Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is a rich and luxurious dessert that brings together the classic pairing of juicy strawberries and deep chocolate flavor. Baked with real strawberries and chocolate chips in the batter, and finished with a frosting of your choice, this cake is a stunning centerpiece perfect for celebrations or romantic evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is moist, indulgent, and beautifully balanced with the natural sweetness of strawberries and the richness of chocolate. The strawberries bake right into the layers, giving a fresh, fruity contrast to the chocolatey base. Whether you frost it with whipped cream or ganache, it delivers both flavor and visual appeal. It’s easy to prepare and impressive enough to serve at birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined. - Add Boiling Water:
Stir in the boiling water carefully. The batter will become thinner, which helps create a moist texture. - Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Gently fold the sliced strawberries and chocolate chips into the batter. - Bake the Cakes:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Frost and Decorate:
Once completely cool, frost with your favorite frosting—chocolate ganache or lightly sweetened whipped cream work beautifully.
Top with additional fresh strawberries and drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant finish. - Serve:
Slice and enjoy a decadent bite of chocolate and strawberry perfection.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Strawberry Filling: Add a layer of strawberry preserves or fresh sliced strawberries between the cake layers.
- Ganache Glaze: Pour a glossy chocolate ganache over the top of the frosted cake for a polished look.
- Mini Cakes: Divide the batter into cupcake tins or small ramekins for individual servings.
- Different Fruit: Swap strawberries for raspberries or cherries for a delicious variation.
- Chocolate Dipped Berries: Decorate the top with chocolate-covered strawberries for a striking presentation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Best served at room temperature. If needed, microwave individual slices for a few seconds to soften.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are preferred for the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter.
What frosting works best?
Chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting pair wonderfully with the flavors in this cake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped. Frost just before serving.
Will the strawberries make the cake soggy?
No, as long as you slice them thin and fold them in gently, they’ll bake into the cake without making it overly moist.
Can I make this into a sheet cake?
Yes, you can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to 35–40 minutes.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, the cake will still be rich and flavorful without them.
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is a dreamy combination of rich, moist chocolate cake, fresh strawberries, and melted chocolate. With a soft crumb and bursts of fruit and chocolate chips in every bite, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a touch of elegance.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
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3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water
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1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
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1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. -
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Beat until smooth and fully combined. -
Add Boiling Water:
Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist cake! -
Fold in Add-ins:
Gently fold in sliced strawberries and chocolate chips. -
Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. -
Frost and Decorate:
Frost with chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or your favorite frosting. Top with fresh strawberries and drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant finish.
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Serve:
Slice and enjoy every luscious bite of chocolate-strawberry bliss!
Notes
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Add a layer of strawberry jam between cakes for extra fruity flavor.
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For a Valentine’s version, use heart-shaped pans or red sprinkles.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American