Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Meet your new showstopper: the Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake. Pillow-soft chocolate cake, luscious homemade strawberry jam, and creamy strawberry-infused frosting come together in every irresistible bite. If you adore the dreamy combination of rich chocolate and sun-kissed strawberries, this cake is pure celebration on a plate!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is simple and purposeful. Each ingredient—whether for the cake, homemade jam, or the pretty pink frosting—creates a beautiful union of flavors and textures you’ll crave again and again.

• Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: The soul of this cake, they create a homemade jam and fill the layers, giving a sweet-tart punch. Frozen berries work beautifully!
• Granulated Sugar: Needed for sweetening both the jam and the cake batter—balances out the tang of the strawberries.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a sturdy but soft structure for the cake layers.
• Cocoa Powder (Natural): Creates a deep, chocolatey flavor and rich color—don’t use Dutch-process for this recipe!
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These work in tandem to give the chocolate cake its irresistible rise and tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a touch sharpens the flavors throughout the cake.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds flavor and richness to both cake and frosting—make sure it’s unsalted.
• Light-Tasting Oil: Keeps the cake moist for days without overpowering the chocolate or berry flavors.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a lovely caramel note to the cake’s flavor.
• Eggs (Room Temperature): Bind everything together for a plush, luscious cake texture.
• Milk (Room Temperature): Loosens up the batter, ensuring a soft crumb and even baking.
• Cream Cheese: The secret to ultra-creamy, tangy, strawberry-kissed frosting. Soften it fully for smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into cloud-like perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors, especially in the frosting.
• Diced Strawberries: Layered inside the cake for fresh bursts of berry in every bite.
• Halved Strawberries: For a festive, eye-catching decoration on top—it’s the finishing touch!

Variations

This Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is endlessly customizable. Feel free to tweak and tailor it based on what you love, whatever fruit you have, or your dietary needs—it’s truly a recipe that welcomes your creativity!

• Use Store-Bought Jam: Short on time? Swap in your favorite quality strawberry jam for the homemade version and keep assembly extra simple.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and double check your baking powder/baking soda are certified gluten-free.
• Swap the Berries: Try raspberries or a mix of summer berries for a delightful flavor twist.
• Turn It Into Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for individual treats—great for parties and picnics!
• Chocolate Ganache Drip: Elevate your masterpiece with a glossy ganache for a dramatic finish.

How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

Start by transforming fresh or frozen strawberries into a glorious, glistening jam. Stir them with sugar and just a splash of water in a small pot, then simmer until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Keep an eye out for the bubbling foam (it’s normal!) and continue cooking until dragging a spatula through leaves a trail that slowly closes—this means you’ve nailed the perfect jammy consistency. Once set, transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely in the fridge while you tackle the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your two 6-inch round cake pans lined and ready to go. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for a uniform dry mix. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, both sugars, and eggs until creamy, then alternate adding in the dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently. When you’re done, you’ll have the silkiest, deepest chocolate batter ready for layering up in those pans.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Divide the dreamy batter between the pans—aim for about 540g in each for perfectly even layers. Smooth the tops, then bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully run an offset spatula around the edges and invert the layers onto a wire rack, letting them cool completely (patience pays off here!).

Step 4: Whip Up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter until it’s ultra-creamy, then add cream cheese and keep going until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and a splash of vanilla. The result? A pale pink, strawberry-flecked frosting no one can resist. Pipe a bit into a bag for perfect layering in a moment!

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Use a sharp serrated knife to level the cooled cakes and carefully slice each one in half, creating four even layers. Place the first layer on a turntable, pipe a ring of frosting along the edge, and fill the center with homemade strawberry jam and a generous sprinkle of diced berries. Repeat with remaining layers, building a jammy, berry-filled tower.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Give your Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake a “crumb coat”—a thin, even layer of frosting that seals in stray crumbs for a pro finish. Chill briefly, then spread on a final coat of frosting, swirling with your spatula for beautiful texture. Crown the top with halved strawberries for a burst of color and irresistible appeal.

How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

Garnishes

Besides bright halved strawberries, try adding chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder for that “bakery window” look. Edible flowers or mint leaves add an extra pop of elegance for spring and summer gatherings.

Side Dishes

Serve each decadent slice alongside softly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a handful of fresh strawberries. For a special brunch, pair with a bubbly glass of Prosecco or your favorite celebratory beverage—the cake truly lives up to the occasion!

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake on a vintage cake stand or a rustic wooden board. Get whimsical by stacking mini-cakes for a modern twist, or try drizzling chocolate ganache down the sides for an ultra-dramatic, drool-worthy effect. Don’t forget plenty of whole strawberries for visual wow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to marry overnight, and the cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to the oil and fruit jam—it almost gets better with time!

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze fully frosted slices, separated by parchment, in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy—no one will ever know it wasn’t freshly made!

Reheating

If you like your cake slightly warm (especially nice with ice cream!), brief 10–15 second bursts in the microwave will soften the crumb—just don’t overdo it, or the frosting might melt. Always enjoy chilled slices straight from the fridge for the neatest layers.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is equal parts comfort and celebration, perfect for birthdays, brunches, or any moment you want to make magical. I hope you love every chocolatey, berry-studded bite as much as my family and friends do. If you give it a try, don’t forget to share your masterpiece—your kitchen might become everyone’s favorite new gathering spot!

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