Indulge in the harmonious blend of rich chocolate, luscious strawberries, and velvety cream with this exquisite Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Cake. Perfect for celebrations or as a decadent treat, this dessert combines moist chocolate cake layers with fresh strawberries and light whipped cream, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavors: The deep richness of chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh strawberries, all enveloped in airy whipped cream.
Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a simple gathering, this cake serves as an elegant centerpiece.
Seasonal Delight: Make the most of strawberry season by incorporating fresh, juicy berries into your dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Hot coffee or boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- Fresh strawberries
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
For the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Whole strawberries
- Chocolate shavings or ganache

Directions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven and prepare your cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
- Slowly incorporate the hot coffee or boiling water into the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but this results in a moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
- Hull and slice the fresh strawberries.
- In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let them macerate for about 15-20 minutes to release their natural juices.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting:
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream over the top.
- Arrange a layer of macerated strawberries over the whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with whole strawberries and, if desired, chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Preparation Time: About 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 35 minutes.
Total Time: Around 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Variations

Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling a rich ganache over the top of the cake.
Berry Medley: Incorporate other berries such as raspberries or blueberries alongside strawberries for a mixed berry experience.
Liqueur Infusion: For an adult twist, brush the cake layers with a strawberry liqueur or a splash of rum before assembling.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. The whipped cream and strawberries are best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing: It’s advisable to freeze the chocolate cake layers separately (wrapped tightly) and assemble with fresh strawberries and whipped cream when ready to serve.
Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended due to the whipped cream frosting.

FAQs

What type of cocoa powder should I use for the cake?

Using high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will yield the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa can also be used for a smoother, milder chocolate taste.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor. However, if using frozen strawberries, ensure they are thawed and well-drained to prevent excess moisture.

How do I prevent the whipped cream from becoming runny?

Ensure that the heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping, and avoid overbeating. Adding a stabilizer like gelatin can also help maintain its structure.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Assemble the cake with the whipped cream and strawberries on the day of serving for optimal freshness.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the cake recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

How can I make the cake layers more moist?

Incorporating ingredients like sour cream or using oil instead of butter can enhance the moisture content of the cake.

Can I use a different frosting instead of whipped cream?

Certainly! Cream cheese frosting or buttercream can be used as alternatives, though they will provide a richer taste compared to the lightness of whipped cream.

How do I achieve even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between pans, and consider leveling the cakes with a serrated knife after baking if necessary.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips can add texture and intensify the chocolate flavor.

How do I store leftover cake?

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the whipped cream may lose some of its stability over time.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberries and Cream Cake offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dessert for various occasions. By following the outlined steps and tips, you can create a show-stopping cake that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.