If you’re ready to dive into a dessert that’s as delightful to share as it is to eat, this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. Combining the deep, velvety richness of chocolate cake with a fresh, slightly tart strawberry filling makes for a beautifully balanced treat that’s perfect for any celebration or just a sweet moment of joy. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors, from the moist and tender chocolate layers to the luscious strawberry filling and creamy frosting that brings it all together, making this cake an unforgettable sensation to savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, effortlessly coming together to create a cake that’s flavorful, moist, and visually appealing. The combination of pantry staples and fresh strawberries ensures that the textures and tastes balance perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake’s structure and crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the strawberry filling with just the right amount of sugariness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds that rich, chocolatey depth that every chocolate cake needs.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give the cake a light, airy rise.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
- Eggs: Provide moisture and stability to the cake’s texture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and tenderness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist without altering the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the cake and frosting.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps mix the batter to silky perfection.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the filling, offering natural sweetness and tang.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling and balances its sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to hold it perfectly between cake layers.
- Unsalted butter: The creamy base for the luscious chocolate frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly without graininess.
- Heavy cream: Lightens the frosting’s texture to silky smoothness.
How to Make Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping two 9-inch cake pans with grease and flour to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Finally, gradually stir in boiling water, which thins the batter to make the cake incredibly moist and rich.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely—this step is important so the filling and frosting don’t melt during assembly.
Step 3: Make the Strawberry Filling
While the cake cools, combine chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and begin to soften. Then stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture, cooking for a few more minutes until it’s thick and glossy. Allow this filling to cool completely to ensure it spreads beautifully without sliding off.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
Using softened unsalted butter, beat until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until your frosting is luxuriously smooth and fluffy. Adjust the cream quantity to get the perfect spreadable consistency that’s rich but light.
Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of strawberry filling on top. Gently place the second layer over it, pressing down lightly to secure the layers together. Cover the entire cake with the chocolate frosting, using a spatula to create a smooth or textured surface—whatever suits your style. Optionally, finish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for extra wow factor.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are the perfect garnish to echo that lovely strawberry filling inside. Scatter them around the cake or place elegantly sliced strawberries on top for a fresh and inviting look. Chocolate shavings or curls add a beautiful texture and richness while enhancing the cake’s decadent appearance.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which complement the richness and add a cooling, smooth contrast. A light berry compote or fresh fruit salad can also elevate the moment by reinforcing those fresh strawberry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try slicing the cake into individual trifle cups layering with extra fresh strawberries and frosting. Or, serve petite slices alongside a cup of rich espresso or a chilled glass of sparkling rosé to create a sophisticated dessert experience. Presentation tricks like dusting cocoa powder on the serving plate or adding edible flowers can turn this cake into a showstopper at any event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator if covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days to keep the cake moist and the filling fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers separately wrapped well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them completely before assembling the cake with the fresh strawberry filling and frosting. Alternatively, freeze the whole assembled cake if well covered, but the texture of the filling may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Because this cake is served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, let individual slices come to room temperature before enjoying, or warm briefly in small portions in the microwave—just be cautious not to melt the frosting or filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess liquid that can make the filling too runny.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, and the cake will turn out delicious without gluten.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake will also spring back slightly when touched gently.
Can I make the frosting dairy-free?
Yes, swap the unsalted butter and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based butter to keep the frosting silky and rich without dairy.
What’s the best way to slice this cake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and warm it slightly by running under hot water, then dry before slicing. This helps cut through the frosting and filling smoothly without smearing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the pairing of luscious chocolate cake and fresh strawberry filling, and this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe captures that magic beautifully. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy the baking process and then savor every spoonful with delight. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, I encourage you to give this cake a try—you’ll love the smiles it brings around your table.
Print
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This luscious Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a delightful combination of rich, moist chocolate cake layers filled with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, all wrapped in a smooth and creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a decadent dessert that balances chocolate intensity with fresh fruit brightness.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream (or as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Make the Chocolate Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake does not stick during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: To the dry mix, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually add the boiling water to the batter while mixing continuously; this thins the batter and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully baked.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until strawberries soften and release juices.
- Thicken the Filling: Mix cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Add this to the strawberry mixture and continue cooking while stirring for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.
- Cool the Filling: Remove the strawberry filling from heat and allow it to cool completely before using it in the cake assembly.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and smooth using a mixer.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually beat in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and start with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Adjust Frosting Consistency: If needed, add more heavy cream one tablespoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread Strawberry Filling: Evenly spread the cooled strawberry filling over the first cake layer, creating a delicious fruity layer.
- Add Second Cake Layer: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the filling and press gently to secure it.
- Frost the Cake: Cover the entire cake with the prepared chocolate frosting, smoothing it out nicely with a spatula for a polished look.
- Optional Garnish: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings as desired for added appeal.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and enjoy the perfect balance of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors in every bite!
Notes
- Boiling water helps enhance the cocoa flavor and creates a moist cake texture.
- Ensure the strawberry filling is completely cooled before spreading to prevent frosting from melting.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in the filling.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for optimal taste and texture.
- Adjust powdered sugar in the frosting to your preferred sweetness level.
