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Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake (Moist & Rich)

This ultra-moist chocolate strawberry layer cake is made with rich cocoa sponge, fresh strawberries, and silky chocolate frosting. A perfect dessert for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 11 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Américaine
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chocolate Cake
  • 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup 75g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup 240ml whole milk
  • ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup 240ml hot coffee (or hot water)
  • For the Strawberry Filling
  • 1½ cups fresh strawberries chopped
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • For the Chocolate Buttercream
  • 1 cup 225g unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups 360g powdered sugar
  • ½ cup 50g cocoa powder
  • 3 –4 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • 2 × 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls (large & medium)
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Kitchen scale (recommended for accuracy)
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (for smooth frosting)
  • Serrated knife (for leveling cake layers)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Cake
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
  6. Slowly mix in hot coffee. The batter will be thin — this is normal.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans.
  8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
  10. Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
  11. In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  12. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  13. Let cool completely before using.
  14. Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Buttercream
  15. Beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
  16. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder gradually.
  17. Mix in vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.
  18. Beat until fluffy and smooth (3–4 minutes).
  19. 🎂 Assemble the Cake
  20. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  21. Spread a thin layer of chocolate buttercream.
  22. Add strawberry filling evenly on top.
  23. Place the second cake layer on top.
  24. Frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.
  25. Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.

Notes

  • The cake batter will be thin after adding hot coffee — this makes the cake extra moist.
  • Allow the strawberry filling to cool completely before assembling.
  • If buttercream is too thick, add a little heavy cream; if too soft, chill briefly.
  • For clean slices, refrigerate the cake 30 minutes before serving.
  • Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days and bring to room temperature before serving.