Chocolate cake with strawberries is the ultimate sweet indulgence that captivates dessert lovers everywhere! The rich, velvety chocolate pairs perfectly with the bright, juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, creating a heavenly combination that’s hard to resist. I fell in love with this recipe during a family gathering when my aunt brought it as a surprise dessert. The moment I took a bite, I knew I had to recreate it in my own kitchen. It’s now my go-to dessert for special occasions and cozy nights in. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a Friday treat, this cake never fails to impress. The best part? It’s simple to make, yet elegant enough to steal the show. Trust me, once you try this delightful dessert, it’ll become your favorite, too!

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)

How to Prepare Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

Preparing your chocolate cake with strawberries is a joyful experience, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the delightful results it yields. Let’s get started!

Baking the Chocolate Cake

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans is essential to ensure your cakes release easily later. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. Trust me, this step is crucial for an even flavor throughout your cake!

Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until you have a smooth batter. The secret to a moist chocolate cake? Adding boiling water! Carefully stir in the boiling water until it’s fully incorporated; the batter will be thin, but that’s what makes it so luscious.

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Strawberry Topping

While your cakes are cooling, let’s prepare the strawberries! Rinse the strawberries under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove the green tops and slice them into thin pieces. To enhance their natural sweetness, sprinkle the sliced strawberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Toss them gently and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process, known as maceration, brings out the juices and creates a lovely syrup that will beautifully complement your cake.

Once your cakes are cool and the strawberries are ready, you’ll be all set to assemble your masterpiece! The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy strawberries is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The deep, chocolatey goodness of the cake perfectly complements the fresh, vibrant taste of strawberries, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Balance of Sweetness: The natural sweetness of the strawberries balances the rich chocolate, making it a dessert that’s indulgent but not overly sweet.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to impress and elevate any celebration.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red strawberries atop the dark chocolate cake create a beautiful contrast that makes for an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Perfectly Moist: Thanks to the boiling water in the batter, this cake stays incredibly moist, ensuring that each slice is a delight.

Tips for Success with Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

Getting the best results from your chocolate cake with strawberries is all about attention to detail! Here are my top tips for success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so measuring your ingredients precisely is crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
• Mix with Care: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and nobody wants that!
• Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which might be a rare occurrence!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it or freeze individual slices.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely: Before frosting or adding strawberries, ensure the cake is completely cool. This prevents melting and helps maintain the cake’s structure.

Variations of Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

One of the wonderful things about this chocolate cake with strawberries is how versatile it is! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or accommodate what you have on hand. Here are some delightful variations to consider:

• Different Fruits: While strawberries are a classic pairing, feel free to get creative! Raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced bananas make for fantastic alternatives. Just remember that each fruit brings its own unique flavor and sweetness, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Chocolate Choices: Experiment with different types of chocolate! Try using dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter. You can even mix in some white chocolate chunks for a fun twist, adding a creamy contrast to the cake.
• Nuts for Crunch: Adding some chopped nuts can bring a delightful crunch to your cake. Walnuts or pecans are great choices that complement the chocolate beautifully. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pans, or sprinkle them on top along with the strawberries for added texture.
• Flavored Extracts: Switch up the flavor profile by incorporating different extracts. A splash of almond extract can add a lovely depth to the chocolate, or a hint of orange zest can brighten the flavors and make the cake even more refreshing.
• Frosting Alternatives: While a simple whipped cream topping is delicious, consider trying a chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting for a more decadent finish. You can even layer the frosting between the cake layers for an extra indulgent treat!

These variations keep things exciting and help you discover new flavor combinations that you and your loved ones will adore. Don’t hesitate to mix and match to create your own signature version of this chocolate cake with strawberries!

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

Now that you’ve created this mouthwatering chocolate cake with strawberries, let’s talk about how to serve it up for maximum enjoyment! The right accompaniments can elevate your dessert from delicious to absolutely divine. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate and sweet strawberries. You can even sweeten it with a little vanilla extract for extra flavor.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Nothing beats a warm slice of chocolate cake topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream is simply heavenly!
• Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a luscious chocolate ganache over your cake not only enhances the chocolatey goodness but also adds a beautiful glossy finish. Just melt chocolate with heavy cream, let it cool slightly, and pour it over the cake for a decadent touch.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: For a pop of color and a refreshing flavor, garnish your cake with sprigs of fresh mint. It adds a lovely visual appeal and complements the strawberries perfectly!
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a twist, try serving with coconut whipped cream. It adds a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberries.
• Additional Strawberries: Don’t forget to top each slice with extra sliced strawberries! They not only look beautiful but also enhance the cake’s fruity flavor.

Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create the perfect dessert experience. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just treating yourself, these pairings will make your chocolate cake with strawberries even more delightful!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided for this chocolate cake with strawberries is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. Factors such as portion sizes and preparation methods can also affect the overall nutritional value. For the most accurate information, it’s always best to calculate based on your exact ingredients and quantities. Enjoy your baking adventure, and remember that every dessert is best savored in moderation!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them as a topping. Fresh strawberries bring a delightful texture, but frozen ones can still work beautifully in a pinch.

Q2. How can I make my chocolate cake with strawberries more decadent?
To elevate your chocolate cake, try adding a rich chocolate ganache or a creamy whipped frosting. You can also layer the cake with chocolate mousse between the layers for an extra indulgent treat. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch!

Q3. What’s the best way to store leftover chocolate cake with strawberries?
To keep leftovers fresh, store your chocolate cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve added strawberries, it’s best to refrigerate the cake. You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

Q4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the chocolate cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. Just add the strawberry topping right before serving to ensure the strawberries stay fresh and juicy.

Q5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free chocolate cake with strawberries, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Chocolate Cake with Strawberries: A Decadent Delight

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Kid-Friendly

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Description

A simple and delicious casserole recipe that kids will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened.
4. Mix in cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, peas, and cooked noodles. Stir until combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

• For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for beef.
• Add diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: easy casseroles for kids