Strawberry Cake With Chocolate Frosting

Picture this: fluffy strawberry cake layers crowned with rich, velvety chocolate frosting that melts in your mouth. This strawberry cake with chocolate frosting combines the best of both worlds – sweet, fruity cake meets decadent chocolate indulgence.

Here’s a fun fact: strawberries and chocolate have been paired together since the 1960s when chocolate-covered strawberries became a Valentine’s Day sensation. This cake is special because it’s surprisingly simple to make, requires just 45 minutes of prep time, and creates a show-stopping dessert that’ll have your family asking for seconds.

Much like our popular vanilla buttercream cake, this recipe uses pantry staples but delivers bakery-quality results. Get ready to fall in love with every bite!

What is Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting?

Ever wondered why we call it strawberry cake when it’s actually pink and fabulous? This delightful dessert gets its name from real strawberry puree that infuses every layer with natural fruit flavor and that gorgeous rosy hue. But here’s the kicker – why pair it with chocolate frosting instead of strawberry?

Because sometimes opposites attract in the most delicious way! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake definitely proves that point. Ready to become the hero of your next family gathering?

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting

The Perfect Flavor Combination

This strawberry cake with chocolate frosting delivers an incredible taste experience that balances sweet, fruity notes with rich cocoa decadence. The moist strawberry layers practically melt on your tongue, while the silky chocolate frosting adds that luxurious finish everyone craves.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness

Making this cake at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a bakery – usually under $8 for the entire cake versus $25+ at specialty shops. You’ll use simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, basic cake flour, and cocoa powder to create something that looks and tastes professionally made.

Irresistible Toppings and Textures

The chocolate frosting isn’t just any ordinary frosting – it’s made with real butter and cocoa powder for that deep, rich flavor. Top it with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra visual appeal. Similar to our chocolate chip cookie cake, this recipe allows for creative customization that makes each cake uniquely yours.

Ready to impress your loved ones with this stunning homemade creation? Let’s dive into making this masterpiece!

How to Make Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Quick Overview

This strawberry cake with chocolate frosting is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner bakers. The secret lies in using fresh strawberry puree for natural flavor and moisture, creating tender cake layers that pair beautifully with rich chocolate frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Decorating Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 12 people

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting

For the Strawberry Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup fresh strawberry puree (about 1½ cups fresh strawberries)
• Red food coloring (optional, for enhanced color)

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings or chips
• Mint leaves (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Strawberry Puree

Wash and hull 1½ cups of fresh strawberries. Blend them in a food processor until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired. You should have about 1 cup of puree. Set aside to cool completely.

Making the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and airy.

Adding Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract and the cooled strawberry puree. Add 2-3 drops of red food coloring if you want a more vibrant pink color.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed just until combined – don’t overmix. The batter should be smooth and pink.

Baking the Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Beat in vanilla and salt. Continue beating for 3-4 minutes until frosting is smooth and spreadable.

Assembling the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of chocolate frosting evenly over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth sides and decorative swirls on top.

Final Decorating

Arrange fresh strawberry slices around the top edge of the cake. Sprinkle chocolate shavings in the center and add mint leaves for a pop of color. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

What to Serve Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting With

This delightful cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence. Consider serving alongside fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to complement the strawberry flavor.

For beverages, try pairing with cold milk, coffee, or even a glass of champagne for special occasions. The cake also works beautifully as part of a dessert buffet with chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, or macarons.

A drizzle of strawberry coulis or chocolate sauce on individual plates adds an elegant restaurant-style presentation that will impress your guests.

Top Tips for Perfecting Strawberry Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs, butter, and milk, are at room temperature before mixing. This creates a smoother batter and more even cake texture.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough, dense cake layers. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour streaks.

Test for Doneness Carefully

Use a toothpick to test the center of each layer. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking creates dry cake.

Make Strawberry Puree in Advance

Prepare your strawberry puree a day ahead and refrigerate. This saves time and ensures it’s completely cool when added to the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace fresh strawberries with frozen (thawed and drained) if needed. You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk for extra tang, or use cake flour instead of all-purpose for more tender layers.

Frosting Consistency Tips

If frosting is too thick, add cream one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, refrigerate for 15 minutes or add more powdered sugar gradually.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store your strawberry cake with chocolate frosting covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake actually improves after a day as flavors meld together beautifully.

For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.

Keep frosted cake in an airtight container or cover with a cake dome to prevent the frosting from absorbing refrigerator odors.

This cake is best served at room temperature, so remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving for optimal taste and texture. The frosting will soften slightly, making it even more delicious.

For individual slices, wrap in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to a week. No reheating necessary – the cake is perfect cold or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw frozen strawberries completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing. You might need slightly less liquid in your puree, so adjust accordingly.

How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Grease pans thoroughly with butter, then dust with flour or cocoa powder. Parchment paper on the bottom provides extra insurance against sticking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped at room temperature. Frosted cake can be made 1 day in advance and refrigerated.

What if my frosting is too runny?

Refrigerate the frosting for 15-20 minutes to firm up, or gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I substitute the chocolate frosting with cream cheese frosting?

Yes! Strawberry cake pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting. Use your favorite cream cheese frosting recipe for a tangy contrast.

How do I get my cake layers even?

Use a kitchen scale to weigh your batter and divide evenly between pans. This ensures both layers bake at the same rate and height.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories	485
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	11g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	285mg
Total Carbs	78g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	65g
Protein	6g
Vitamin C	15mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Additional Helpful Tips for Success

Choosing the Best Strawberries

Select ripe, fragrant strawberries that are bright red with fresh green tops. Avoid berries with white shoulders or soft spots, as these won’t provide the best flavor for your puree.

Creating Beautiful Decorations

For chocolate shavings, use a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature chocolate bar. For chocolate curls, warm the chocolate slightly with your hands before peeling.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake cracks during baking, your oven might be too hot. Use an oven thermometer to verify temperature accuracy. If the cake sinks in the middle, avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking.

Flavor Variations

Try adding lemon zest to the cake batter for extra brightness, or fold in mini chocolate chips for added texture. You can also brush cake layers with strawberry syrup for extra moisture and flavor.

Making It Special for Occasions

For birthdays, add colorful sprinkles between layers. For anniversaries, create rosettes with the chocolate frosting using a piping bag and star tip. For holidays, match decorations to seasonal themes with appropriate colored sugars or themed cake toppers.

This strawberry cake with chocolate frosting recipe delivers bakery-quality results that will make you the star of any gathering. The combination of fresh fruit flavor and rich chocolate creates a memorable dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious!