A decadent dessert featuring layers of rich, fudgy chocolate cake interspersed with homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, all enveloped in a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent – The perfect blend of chocolate and fresh strawberries.
- Homemade Goodness – Made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
- Perfect for Celebrations – A show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
- Moist and Flavorful – A fudgy chocolate cake with a sweet, tangy strawberry twist.
- Customizable – Easily swap out the strawberry filling for other fruit flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool completely.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the strawberry filling on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 550 kcal
Variations
- Different Fruit Fillings: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or cherries.
- Chocolate Frosting: Use a rich chocolate buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra Moist Cake: Add ½ cup of sour cream to the batter for an even richer texture.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap cake layers separately in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Tip: Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought jam instead of homemade filling?
Yes! Store-bought strawberry jam works well as a quick substitute.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble just before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture.
How do I prevent my cake from drying out?
Do not overbake, and store the cake in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
No, cocoa powder is essential for the cake structure and flavor.
What other frosting flavors pair well with this cake?
Chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or whipped cream frosting work great.
How do I make the cake extra fluffy?
Make sure not to overmix the batter and use fresh baking powder and soda.
Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to 18-20 minutes for cupcakes.
What’s the best way to slice this cake cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Conclusion
Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate, fresh strawberries, and creamy frosting. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade treat!
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent dessert featuring layers of rich, fudgy chocolate cake interspersed with homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, all enveloped in a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake:
- If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the strawberry filling on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
