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Strawberry Chocolate Cake – A Luscious, Decadent Treat

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.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Assembly Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

  • 2 round 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cake stand or plate

Method
 

Bake the Chocolate Cake:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
  4. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool completely before assembling.
Make the Strawberry Filling:
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.
  2. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened (about 1–2 minutes). Cool completely.
  3. Make the Ganache:
  4. 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.
Assemble the Cake:
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling on top.
  2. Place second cake layer over the strawberries.
  3. Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
  4. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

🔁 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.