Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe

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If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly balances rich indulgence and bright freshness, this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is an absolute dream come true. The moist, tender chocolate cake layers meld effortlessly with a luscious, homemade strawberry filling that bursts with natural sweetness and a hint of zest. Finished with a shiny chocolate ganache that envelops the cake in glossy decadence, each bite is a slice of pure happiness. Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply a treat to brighten your day, this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s where the magic begins: simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a vital role, from the rich cocoa powder lending depth to the cake, to the fresh strawberries providing that irresistible brightness. Let’s dive into the essentials!

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone that gives structure to your chocolate cake layers.
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Works with the acidity for a tender crumb and lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cocoa and strawberries.
• 2 large eggs: They enrich the batter and help bind everything together.
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Adds moistness and a slight tang for balance.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist for days.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Uplifts and compliments the essential chocolate and strawberry flavors.
• ¾ cup hot water or brewed coffee: Deepens the chocolate flavor and makes the batter luxuriously smooth.
• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Fresh fruit that’s the juicy star of the filling.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the strawberries just right without overpowering.
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds brightness that makes the strawberry flavors pop.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to a luscious consistency.
• 1 tablespoon water: Helps dissolve cornstarch evenly into the filling.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Essential for creating the luxuriously smooth chocolate ganache.
• 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: The rich coating that crowns the cake with chocolatey bliss.
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional): Adds shine and silky texture to the ganache finish.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh whole strawberries and chocolate curls or shavings for a stunning final touch.

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

First things first, set your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly and perfectly. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to guarantee your beautiful cakes come out without a hitch. This step might sound simple, but it’s essential for that flawless, flawless finish.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until everything is beautifully combined. This blending ensures even distribution of leaveners and flavor, making every bite just right.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and inviting. This silky blend introduces moisture and richness, setting the stage for a tender cake crumb.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then, pour in the hot water or brewed coffee gradually, stirring until the batter is smooth. The batter will be slightly thin—that’s exactly what keeps your cake irresistibly moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake Layers

Evenly divide the silky batter between your prepared pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer your cakes to wire racks to cool completely—this step is crucial to keep the layers stable for assembly.

Step 6: Prepare the Fresh Strawberry Filling

Now, to make the vibrant filling. Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the fruit mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which usually takes about five minutes. Once thick and glossy, turn off the heat and let the filling cool completely so it spreads smoothly without oozing.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream just until it starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then stir until glossy and completely smooth. Whisk in the butter for a beautiful shine. Allow the ganache to cool slightly to thicken but still be pourable.

Step 8: Assemble Your Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread the luscious strawberry filling evenly over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top, pressing lightly. Pour the silky chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it cascade down the sides in decadent drips. This is where your cake really starts to shine.

Step 9: Decorate for a Show-Stopping Finish

Top your cake with fresh whole strawberries and delicate chocolate curls or shavings. This adds a stunning visual appeal and an extra burst of flavor. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean, perfect cuts.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like fresh whole strawberries and rich chocolate curls elevate the cake’s look and taste, adding textural contrast and freshness. Lightly dusting with powdered sugar also gives a lovely, elegant touch without overpowering the vibrant strawberry filling.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream that complements without competing. For a refreshing balance, serve with a crisp green salad or a light fruit compote to brighten each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices atop small dessert plates garnished with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a single strawberry fan on the side. For parties, create mini layered versions in clear cups to showcase the beautiful cake and filling layers. The vibrant red against the dark chocolate always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to keep the fresh strawberry filling from spoiling. Properly covered, it will remain moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your favorite dessert leisurely.

Freezing

Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil if you want to freeze for longer. The chocolate cake layers freeze well for up to 1 month. Freeze the strawberry filling separately in an airtight container, then thaw and reheat gently before assembling.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not typically recommended. However, if you prefer a softer texture after refrigeration, let slices sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to bring back their softness and vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

While fresh strawberries deliver the best texture and flavor in this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. Just thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid a runny filling.

How do I make the cake more moist?

The addition of vegetable oil and buttermilk already makes this cake quite moist. Using hot coffee instead of water enhances moisture and intensifies the chocolate flavor, giving the cake that tender, luscious crumb.

Can I make this cake vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for buttermilk, and choose dairy-free chocolate and cream alternatives for the ganache. The strawberry filling remains naturally vegan.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

For neat slices, refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp, warm knife (dip in hot water and dry between cuts) to glide smoothly through layers without smudging.

Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, assembling the Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the ganache to set perfectly, making your serving day low-stress and impressive.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is truly one of those irresistible treats that makes every celebration, or even an ordinary day, feel special. The combination of moist chocolate, bright strawberries, and luscious ganache is one that will never lose its charm. Don’t hesitate – dive into baking this delightful cake, share it with loved ones, and create sweet memories with every bite.

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