This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is rich, moist, and layered with fresh strawberries and silky ganache, making it the ultimate dessert for any celebration. The combination of chocolate and strawberries gives a bakery-style flavor that feels both decadent and refreshing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
My Favorite Chocolate Strawberry Cake
What makes this cake special is the balance of flavors: the deep chocolate sponge, the fresh strawberry frosting, and the glossy ganache on top. It’s a showstopper that looks elegant but comes together with simple ingredients.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Cake Components
This cake has three main parts:
- Moist chocolate sponge – baked with cocoa and a touch of coffee to intensify the flavor.
- Strawberry frosting – creamy and naturally fruity.
- Chocolate ganache – rich topping that ties everything together.
Making This Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Start by preparing the batter with flour, sugar, cocoa, eggs, and buttermilk. The coffee enhances the chocolate’s depth without making the cake taste like coffee. Once baked and cooled, frost the layers with strawberry buttercream, add fresh strawberry slices, and pour over the glossy ganache. Decorate with chocolate-dipped strawberries for a stunning finish.
Storing and Making Ahead
This cake keeps best in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, bake the sponges a day early, wrap tightly, and frost the next day. Always let the cake come to room temperature before slicing for the best texture.
FAQs
Why is there coffee in the cake?
Coffee boosts the richness of the cocoa, making the chocolate flavor more intense without leaving a strong coffee taste.
Do I have to use coffee in the cake?
No you can replace the coffee with hot water. The cake will still be moist, though slightly less rich in flavor.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid to prevent the frosting from becoming runny. Fresh strawberries are still the best choice for decoration and flavor.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake – Rich, Moist & Elegant
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa optional
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup strong black coffee
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For assembling:
- 1 batch strawberry frosting
- 8 –10 fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 batch chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans.
- Whisk sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, coffee, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread frosting, and add sliced strawberries.
- Top with second cake layer, cover with frosting, and finish with ganache.
- Decorate with chocolate-dipped strawberries if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sat Fat | Sugar | Sodium | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 776 | 52g | 5g | 12g | 3g | 35g | 445mg | 3g |
Recipe analysis, see USDA Dietary Guidelines for reference on daily intake
You may also like
- Try this refreshing Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
- For something lighter, check out our Strawberry Chiffon Cake.
- Or enjoy a dreamy Cloud Cake Recipe.