Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe [Filling And Frosting]

Chocolate strawberry cake recipe is a rich and decadent dessert layered with moist chocolate cake, fresh strawberry filling, and a smooth strawberry cream cheese frosting.

This chocolate strawberry cake recipe delivers bold chocolate flavor balanced by the brightness of strawberries, making each bite deeply satisfying. Creating chocolate strawberry cake recipe and exploring every detail of the process is part of my everyday craft.

The real specialty lies in how the strong cocoa base pairs with the natural sweetness and tang of strawberries. Some believe this combination gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in American home baking.

Now, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the entire process to chocolate strawberry cake recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this chocolate strawberry cake recipe because the flavor is bold and rich from real cocoa and fresh strawberries. The cake stays soft and moist, while the filling adds a bright, fruity layer that keeps each bite balanced.

The frosting brings everything together with a creamy texture and just the right amount of sweetness. Each part is made from scratch using real ingredients that bring out natural flavor.

The combination of deep chocolate and fresh strawberry never feels too heavy. This chocolate strawberry cake recipe brings comfort, satisfaction, and just enough creativity to make baking feel rewarding every single time.

How To Prepare Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe?

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Cooling & Frosting Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• 2 x 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Cake stand or serving plate

Ingredients

Strawberry Filling

• 3 cups frozen strawberries (or substitute with fresh)
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)

Chocolate Cake

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup strong black coffee (hot)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 5.3 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup strawberry compote (from filling)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, 4 tablespoons of water, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally and cook until strawberries start to break down, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Thicken the Filling

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon water with cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir this into the strawberry mixture and continue cooking until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Let it cool completely, then blend if a smoother texture is desired. Reserve ¼ cup for the frosting.

Step 3: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 6: Make the Batter

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Once mostly incorporated, slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this is normal.

Step 7: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Add the reserved ¼ cup strawberry compote. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and salt, beating until smooth and spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting over it, followed by a layer of strawberry filling. Top with the second cake layer. Apply a crumb coat, chill for 15 minutes, then frost the entire cake with remaining strawberry cream cheese frosting.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	580
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	16g
Carbohydrates	80g
Sugar	63g
Protein	4g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	340mg

Why My Recipe Works

My chocolate strawberry cake recipe works because every element is built to support both flavor and texture. The chocolate cake uses a mix of unsweetened and Dutch-processed cocoa for deep color and richness, while buttermilk and coffee add moisture and enhance the chocolate without overpowering it.

The strawberry filling is cooked just enough to thicken naturally, keeping the fruit’s brightness and preventing sogginess between layers.

The frosting blends cream cheese, butter, and strawberry compote, giving it structure and a fresh, not overly sweet taste. Each step is balanced, tested, and made to deliver a reliable, delicious result every time.

How To Decorate And Serve This Recipe

To decorate this chocolate strawberry cake recipe, start by spreading a smooth layer of the strawberry cream cheese frosting over the top and sides using an offset spatula or a butter knife. For a pretty finish, pipe swirls or rosettes around the edges with a piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Fresh strawberries placed on top add a vibrant, natural touch. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped chocolate or cocoa powder for extra elegance.

Serve the chocolate strawberry cake recipe chilled or at room temperature. Cut into generous slices and enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or tea to complement the rich flavors.

When To Serve This Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

Serve this chocolate strawberry cake recipe whenever you want to make a lasting impression. It fits beautifully at birthdays, family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any celebration where dessert should feel a little extra special.

The rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors make it a standout choice during spring and summer, especially when strawberries are in season. It’s also a thoughtful dessert for romantic dinners or anniversaries.

After a meal, serve it slightly chilled for clean slices and a refreshing finish. This chocolate strawberry cake recipe brings a homemade touch that turns any moment into something worth remembering.

My Tips Tips For Success!

1. Start with eggs, buttermilk, cream cheese, and butter at room temperature. This helps everything mix more smoothly and evenly, especially in the batter and frosting.

2. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, include the black coffee. It deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. Just make sure it’s cooled before adding to the batter.

3. Let the strawberry filling simmer gently and take your time thickening it with the cornstarch slurry. Rushing it can leave it watery, which affects both flavor and texture in the final cake.

4. Once your cake layers are cooled, use a serrated knife to level them. This keeps the cake steady and flat when stacking, making frosting much easier and giving a cleaner look when sliced.

5. Once assembled, chill the cake for 15–30 minutes before applying the final coat of frosting. This helps set the filling and crumb layer, so your outer frosting stays clean and smooth.

6. Top the finished cake with fresh strawberries right before serving. It not only makes the cake look bakery-quality but also ties the whole flavor profile together visually and taste-wise.

Additions To Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

✓ Chocolate Ganache Drip: Pour a glossy chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake, letting it drip slightly down the sides for a polished bakery finish.

✓ Fresh Strawberry Slices Between Layers: Add thinly sliced fresh strawberries on top of the filling before stacking the cake layers. This adds freshness and texture to every bite.

✓ Chopped Dark Chocolate or Chocolate Chips: Fold in a handful of finely chopped dark chocolate into the cake batter for little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.

✓ Whipped Cream Border: Pipe a ring of stabilized whipped cream around the top edge of the cake and place halved strawberries on each swirl.

✓ Edible Flowers: Use edible flowers like pansies or small roses for a natural and elegant finish when serving for a special event or celebration.

Substitutions For Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

• Frozen strawberries: Use fresh strawberries if available, or frozen raspberries for a different berry twist.
• Brown sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar or light molasses for a similar depth of flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or melted butter for a richer taste.
• Buttermilk: Make your own by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Eggs: Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan or egg-free version.
• Granulated sugar: Swap with coconut sugar or raw sugar to add a slight caramel note.
• Cream cheese: Use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a food processor if powdered sugar isn’t available.
• Coffee: Replace with strong brewed black tea or just hot water to avoid caffeine but keep moisture and depth.

Storage Recommendations

For the best experience, store the chocolate strawberry cake recipe in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh strawberry filling.

Wrap it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight chocolate strawberry cake recipe container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Before serving, let chocolate strawberry cake recipe sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes so the frosting softens slightly and the flavors open up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This amazing chocolate strawberry cake recipe is easier to make than it looks, and the results are truly rewarding.

I enjoyed every step, from preparing the rich chocolate layers to blending the fresh strawberry filling and creamy frosting. The balance of flavors makes it a dessert worth sharing and savoring.

I hope this inspires you to try making it yourself and experience the joy of creating something delicious from scratch. Enjoy the process and the wonderful cake that follows!

You Might Also Like

Best Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe [With Frosting]

Classic Vanilla Sheet Cake Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe From Cake Mix – Delicious Homemade

Pioneer Woman Carrot Cake Recipe – Healthy And Tips

Peanut Butter Tandy Cake Recipe [Tastykake]

Classic Southern Paula Deen Gooey Butter Cake