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Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe

Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

This Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake offers a rich, moist chocolate cake with a hint of red velvet hue, layered with a luscious strawberry filling and creamy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, it combines deep cocoa flavors with tangy strawberries and smooth frosting for an elegant and decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dark Velvet Cake Layers:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Fresh strawberries, halved
  • Chocolate shavings or dark cocoa dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dark Velvet Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring; beat on medium speed until smooth and glossy. Gradually mix in the hot coffee or water until the batter is thin and smooth. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks.
  2. Make the Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, combine the hulled and sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while beating until the frosting is fluffy and well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the cooled strawberry filling over the top. Then spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the strawberry filling, smoothing it gently. Place the second cake layer on top and use the remaining cream cheese frosting to cover the entire cake evenly.
  5. Decorate: Spoon a few extra dollops of strawberry filling on top and gently swirl into the frosting for a marbled effect. Garnish with fresh halved strawberries and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or dust with dark cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing to allow the flavors to meld and the frosting to set. Serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of rich dark cocoa cake, tangy strawberries, and creamy frosting.

Notes

  • For best results, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder to achieve the deep chocolate flavor and color.
  • Red food coloring is optional but recommended for the classic velvet cake look.
  • Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with hot water if preferred.
  • Ensure the strawberry filling is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store the cake refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
  • Bring slices to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dark Velvet Cake, Strawberry Cake, Chocolate Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Strawberry Filling, Decadent Dessert, Celebration Cake

Find it online: https://maicook.com/dark-velvet-strawberry-cake-recipe/