Strawberry Chocolate Cake – The Ultimate Rich and Fruity Dessert

Strawberry chocolate cake is one of those desserts that just feels extra special. It’s like the best of both worlds — rich, velvety chocolate meets bright, juicy strawberries in every bite. I remember making this cake for a close friend’s birthday, and let’s just say… it disappeared faster than I could set down the knife! There’s something so comforting and yet elevated about the way the dark cocoa layers hug the sweet berry filling and silky ganache. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, and fresh without losing that decadent dessert vibe.

Whether you’re celebrating something big, planning a cozy date night, or just in the mood to treat yourself to something truly satisfying, strawberry chocolate cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Once you bake it, don’t be surprised if people start requesting it every time you show up to a gathering.

What Is Strawberry Chocolate Cake?

The Sweetest Duo You’ll Ever Taste

Strawberries and chocolate have that kind of magic together — like they were just meant to be. The deep, bold flavor of chocolate pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness and tang of fresh strawberries. In this recipe of strawberry chocolate cake , those flavors aren’t just tossed in—they’re thoughtfully layered to bring out the best in each other. The chocolate cake layers are soft and rich, while the strawberry filling adds a juicy burst that keeps every bite balanced and irresistible.

It’s not just a chocolate cake with fruit on top — it’s a full-on experience where each ingredient plays its part beautifully.

How It Differs from Classic Chocolate or Strawberry Cakes

Here’s where strawberry chocolate cake really stands out:

This isn’t a one-note dessert. The contrast of textures and flavors — soft cake, juicy berries, creamy frosting — keeps every forkful exciting. Some versions go all-out with strawberry jam fillings, others keep it fresh with berry slices and a whipped cream finish. I even like adding chocolate-dipped strawberries on top for an extra “wow” moment!

Strawberry Chocolate Cake – Recipe Card

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines moist, rich chocolate layers with juicy strawberries and a luscious ganache or strawberry frosting. A stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any celebration or indulgent moment.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1½–2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• ½ cup strawberry jam or compote
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, if using unsweetened berries)

For the Ganache:

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

Optional Garnish:

• Chocolate shavings
• Whole strawberries
• Whipped cream or mint sprigs

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
• Slowly mix in hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin.
• Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
• To make ganache, heat cream until steaming and pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
• Spread a thin layer of ganache or frosting on one cake layer. Add strawberry jam or compote and fresh sliced berries.
• Top with second cake layer and frost the top and sides with ganache.
• Decorate with whole strawberries and chocolate shavings. Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Notes

• Pat strawberries dry before layering to avoid excess moisture.
• Use coffee instead of water for deeper chocolate flavor.
• Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.
• For extra moisture, brush layers with a bit of simple syrup before assembling.

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Love chocolate with a twist? Try our Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a perfectly tangy balance to all that sweetness.

Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Creating the perfect strawberry chocolate cake starts with quality ingredients. Each component—from the chocolate to the strawberries to the filling—adds depth, contrast, and irresistible flavor.

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The foundation of this strawberry chocolate cake is rich, moist chocolate layers. Your choice of cocoa matters—a lot.

Here’s what works best:

• Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process): Gives a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor with a rich color.
• Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips: Great for melting into ganache or folding into the batter.
• Instant espresso powder (optional): A teaspoon boosts the chocolate flavor without giving it a coffee taste..

Best Strawberries to Use

Fresh, juicy strawberries are essential for cutting through the richness of the chocolate — especially when you’re topping a decadent strawberry-on-chocolate cake. That combo of sweet berries and velvety chocolate? Absolutely dreamy.

For best results:

• Choose fresh strawberries with a bright red color, firm texture, and no bruising — they should look like little gems.
• Slice them thinly for layering between cake tiers, or dice finely if you’re making a strawberry compote to spoon over the top.
• Always pat them dry before placing them on the cake to avoid any unwanted sogginess.
• Out of season? No worries. Frozen strawberries can be simmered into a thick, jammy filling — just steer clear of using them raw, as they tend to get mushy.

Whether you’re piling them high or adding just a few for garnish, strawberries bring a fresh pop of color and a burst of brightness to every chocolatey bite.

Sweet Fillings and Frostings That Bring It Together

You have several ways to elevate the flavor and texture of your strawberry chocolate cake:

Strawberry Filling:

• Homemade strawberry compote
• Store-bought strawberry jam (low sugar preferred)
• Macerated fresh berries

Frosting Options:

• Chocolate ganache: Elegant and glossy
• Strawberry cream cheese frosting: Tangy and sweet
• Chocolate buttercream: Classic and rich
• Whipped cream + sliced strawberries: Light and fresh (best for chilled cakes)

🍫 Want the best of both worlds? Try layering ganache between cakes and finishing with strawberry whipped cream on top!

Additional Must-Have Ingredients

• Flour (use all-purpose or cake flour for a softer, lighter texture)
• Eggs (at room temp for best rise)
• Baking soda & powder (for lift)
• Oil or butter (oil makes a moister cake; butter adds richness)
• Buttermilk or sour cream (for tang and tenderness)

💚 Craving another elegant, layered dessert with a twist? Try our Pistachio Tiramisu — a creamy, nutty spin on the Italian classic that pairs beautifully with chocolate-based treats.

How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start with a moist, rich chocolate cake base. You can use two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans for this recipe.

Ingredients (for cake layers):

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot water (or hot coffee for deeper flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk dry ingredients together.
3. Add eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
4. Slowly stir in hot water until fully incorporated. Batter will be thin.
5. Divide into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cake cools, prep your fruity layer.

Strawberry Compote (optional but recommended):

• Fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)
• Sugar
• Lemon juice
• Cornstarch + Water (mixed into a slurry)

Instructions:

1. Add strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat.
2. Once bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
3. Cook until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.

Step 3: Make the Frosting or Ganache

Chocolate Ganache (quick method):

• Heavy cream
• Semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)

1. Heat cream until just steaming (don’t boil).
2. Pour over chocolate and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until glossy and smooth.
3. Cool slightly before using as a frosting or drizzle.

Alternatively, use strawberry buttercream, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting based on your style!

Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Chocolate Cake

1. Level your cooled cake layers if needed.
2. Set the bottom cake layer onto a serving plate or cake board.
3. Spread a thin layer of ganache or frosting.
4. Spoon cooled strawberry compote or jam over the frosting.
5. Add sliced fresh strawberries if desired.
6. Top with second cake layer and repeat.
7. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
8. Decorate with piped swirls, fresh strawberries, or chocolate shavings.

🍓 Want a lighter finish? Use whipped cream and top with whole strawberries for a fresh, summery look.

Craving more chocolate decadence? Don’t miss our Chocolate Caramel Cake — rich, gooey, and absolutely unforgettable.

Strawberry Chocolate Cake Variations

No two bakers are the same—and that’s what makes this dessert so versatile. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or dietary need, these twists on strawberry chocolate cake let you customize it without sacrificing flavor.

1. Turn It into Cupcakes or Mini Cakes

Want to make this dessert portable or party-friendly?

• Use the same cake batter and scoop into lined cupcake tins (¾ full)
• Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes
• Fill with a dollop of strawberry jam or whipped compote
• Pipe chocolate ganache or strawberry buttercream on top
• Garnish each cupcake with a sliced or whole strawberry

Perfect for birthdays, showers, or buffet-style events!

2. Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Going egg-free and dairy-free? You can still have that rich, decadent bite.

Key swaps:

• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg)
• Use plant-based milk like almond or oat
• Use vegan butter or a mild-flavored oil as a substitute to keep the cake moist.
• Choose vegan chocolate and coconut cream for ganache
• Frost with vegan buttercream or whipped coconut cream

Don’t forget to use a strawberry preserve without gelatin or animal byproducts.

3. Gluten-Free Version

If you’re baking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:

• Swap regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum)
• Ensure all baking powders, cocoa powder, and fillings are certified gluten-free
• Follow the same instructions—gluten-free cakes tend to be slightly more delicate but still delicious

💡 Want another gluten-free showstopper? Check out our Gluten Free Tiramisu — a creamy, no-bake option that pairs perfectly with chocolate desserts.

4. Strawberry Ganache Twist

Level up your chocolate ganache by infusing it with strawberry flavor:

• Add 2 tbsp strawberry puree to warm heavy cream
• Pour over chocolate and stir until smooth
• It adds a subtle fruitiness and blush-pink tint

Use this between layers or drizzle it over the top for a visually stunning finish.

5. Styling Ideas

• Go for a naked cake look by leaving the sides unfrosted and layering with fresh strawberries and rich ganache.
• Chocolate dipped strawberries on top for a dramatic garnish
• Ombre effect with strawberry buttercream fading from dark pink to light
• Heart-shaped pans for Valentine’s Day or romantic events

Can’t get enough chocolate? Dive into the Triple Chocolate Cake — it’s layered, fudgy, and a total dream for true chocolate lovers.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

A great chocolate strawberry cake​ doesn’t just taste amazing the day it’s made—it can stay moist and flavorful for days with proper storage. Whether you’re making it ahead for a celebration or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep it fresh.

How to Store Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Short-term storage (1–3 days):

• Store the assembled cake in an airtight cake container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap.
• Keep it in the refrigerator if it contains fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting.
• Let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the chocolate flavor and soften the texture.

If unfrosted:

• Tightly wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature for up to two days.

Can You Freeze Strawberry Chocolate Cake?

Yes! The cake layers and even the fully assembled strawberry chocolate cake can be frozen with great results.

To freeze cake layers:

1. Cool completely.
2. Cover each layer first with plastic wrap, then with a layer of foil.
3. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To freeze assembled cake:

• Chill the cake to firm it up.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.

Thawing:

• Unwrap and place in the fridge overnight.
• Bring to room temp before serving.

Want a dessert that’s make-ahead and freezer-friendly? Check out our Protein Brownies — rich, fudgy, and perfect for prep!

Make-Ahead Components

To save time before a big event:

• Cake layers: Bake up to 2 days in advance or freeze.
• Strawberry filling: Make and store in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Frosting: Can be made 1–2 days ahead and re-whipped if needed.
• Decorations: Dip strawberries in chocolate the night before and refrigerate.

This strategy lets you assemble the cake quickly on the day you serve it—without rushing or compromising freshness.

Nutrition Facts – What’s Inside Strawberry Chocolate Cake?

Whether you’re tracking macros or just curious, it’s helpful to understand the nutritional profile of your dessert. Here’s what you can expect from a typical slice of chocolate and strawberry cake​ (based on a standard 9-inch, 2-layer cake serving 12).

Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice)

Keep in mind this varies depending on your frosting choice (ganache vs. whipped cream), filling (fresh berries vs. jam), and added toppings.

Want to Make It Lighter?

Here’s how to reduce calories and sugar:

• Use a sugar substitute like erythritol, monk fruit, or coconut sugar
• Swap out part of the oil for Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce
• Choose dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) for ganache instead of milk chocolate
• Opt for a whipped cream topping instead of buttercream
• Swap in strawberry puree for a naturally sweet option with less added sugar than jam.

🧁 Want a low-guilt, fruity dessert idea? Try our Watermelon Mocktail — naturally sweet, hydrating, and perfect with a lighter dessert plate.

Boost the Protein

Turn your dessert into something post-workout friendly by adding:

• 2 scoops of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to your cake batter
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
• Cottage cheese blended into the filling for added creaminess and protein
• Protein frosting: mix protein powder with Greek yogurt and a touch of sweetener

These swaps can boost each slice to 10–12g protein—ideal for fitness-focused eaters.

Serving Ideas and Occasions

Strawberry chocolate cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece. Whether you’re baking for a special day or a simple gathering, how you serve and present this cake can make it unforgettable.

Best Occasions to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Because this cake balances bold chocolate with bright berries, it suits both cozy dinners and big celebrations.

Top occasions:

• Valentine’s Day – Chocolate + strawberries = romance in cake form
• Mother’s Day or Anniversaries – A feminine, fruit-forward touch
• Birthdays – Add colorful frosting or candles for a festive look
• Brunch or Baby Showers – Serve as cupcakes or with fresh fruit sides
• Holiday Dessert Tables – Garnish with mint, powdered sugar, or sugared berries

🍰 Planning a mixed dessert menu? Add our Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls for a cozy, cinnamon-spiced option that complements the chocolate-berry combo beautifully.

How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake

• Room Temperature is Best: Let the cake sit for 30 minutes after chilling so the texture is soft and the chocolate flavors come through.
• Use a warm knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between slices for clean, bakery-style cuts.
• Pair it with:
  • Black coffee or espresso
  • Sparkling wine, rosé, or sweet red
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  • Strawberry or chocolate milk for kids

🍓 Garnish & Styling Tips

Presentation matters, especially with a beautiful cake like this:

🎂 Want an eye-catching frosting finish? Pipe rosettes or swirls of strawberry buttercream on top and press fresh berries between them.

Conclusion

Few desserts are as visually stunning or flavor-packed as a strawberry chocolate cake. With its rich chocolate layers, juicy fresh berries, and creamy ganache or frosting, it delivers a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness in every bite.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, surprising someone special, or just treating yourself to a slice of decadence, this cake is guaranteed to steal the show. Plus, with all the customization options—from vegan to gluten-free—you can make it work for nearly any dietary preference.

Want even more dessert inspiration with bold flavor combinations?
👉 Browse our full Dessert category for cakes, bars, and treats that never disappoint.

FAQ – Strawberry Chocolate Cake

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