Description

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake features two layers of rich, moist chocolate cake made with cocoa and coffee for depth of flavor, frosted with a luscious strawberry frosting, and filled with fresh sliced strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent dessert cravings, it’s a classic combination of chocolate and strawberry that is both delicious and visually stunning.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder (optional)
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup strong black coffee
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Additional Components

1 batch strawberry frosting (prepared separately)
8-10 fresh strawberries, sliced
1 batch chocolate ganache (prepared separately)

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Instructions

Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to prevent the cake from sticking, then set them aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a large bowl with an electric mixer, mix together the sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process cocoa powder if using, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt on low speed until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, strong black coffee, vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat on medium speed for about two minutes. The batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
Pour Batter into Pans: Evenly divide the chocolate batter between the two prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula if needed.
Bake the Cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a wooden toothpick into the center of the cakes; when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cakes are done.
Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. After this, carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of strawberry frosting on one cake layer, then arrange the sliced fresh strawberries on top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining strawberry frosting. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top or around the edges as desired for a beautiful finish.

Notes

This cake combines the deep flavor of chocolate with the fresh fruity sweetness of strawberries, making it ideal for birthdays and special occasions.
Using strong black coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt.
You can prepare the strawberry frosting and chocolate ganache ahead of time to simplify assembly.
For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for filling and garnish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 776 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 445 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 29 mg