Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake: A Decadent Delight
Indulge in the rich and romantic flavors of this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake, a dessert that perfectly combines moist chocolate layers with fresh strawberries and a luxurious ganache. Every bite is a heavenly balance of deep cocoa notes, the juiciness of ripe strawberries, and the smoothness of silky chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake delivers the elegance and irresistible taste of classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
This homemade chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the bright, slightly tart flavor of strawberries, creating a confectionery masterpiece. With velvety strawberry-infused frosting and a glossy ganache drizzle, each slice is visually stunning and a treat for the palate. If you love chocolate-dipped strawberries, you will absolutely adore this cake version.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of rich chocolate, sweet and tart strawberries, and a creamy, indulgent finish.
- Texture: A soft and tender chocolate cake, smooth and airy strawberry buttercream, with silky ganache and a juicy burst from fresh strawberries.
- Aroma: The deep, enticing scent of cocoa melds beautifully with the fresh, fruity fragrance of ripe strawberries.
- Visual Appeal: A mesmerizing contrast of dark chocolate, bright red berries, and pastel pink frosting, draped with glossy ganache.
- Skill Level Needed: Best for intermediate bakers who are comfortable with layering cakes and working with ganache.
- Special Equipment: Cake pans, electric mixer, offset spatula, and cooling racks.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: While not overly complex, this cake requires some technique in layering and decorating, making it best for intermediate bakers.
- Category: A versatile dessert suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, or elegant dinner parties.
- Cuisine: A fusion of classic American chocolate cake with a European patisserie-style finish.
- Cost: Moderate cost, requiring quality chocolate, fresh strawberries, and common baking staples.
- Season: Best enjoyed in strawberry season (spring and summer) for peak freshness.
- Occasion: Perfect for Valentine’s Day, weddings, birthdays, or any celebration that calls for romance and indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The perfect cake to impress, this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake seamlessly combines rich flavors and textures. Each layer is moist and tender, the strawberry buttercream offers a delicate contrast, and the ganache ties everything together with a luxurious finish.
Despite its elaborate appearance, this recipe is approachable with clear step-by-step instructions. It’s an excellent way to elevate your baking skills while creating a showstopping dessert.
Strawberries provide natural sweetness and vitamins, while chocolate offers antioxidants, making this cake an indulgence with some nutritional benefits.
Hosting a gathering? This cake serves as an elegant centerpiece, sparking conversations and compliments with its striking look and irresistible taste.
From grocery store basics to premium ingredients, this cake is accessible and adaptable, ensuring success whether you’re baking for fun or special events.
The Recipe
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cake
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Two 9-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Offset spatula
- Cooling racks
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup strawberry puree
- 7 oz dark chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Slowly mix in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and strawberry puree.
- Layer cake with strawberry buttercream, adding sliced strawberries between layers.
- Heat heavy cream, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth to create ganache.
- Pour ganache over the cake, spreading gently.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and let set before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Chill the cake layers before frosting for easier assembly.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best ganache flavor.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days, but serve at room temperature for the best taste.