Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe

If you’re ready to treat yourself and everyone around you to something truly indulgent, this Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is going to become your new favorite showstopper. Imagine layers of rich, moist chocolate cake paired with tangy, luscious strawberry filling, all beautifully embraced by silky whipped cream frosting and crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache that gently drips down the sides. It’s like a love letter to chocolate and strawberries that melts in your mouth and makes every bite feel like a celebration. Whether it’s for a birthday, a romantic occasion, or simply to elevate your dessert game, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your cravings in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need any extravagant or hard-to-find ingredients to make this classic dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor and texture, ensuring every forkful of this Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is pure bliss.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and a tender crumb when combined properly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and strawberry filling without overpowering.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor with a hint of natural bitterness.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Essential leavening agents for a light, airy cake.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness.
• Buttermilk (or milk + vinegar): Keeps the cake moist and tender with a subtle tang.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moistness without weighing down the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Hot water or coffee: Intensifies the chocolate taste and ensures a smooth batter.
• Fresh strawberries: Central for the vibrant, fresh filling that contrasts the rich cake.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the strawberry filling from tasting flat.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry filling perfectly so it sets nicely between cake layers.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream: Create the luscious ganache that makes this cake magical.
• Unsalted butter: Optional, for a glossy, smooth finish on the ganache.
• Heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla: Whipped into a light, fluffy frosting for that perfect creamy balance.
• Fresh whole strawberries and chocolate shavings: Gorgeous finishing touches that make your cake look as stunning as it tastes.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Grease two 9-inch round pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers come out beautifully without sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix creates the foundation of your cake’s flavor and texture—get these well combined to guarantee even baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

Add eggs, buttermilk (or the milk and vinegar mixture), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat this mixture at medium speed for about two minutes. The batter will then be thin once you stir in the hot water or coffee, which is exactly what you want for an incredibly moist, tender cake that’s bursting with chocolate flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them into the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. This downtime is essential to encourage the cake layers to set perfectly.

Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

Add your fresh chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices. Then stir in the cornstarch mixed with water, cooking for a few more minutes until the filling thickens. Let it cool completely before assembling your cake to avoid sogginess.

Step 6: Whip the Cream Frosting

Chill your mixing bowl and beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This fluffy frosting will add lightness and a luscious contrast to the dense chocolate layers and vibrant strawberry filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Start by placing one chocolate cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the strawberry filling over it, followed by a thin spread of whipped cream. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the whipped cream frosting, smoothing it for a polished look.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream until it is just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for two minutes before stirring gently until smooth and glossy. Stir in butter if you want that extra shine. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens enough to drip slowly but remain pourable.

Step 9: Decorate Your Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Pour the ganache over the frosted cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Finish by arranging fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate and sprinkling shaved chocolate or curls on top. Chill the cake for at least an hour to set the ganache before slicing and serving your masterpiece.

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Garnishes

The best way to elevate your presentation is with fresh, glossy strawberries—some dipped in melted chocolate for that irresistible appeal. Chocolate shavings or curls lend an elegant touch and invite your guests to indulge with their eyes before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream to mellow the richness while amplifying the strawberry notes. A simple fresh berry salad on the side can also provide a refreshing contrast to the luscious chocolate and cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a single chocolate-covered strawberry on top for a stunning plated dessert. You might also experiment by layering this cake in jars for a portable twist, perfect for gifting or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake refrigerated, covered loosely with plastic wrap or a cake dome. It stays moist and fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to savor every magical bite without rushing.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cake without ganache for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding ganache and frosting.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is usually not necessary. If your kitchen is cold, simply let the slice sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to let the ganache soften and flavors bloom.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries with frozen?

Fresh strawberries work best for the filling to avoid excess moisture that frozen berries can release, which could make the filling runny. If you do use frozen, thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking the filling.

Is it possible to make this cake vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs, dairy, and butter for texture and richness, but you can experiment by using vegan substitutes like flax eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut cream for frosting, though the results will differ slightly from the original.

How do I prevent the cake layers from drying out?

Ensuring you don’t overbake and properly wrapping leftover cake layers in plastic wrap helps retain moisture. Using buttermilk in the batter also contributes to the cake’s tender, moist texture.

Can I prepare the cake a day ahead?

Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better after resting overnight to allow the layers to meld. Just assemble it the day before and keep it refrigerated until serving.

What is the best way to get smooth ganache drips?

Let your ganache cool until it thickens slightly but is still pourable. Pour over a chilled cake for gradual drips, and use a spatula to help coax it down the sides evenly without overwhelming the cake.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have every step and tip to create this heavenly Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake, it’s time to get baking and share the joy with your loved ones. Trust me, once you taste the harmonious blend of rich chocolate, fresh strawberry brightness, and creamy layers, you’ll want to keep this recipe close to your heart forever. Enjoy every decadent bite!

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