Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe

If you have a passion for delightful desserts, then you are going to absolutely love this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling. It is the perfect combination of rich, moist chocolate cake layers and a sweet, slightly tangy fresh strawberry filling that creates a fresh burst of flavor in every bite. The luscious chocolate ganache frosting crowns the cake with a silky, glossy finish that brings everything together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this cake promises both elegance and comfort in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling comes alive with simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play their part perfectly. From the cocoa-rich flour base to the bright, fresh strawberries, and the creamy ganache frosting, every component is essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and stunning visual appeal.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake, ensuring it is light yet sturdy enough to hold the layers.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the cake its deep, chocolatey essence without added sweetness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise nicely, making it soft and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and the strawberry filling while contributing to its moist texture.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Buttermilk (or milk with vinegar): Adds acidity for tender crumb and moistness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and soft.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant note that complements both chocolate and strawberries.
• Hot water or coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor and helps dissolve the cocoa powder evenly.
• Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient in the filling, providing natural sweetness and a refreshing tang.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling with a subtle citrus kick.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling for the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Used in the ganache, balancing sweetness and richness.
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates the silky texture of the ganache frosting.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a velvety richness to the ganache.
• Fresh whole strawberries and chocolate shavings (optional): For that stunning final touch when garnishing your cake.

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 9-inch round cake pans, lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients—flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar—whisking them together to ensure even distribution. Then add your wet ingredients: eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until you get a smooth and slightly thick batter. Finally, slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed—this will thin the batter slightly but intensify the chocolate flavor to irresistible levels.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Perfectly

Divide your luscious batter evenly between the two prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center emerges clean. This ensures your cake is cooked through but stays incredibly moist. Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool completely on wire racks to make the next steps much easier and prevent your filling or frosting from melting.

Step 3: Create the Fresh Strawberry Filling

While the cake cools, it’s time for the star of the show—the fresh strawberry filling. Combine chopped fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and a splash of lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries release their natural juices and start to soften. Stir in your cornstarch mixed with cold water, simmering until the mixture thickens into a beautifully glossy filling. Let it cool completely before spreading, so it stays put between the cake layers.

Step 4: Make the Silky Chocolate Ganache Frosting

The ganache is a luxurious finishing touch that brings decadence to the Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling. Heat your heavy cream in a saucepan just until it simmers, then pour it over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let the heat gently melt the chocolate, then add in the butter. Stir until glossy and smooth. Allow this mixture to cool and thicken slightly for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a creamy, spreadable texture perfect for frosting.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cake Masterpiece

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of the cooled strawberry filling evenly across the top, leaving a small border around the edges. Then carefully set the second cake layer on top and gently press down to secure. Next, slather the chocolate ganache frosting over the cake’s top and sides with an offset spatula for a smooth, luscious finish. This layering technique ensures a gorgeous bite of chocolate and strawberry in every slice.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling, top it with a handful of fresh whole strawberries and some delicate chocolate curls or shavings. These garnishes add an inviting texture contrast and a splash of color that make your cake look like it belongs in a bakery display. Plus, fresh strawberries on top echo the filling inside, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness. For a more festive touch, a light mixed berry salad or even a cup of freshly brewed coffee enhances the experience, making each bite of the Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling even more memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve your cake on a beautiful cake stand paired with delicate dessert plates and fresh strawberry garnish around the platter for a polished look. You can even slice the cake into petite tiers for individual servings, layering each slice with a sprig of mint or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to give it a fancy restaurant vibe right in your own home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The fresh strawberry filling and ganache frosting keep beautifully chilled, maintaining the cake’s moistness and flavor for up to 3 days. Before serving again, let it come to room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling, but for best results, freeze the cake layers separately before frosting. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling and frosting to keep the fresh strawberry filling vibrant and the ganache smooth.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer slice, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, which can affect the texture of the ganache and the fresh strawberry filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch, but fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor for the filling. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid well before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk plus vinegar mixture, use dairy-free butter in the ganache, and replace heavy cream with a coconut cream alternative to enjoy a dairy-free version without sacrificing taste.

How far in advance can I make the strawberry filling?

You can prepare the fresh strawberry filling up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure it is completely cooled before storing to maintain freshness and consistency.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute. This helps tenderize the cake and adds the slight acidity needed for perfect texture.

What’s the best way to get smooth ganache frosting?

Be patient when melting the chocolate with the hot cream and butter—allow the cream to fully melt the chocolate before stirring. Stir gently and continuously until smooth. Cooling the ganache to a spreadable consistency before frosting your cake will give you the best results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the way Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling brings together the rich decadence of chocolate and the vibrant freshness of strawberries. This recipe is not only a joy to bake but also a crowd-pleaser whenever it appears on the dessert table. I encourage you to try making it yourself—you’ll find that every step is rewarding and the final bite is absolutely worth it.

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