This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is pure happiness on a plate. The rich chocolate and sweet strawberries come together so perfectly. It’s soft, creamy, and feels like love in every bite.

I made this for a family dinner once, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it. The layers turned out moist, and the strawberry frosting made it extra special. It’s honestly one of those cakes that disappears fast.

It’s simple to make and looks beautiful too. You don’t need to be a pro baker—just a few steps and some fresh strawberries. Let’s bake it together and make something sweet to share.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of rich chocolate and fruity strawberry is a crowd-pleasing hit. The chocolate cake is moist and dense, while the strawberry buttercream adds a light and fresh sweetness.
Made from Scratch: No box mixes here! The ingredients are simple and fresh, ensuring you get a homemade treat that tastes incredible.
Eye-Catching: The glossy ganache and fresh strawberry garnish make this cake a showstopper. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or even a cozy afternoon with family and friends.
Moist and Tender: The addition of buttermilk in the cake ensures that it’s incredibly moist, while the strawberry buttercream has the perfect creamy texture that complements the richness of the cake.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Chocolate Strawberry Cake, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Cake Pans (2 x 8-inch rounds): These will be used to bake the chocolate cake layers.
Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): For mixing the batter and the buttercream, a mixer will make the process quicker and easier.
Spatula: For spreading the buttercream and ganache smoothly.
Whisk: To combine the dry ingredients for the cake.
Saucepan: For making the ganache.
Piping Bag (Optional): For decorating the cake with strawberry buttercream, though you can also spread it with a spatula.
Cooling Rack: To let the cake layers cool properly before frosting.

Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this incredible cake:

For the Chocolate Cake:

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ½ cup (40g) – This gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor.
Boiling Water: 1 cup (240ml) – This helps dissolve the cocoa powder to create a smooth batter.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups (360g) – The base for the cake.
Granulated Sugar: 2 ½ cups (500g) – For sweetness.
Baking Soda: 2 ½ teaspoons – Helps the cake rise and gives it a light texture.
Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons – Works with the baking soda to ensure the cake is fluffy.
Salt: 1 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness of the cake.
Vegetable Oil: 1 cup (240ml) – Provides moisture and helps make the cake tender.
Whole Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
Eggs: 3 large (room temperature) – They help bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
Vanilla Extract: 1 tablespoon – Adds a warm, fragrant flavor that complements the chocolate.

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

Unsalted Butter: 1 ½ cups (340g) – The base of the buttercream, making it creamy and smooth.
Confectioners’ Sugar: 6 to 8 cups (720g – 960g) – Powdered sugar gives the buttercream structure and sweetness.
Fresh Strawberries: ½ cup (about 6 berries) – Chopped to add a natural strawberry flavor to the buttercream.
Salt: Just a pinch, to balance the sweetness of the buttercream.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 3½ ounces (198g) – Adds a rich, glossy chocolate finish to the cake.
Heavy Whipping Cream: ½ cup (120ml) – Helps melt the chocolate and creates a smooth ganache.

For the Garnish:

Fresh Strawberries: A few extra to slice and decorate the top of your cake, making it look even more stunning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Combine the Cocoa and Boiling Water

In a medium bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth. This helps dissolve the cocoa powder and creates a rich chocolate base. Set aside to cool slightly.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Cream the Wet Ingredients

In your mixer, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the cooled cocoa mixture to the wet ingredients. Start with adding half of the dry ingredients, then half of the cocoa mixture, mixing well after each addition. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and cocoa mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated but do not overmix.

Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared 8-inch round cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream

Puree the Strawberries

Chop the fresh strawberries into small pieces and blend them into a smooth puree using a blender or food processor. You should have about ½ cup of strawberry puree.

Make the Buttercream

In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until fully combined. Add the strawberry puree and salt, and continue to beat for an additional 3-4 minutes until the buttercream is light and fluffy. If the buttercream is too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Melt the Chocolate

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using.

4. Assemble the Cake

Level the Cake Layers

If the cake layers have domed, use a serrated knife to level them so they’re even and flat.

Frost the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining strawberry buttercream, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Add the Ganache

Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it naturally drip down the sides. Use a spatula to help spread it evenly if needed.

Garnish with Fresh Strawberries

Slice fresh strawberries and place them on top of the cake, arranging them however you like. The strawberries will add a pop of color and freshness to balance the rich chocolate and creamy buttercream.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once your cake is beautifully decorated, slice it up and serve. Each bite will be a perfect mix of rich chocolate cake, creamy strawberry buttercream, and luscious chocolate ganache. The fresh strawberries on top add a lovely touch of freshness and tang, complementing the sweetness of the cake.

Storing Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	400-500
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	55g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	40g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a showstopper in every way. From the rich, moist chocolate cake to the sweet, creamy strawberry buttercream and glossy ganache, every component of this cake is crafted to perfection. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a delicious homemade dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.

Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends—this is one dessert you’ll want to pass on!