pinch, a good-quality strawberry jam will work! Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Bake for about 18–20 minutes and fill the centers with strawberry compote. What’s the best chocolate for ganache?
Use a good-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the richest flavor.