If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances indulgence and freshness, this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine a moist, rich chocolate cake bursting with juicy slices of fresh strawberries, coupled with melty chocolate chips scattered throughout for that extra pop of sweetness. This cake isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s a celebration of two classic flavors coming together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe hits all the right notes with its tender crumb and luscious fruity surprise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in building the cake’s delightful texture and layered flavor, from the deep cocoa richness to the fresh burst of strawberries.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its structure and crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides that intense chocolate flavor essential for the cake’s richness.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, contributing to a light, airy texture.
- Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to ensure the cake is fluffy and tender.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture for a tender crumb.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps dissolve the cocoa powder for a smoother texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft for days.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic depth that complements the chocolate and strawberries.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a silky batter.
- Sliced fresh strawberries: The star fresh fruit that adds juiciness and brightness inside the cake.
- Chocolate chips: Melt in pockets throughout the cake, adding bursts of gooey chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake layers release easily without sticking. This foundational step saves you from any post-baking frustrations.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking well at this stage ensures an even distribution of all dry ingredients, which is key to a consistent texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Blend everything together until you get a smooth batter. The oil and milk keep the cake moist, while the eggs help bind everything perfectly.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring gently. This makes the batter thin and allows the cocoa flavor to develop more fully. Don’t worry about the thin consistency—that’s exactly what makes this cake so tender.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the sliced strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter. This step takes some care; you want to distribute the fruit and chocolate pieces evenly without breaking up the berries too much to retain their fresh bursts within the cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
Step 7: Cool and Frost
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. When fully cool, frost with your favorite frosting—chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting work beautifully. Finish with extra strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries and a glossy chocolate drizzle are classic choices. They add visual appeal and a little extra fruity sweetness, making each slice look as inviting as it tastes. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or edible flowers for a special occasion twist.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the cake’s richness. Fresh berries or a light fruit salad can add a refreshing counterpoint and make your dessert feel even more decadent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake as a trifle by layering chunks of cake with whipped cream and extra strawberries in a glass. Alternatively, slice the cake into small bite-sized squares, dip them in melted chocolate, and serve as fancy cake bites at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigerating is better if your kitchen is warm, but bring the cake back to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake for longer storage by wrapping each layer separately in plastic wrap, then foil, and placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This warming brings back the softness and enhances the gooeyness of the chocolate chips without making the cake dry or tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
While fresh strawberries work best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if you thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
What kind of frosting pairs best with this cake?
Chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting complement this cake beautifully, balancing the rich chocolate and tangy strawberries with smooth, creamy sweetness.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep a close eye on the cake as it bakes.
Is this cake suitable for kids’ parties?
Absolutely! Kids love the combination of chocolate and strawberries, and the texture is soft and moist, making it a hit at any celebration.
How do the fresh strawberries stay fresh inside the cake after baking?
The strawberries maintain some of their freshness because they’re gently folded in and baked for just the right amount of time. They soften but still hold their shape, adding delightful bursts of fruity flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe is a joyful celebration of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. The way the fresh strawberries play against the deep cocoa notes creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and light. I encourage you to try it for your next gathering or just a sweet weekend treat—you’ll quickly see why it’s become a beloved favorite in so many kitchens.
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake 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 moist and decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake combines rich cocoa flavor with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips for a delightful dessert. Perfectly baked to a tender crumb, this cake is ideal for celebrations or a special treat, finished with your favorite frosting and decorative strawberry and chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Add-ins
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a uniform batter without lumps.
- Incorporate boiling water: Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring continuously. This will thin the batter and help achieve a moist texture.
- Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips: Gently fold the sliced fresh strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter to evenly distribute them without breaking up the fruit.
- Fill the pans: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for a uniform bake.
- Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Frost and decorate: Once cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite frosting. Decorate with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Ensure the boiling water is added slowly and mixed well to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Fresh strawberries add moisture and flavor; remove excess juice to prevent a soggy cake.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for best chocolate flavor.
- A toothpick test is essential to avoid under or overbaking.
- For an extra touch, chill the cake after frosting to set decorations before serving.
