Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a delightful confection that combines rich, moist chocolate cake with a bright and refreshing strawberry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This cake is not just for special occasions; it’s an all-around favorite for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or even a simple weekend treat. The rich chocolate ganache draped over the layers adds a luxurious finish that makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First and foremost, it’s a straightforward recipe that combines classic flavors in a way that feels elegant yet approachable. Chocolate fans will relish the deep cocoa flavor, while the strawberry filling adds a pop of fruity freshness.
Imagine slicing into this cake and revealing the luscious strawberry filling nestled between rich chocolate layers—it’s a visual delight that also satisfies your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, baking with the kids, or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
"This cake is an absolute showstopper! The chocolate is so moist, and the strawberry filling brings just the right sweetness. Everyone at the party raved about it!" – Happy Baker
The cooking process explained
Making this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is simpler than it looks, with each step leading to a delicious end product. You’ll start by preparing the chocolate cake batter, which involves mixing dry ingredients, incorporating wet ones, and stirring in hot water or coffee to achieve a tender texture.
Next, focus on the strawberry filling, where you’ll cook down fresh or frozen strawberries until they become a sweet and thick sauce, perfect for layering. Finally, finish off the cake with a glossy chocolate ganache that elevates the dessert to café-quality status.
What you’ll need
Gathering the ingredients is half the fun! For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (chopped)
- ⅓ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 200 g semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Don’t hesitate to swap out ingredients for dietary needs—vegan egg replacements can work wonders here, and gluten-free flour could be a great alternative too!
