Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

The Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake is an irresistible celebration of deep chocolate richness and fresh strawberry brightness all layered with luscious cream cheese frosting. This cake marries the intense flavor of dark cocoa with the vibrant juiciness of homemade strawberry filling, making every slice a decadent experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients form the backbone of this cake, each adding essential flavor, moisture, or texture. From the rich dark cocoa setting the tone to the fresh strawberries bursting with sweetness, these components come together beautifully.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cake layers.
• Dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and the cake’s characteristic dark color.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and the strawberry filling perfectly.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds subtle tang and tenderness.
• White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to help the cake rise.
• Vanilla extract: Introduces warmth and depth to the cake.
• Hot coffee or hot water: Intensifies the chocolate intensity and thins the batter for perfect crumb.
• Red food coloring (optional): Creates that classic velvet hue for visual appeal.
• Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient for the fresh and tangy filling.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry filling and balances sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling to luscious perfection.
• Cream cheese: Base for the smooth, tangy frosting.
• Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
• Chocolate shavings or dark cocoa dusting: Elegant finishing touch for garnish.

How to Make Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. This foundational step ensures an even bake and effortless removal later. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, dark cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Incorporating these first helps create an even distribution of flavors and leaveners.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Batter

Incorporate eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and optional red food coloring into the dry mix. Beat on medium speed until the batter achieves a smooth, glossy texture, signaling a well-emulsified mixture. Gradually add hot coffee to the batter, thinning it out and intensifying the dark cocoa flavor, which results in that rich, moist crumb synonymous with the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when the cakes are perfectly done. Once baked, let the layers cool completely on wire racks — patience here ensures your frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Filling

While the cakes cool, combine sliced fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices, about five minutes. Stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken the mixture, then remove from heat and allow it to cool fully. This homemade filling perfectly balances sweetness and tartness, providing a fresh burst of flavor inside your cake.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fluffy. Finish by mixing in vanilla extract to add a subtle aromatic lift. This frosting is the perfect creamy complement to the dark chocolate and strawberry layers of the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of strawberry filling. Top this with a smooth layer of cream cheese frosting. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Finish your masterpiece with dollops of strawberry filling swirled lightly on top for a marbled effect, and garnish with fresh strawberry halves and chocolate curls or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant presentation.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Allow your cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before slicing. Serving it chilled magnifies the harmony of deep, velvety chocolate, tangy strawberries, and luscious cream cheese frosting, making each bite of the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake an unforgettable moment.

How to Serve Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry halves brighten up the cake’s top with vibrant natural color and juiciness, while chocolate shavings or a dusting of dark cocoa powder add a touch of elegance and an extra hint of chocolate flavor. The contrast between the creamy frosting and these garnishes makes the presentation truly stunning and mouthwatering.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake with light accompaniments like a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk also complements the intense layers perfectly, balancing sweetness and richness for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice your Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake into petite squares and serve on elegant dessert plates with a fresh strawberry and mint leaf garnish. You can also turn leftovers into trifle by layering pieces of the cake with extra strawberry filling and whipped cream in clear glasses, creating a beautiful and festive treat that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it convenient for enjoying later without sacrificing that rich texture and fresh strawberry flavor.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate storm of flavors and moist texture inherent to the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake.

Reheating

For best results, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. If desired, let refrigerated cake slices sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before eating. Avoid reheating in the microwave as the frosting might melt and affect the cake’s texture and appearance.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular cocoa powder for dark cocoa powder?

You can, but the flavor and color will be less intense. Dark cocoa powder, especially Dutch-processed, gives the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake its signature rich hue and deep chocolate taste.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness and enhances the cake’s tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, but frozen, thawed strawberries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain excess liquid to avoid a runny filling.

How do I make the cake layers extra moist?

Adding vegetable oil and buttermilk ensures moistness. Also, be careful not to overbake the cake layers; check them a few minutes before the timer goes off.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient substitutions like vegan cream cheese, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs, you can adapt the recipe. However, the flavor and texture of the original Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake are best achieved with the classic ingredients.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake that brings joy with every bite. Its perfect balance of rich cocoa, fresh-strawberry brightness, and creamy frosting makes it a standout dessert to share with loved ones. If you’re looking for a cake to wow any crowd or simply treat yourself, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep coming back to. Happy baking, friend!

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