Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Name: Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup cocoa powder; 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; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; ½ cup powdered sugar; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream

Highlighted under: Artisan Dessert Bakes

I absolutely adore this Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake, and I can't wait to share it with you! Each slice is a heavenly experience, boasting layers of rich chocolate sponge and luscious strawberry filling. I believe the secret to its irresistible charm lies in using fresh strawberries and premium cocoa powder. The combination of flavors is simply divine, making it perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat any day of the week. Get ready for this indulgent journey into chocolate and strawberries!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T21:42:28.188Z

When I first baked this cake, I was on a mission to create something truly indulgent that would impress my friends at a gathering. I experimented with layering, and the combination of soft chocolate cake with fresh, juicy strawberries was a revelation. The addition of a rich ganache ties everything together beautifully, elevating this dessert to a whole new level.

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it with ganache. This prevents it from melting and ensures that the layers hold together well. Using high-quality chocolate and real strawberries truly makes a difference in flavor that you’ll notice in every bite!

Why You'll Love This Cake
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
Luxurious texture that is moist and fluffy
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply because!

Key Techniques for a Perfect Cake

When baking the chocolate sponge, it's essential to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the wet ones. This ensures a uniform distribution of cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder, leading to an even rise. Additionally, the boiling water is a crucial step—it helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor, and it adds moisture to the batter. Trust me, the result is a cake that is not only soft but also incredibly rich.

Leveling the cake tops after baking is a vital step, especially if they have domed during baking. Use a serrated knife for a clean cut, ensuring each layer is even. This avoids a lopsided cake and makes it much easier to assemble and frost. A cake leveler is another fantastic tool for achieving flat tops, but a steady hand and a sharp knife will do the job beautifully.

Creating the Strawberry Filling

The fresh strawberries are the star of the filling, and using ripe, juicy ones makes all the difference. Choose strawberries that are firm and vibrant in color for the best flavor and texture. Slicing them and tossing them with powdered sugar allows them to macerate, releasing their juices and creating a sweet syrup. This syrup will blend beautifully with the fluffy cake, enhancing every bite without making it soggy.

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can opt for frozen ones. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well before slicing. If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, consider adding a splash of strawberry extract or a few drops of lemon juice to the filling, which can help brighten the overall taste.

The Finishing Touches with Ganache

Making the ganache is quite simple but requires a bit of patience; ensure you heat the cream over medium heat until just steaming. Pour it over the chocolate and let it sit before stirring. This technique helps to melt the chocolate evenly, preventing gritty ganache. If your ganache seems too thick after cooling, you can gently reheat it with a touch more cream to achieve the desired spreadable consistency.

For a fun variation, consider adding a flavored extract to the ganache, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique twist on this classic cake. Additionally, after pouring the ganache, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder
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, hulled and sliced
½ cup powdered sugar

For the Ganache

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your cake:

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth. Stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cake is baking, toss the sliced strawberries with powdered sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Ganache

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cooled, level the tops if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread the strawberry filling over it, and top with the second cake layer. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve this Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake to your friends and family, and watch their faces light up with delight!

Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect pairing.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add whipped cream between layers or decorate the top with more fresh strawberries. If you can't find fresh strawberries, frozen ones can be used, but remember to thaw and drain them well.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake can be prepared in stages to save time on serving day. The chocolate cake layers can be baked a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble. Similarly, the strawberry filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

The ganache can also be made ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and when ready to use, gently reheat it in a microwave in short intervals or over a double boiler until it reaches a pourable consistency. This planning helps reduce kitchen stress while ensuring a delicious and impressive dessert.

Serving Suggestions

For an elegant presentation, consider garnishing each slice of cake with a fresh strawberry or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess. A light dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar on top can elevate the visual appeal. You could also serve the cake with a side of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of chocolate with a refreshing, creamy taste.

If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This cake tastes even better the following day as the flavors continue to develop. However, keep the ganache from melting too much in the fridge by serving it at room temperature, allowing the chocolate to retain its lovely glossy finish.

Common Troubleshooting

If your cake layers have domed significantly during baking, it may be due to high oven temperature or too much leavening agent. Make sure to check your oven's actual temperature with an oven thermometer and adjust accordingly. For future bakes, reduce the baking powder slightly or ensure to mix just until combined to keep the cake from rising too quickly.

For a dry cake, overmixing is often the culprit. Be gentle when combining wet and dry ingredients, and avoid whipping air into the batter. If this happens, you can help revive the cake by serving it with a drizzle of cream or syrup made from the leftover strawberry juices, ensuring each slice is moist and decadent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes and store them in the refrigerator for a couple of days before assembling.

→ Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! This cake works well with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of your favorite berries.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.

→ What if my ganache is too runny?

If your ganache is too runny, let it sit at room temperature for a little longer to thicken before spreading it on the cake.