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Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Chocolate Strawberry Cake
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Print Recipe

Rich, moist chocolate cake layered with juicy macerated strawberries and topped with a creamy chocolate frosting. The combination of deep cocoa flavor and bright berry sweetness makes this an elegant yet simple dessert for four.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the cake:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the strawberry filling:
  • 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped (about 75g)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • For the chocolate frosting:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan with butter or nonstick spray and line the bottom with a parchment paper round. This ensures the cake releases cleanly.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Whisking aerates the dry ingredients and distributes the leaveners.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine to ensure a tender crumb.
  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back lightly when touched.
  5. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto the rack, remove the parchment, and let cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour. Cooling completely prevents the layers from tearing when sliced.
  6. While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry filling. In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir and let macerate for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugar draws out the berries’ juices, creating a syrup that soaks into the cake.
  7. For the chocolate frosting, in a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to avoid lumps, then add the milk and vanilla. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. If too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time.
  8. Once the cake is completely cool, use a serrated knife to slice it horizontally into two even layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate. Spread the macerated strawberries and their syrup evenly over the bottom layer, leaving a small border around the edge.
  9. Place the top layer of cake over the strawberries. Spread the chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake using an offset spatula. For a decorative finish, create swirls or peaks with the spatula. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices if desired.
  10. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the frosting and make clean cuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For the best texture, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then prepare the filling and frosting as directed before serving. To reheat chilled slices, microwave on low power for 10-15 seconds or bring to room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate strawberry cake, strawberry chocolate cake, chocolate cake with strawberries, homemade chocolate cake, easy dessert, small batch cake, 6-inch cake, valentine's day cake, birthday cake, strawberry filling, chocolate frosting

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/chocolate-strawberry-cake/