If you are craving a show-stopping dessert that combines rich chocolate and the fresh, juicy sweetness of berries, look no further than this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of moist, tender cake layers packed with bursts of fresh strawberries and melty chocolate chips, creating a pure celebration of flavors in every bite. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, this cake brings a warm, inviting charm that’s hard to resist, and it’s simpler to make than you might think.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to craft this delightful cake. Each component plays an essential role, lending the perfect texture, taste, and visual appeal that will wow everyone around your table.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your cake, providing structure and lightness.
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor with a rich, deep color.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a fluffy perfection.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate and strawberries.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft longer.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup boiling water: Blooms the cocoa powder, resulting in a richer chocolate taste and smooth batter.
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries: Adds pops of natural sweetness and a fruity surprise in each slice.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Perfect little pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans carefully to ensure your cakes release effortlessly after baking. This small step makes all the difference in presentation and ease.
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Getting these mixed evenly at the start boosts the texture and guarantees every bite has that delicious chocolate balance.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Beat until everything blends smoothly, forming the base of your luscious cake batter. This is where the magic begins to come together!
Step 4: Add Boiling Water
Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring gently. This step thins the batter, which might seem unusual but results in an incredibly moist and tender chocolate cake. The boiling water also intensifies the cocoa flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries and chocolate chips to your batter. Be delicate here to avoid mashing the berries, which adds incredible flavor pockets and lovely texture contrasts throughout the cake.
Step 6: Pour Batter and Bake
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of baking chocolate and strawberries will start filling your kitchen – a sweet preview of what’s to come!
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your preferred frosting and decorate with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are your best friends here. Place whole or sliced strawberries atop your frosted cake along with a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate shavings. This adds vibrant color, extra fruity freshness, and a tempting look that says dunk me now.
Side Dishes
Serve your chocolate covered strawberry cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch that complements the cake’s lusciousness. A fresh berry compote can also elevate the experience and create pleasing flavor contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling the cake as a layered trifle by combining cake pieces with fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream in a glass bowl. Or bake cupcakes using the same batter to share this deliciousness in individual portions that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover chocolate covered strawberry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. This helps preserve the freshness of the strawberries while the cake remains moist and flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat single slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings out the melty goodness of the chocolate chips and brings warmth to the fresh strawberry bites without drying out the cake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor, frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch. Thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter.
What frosting works best with this cake?
A simple cream cheese frosting or whipped chocolate ganache pairs beautifully with the cake’s flavors, enhancing both the chocolate and berry notes without overpowering them.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a small amount to keep the texture just right.
How do the boiling water and oil affect the cake?
The boiling water intensifies the cocoa flavor and makes the batter thin for a moist cake, while the oil keeps it tender and soft longer than butter might.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Absolutely! Just remember to divide the batter evenly across additional pans and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick after 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the combination of fresh fruit and chocolate in a moist, easy-to-make cake. It’s a beautiful treat to bake for yourself or to impress friends and family with something special yet effortless. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and moist chocolate cake infused with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips, topped with your favorite frosting and decorated with strawberries and chocolate drizzle. Perfect for special occasions or candy lovers looking for a fruity twist in their dessert.
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 ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensuring even distribution of leavening agents.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Incorporate boiling water: Slowly pour in the boiling water while stirring gently. This thins the batter, creating a moist and light cake crumb.
- Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips: Carefully fold the sliced fresh strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter to evenly disperse without breaking up the fruit.
- Divide batter: Evenly pour the batter into the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Frost and decorate: Once fully cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite frosting. Decorate the top with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Ensure the boiling water is added slowly to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen strawberries might add excess moisture.
- For a richer frosting, consider a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of the icing.
