There’s something truly magical about baking a chocolate cake with strawberries. The rich, decadent chocolate paired with the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries creates a dessert that simply sings! I remember the first time I made this cake for my best friend’s birthday. I was so nervous, but as soon as I pulled it from the oven, the aroma filled my kitchen, and all my worries melted away. The combination of flavors was a showstopper, and it quickly became a favorite among my family and friends. Trust me, this easy chocolate cake recipe is perfect for beginners and will impress everyone at your next gathering. So, let’s dive into making this delightful treat together—it’s way easier than you might think!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

To create this scrumptious chocolate cake with strawberries, you’ll need the following ingredients. I promise, they’re all easy to find and come together beautifully!

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups 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
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whipped cream for topping

Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start mixing. It helps to have your ingredients at room temperature, which makes for a smoother batter and a fluffier cake. Now, let’s get ready to bake!

How to Prepare Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

Prepping the Oven and Pans

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s heating up, grab those two 9-inch round cake pans, and give them a good greasing with butter or cooking spray. Then, dust them lightly with flour. This simple step helps your cakes slide right out without a hitch—trust me, no one wants a cake stuck in the pan!

Mixing the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything’s evenly mixed. Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Toss in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s smooth and well-combined. Remember, having your ingredients at room temperature makes a big difference, resulting in a fluffier cake. So, don’t skip this step!

Adding Boiling Water

Now for the magic moment! Carefully stir in that cup of boiling water. Be cautious—it’ll be hot! This step will make your batter thin, but that’s exactly what we want. The boiling water helps to dissolve the cocoa and create a rich, moist cake. It might look a bit strange, but don’t worry; it’s all part of the process!

Baking the Cake

Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling time is essential for the perfect texture, so be patient—you can do it!

Assembling the Cake

Once your cakes are cool, it’s assembly time! Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a beautiful arrangement of those sliced strawberries. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with more whipped cream. Don’t forget to decorate the top with additional strawberries for that stunning finish. It’s all about presentation, and trust me, this cake will steal the show!

Tips for Success

Making your chocolate cake with strawberries a hit is all about a few simple tricks! First, remember to measure your ingredients accurately—too much flour can lead to a dry cake. Use the spoon-and-level method for flour; scoop it into your measuring cup with a spoon and level it off with a knife.

Also, be careful not to overmix your batter. It’s tempting to keep stirring, but stop as soon as you see no dry flour. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy. And don’t forget to check your cakes a few minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can be sneaky sometimes! Finally, let the cakes cool completely before frosting; this prevents the whipped cream from melting and sliding off.

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to create a delicious masterpiece!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for one slice of this delightful chocolate cake with strawberries:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy your delicious treat guilt-free!

FAQ About Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
Absolutely! You can use melted butter or even applesauce for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that different fats can slightly change the cake’s texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chocolate cake with strawberries in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap!

What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
No worries! You can use frozen strawberries, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture. Alternatively, other berries like raspberries or blueberries work beautifully too!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge. Frosting the cake closer to serving time will keep the whipped cream fresh!

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Definitely! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It usually works great, but keep an eye on the texture. You might need to adjust the baking time a bit too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This chocolate cake with strawberries is beginner-friendly, requiring no fancy techniques—just simple mixing and baking!
• Delicious Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor paired with the sweetness of fresh strawberries creates a delightful combination that everyone loves.
• Visually Stunning: With its layers of whipped cream and vibrant strawberries, it’s a showstopper that looks as good as it tastes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a cozy dessert night, this cake fits right in!

Serving Suggestions

Your chocolate cake with strawberries is a showstopper on its own, but you can jazz up the presentation with a few simple touches! Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream for that indulgent feel. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of grated chocolate on top adds a lovely touch, too. For a delightful brunch, pair it with fresh coffee or a refreshing iced tea. And if you’re celebrating, why not add some colorful party hats and candles to make it truly festive? It’s all about making the moment special!

For more tips on baking cakes, check out this cake baking guide from King Arthur Baking.

Chocolate Cake with Strawberries: 7 Simple Steps to Delight

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicious chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups 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
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whipped cream for topping

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
9. Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread whipped cream on top and add sliced strawberries.
10. Place the second layer on top. Frost the top with whipped cream and decorate with more strawberries.
11. Slice and serve your chocolate cake with strawberries.

Notes

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Be careful not to overmix the batter.
• Check the cakes a few minutes before the timer goes off.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: chocolate cake with strawberries, easy chocolate cake, beginner cake recipe