Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a mix of deep chocolate and fresh fruit flavors. The layers of Dark Velvet cake are moist and soft, enhanced by the slight tang of buttermilk. The homemade strawberry filling provides a refreshing sweetness, while the cream cheese frosting ties everything together with its rich and creamy texture. Whether you're making it for a celebration or as a weekend treat, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Dark Velvet Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon red food coloring
• ½ cup (120ml) water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoon heavy cream (if needed for consistency)

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries
• Optional: Chocolate shavings or sprinkles

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dark Velvet Cake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
   • Stir in the red food coloring and water, mixing until the batter is well combined and smooth.
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

   • In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
   • Let the strawberry filling cool completely before using.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
   • Add the vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
   • If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.

4. Assemble the Cake:

   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving platter.
   • Spread a generous amount of the strawberry filling over the top of the first cake layer.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently.
   • Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.

5. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the top of the cake with fresh strawberries and optionally, chocolate shavings or sprinkles.
   • Slice the cake and enjoy the rich, flavorful layers!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes (for cakes to cool completely)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Filling: If you prefer a smoother filling, you can blend the strawberries before cooking them down.
• Cake Moisture: You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a slightly richer taste, though it may alter the texture slightly.
• Frosting: For a less tangy flavor, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone cheese, which will give the frosting a creamier texture.
• Decorating: To enhance the cake’s appearance, drizzle with strawberry syrup or top with whipped cream before serving.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can also be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: To serve the cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire cake in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make the Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Simply store the layers in an airtight container and frost the cake the next day before serving.

2. Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the consistency of the batter, as gluten-free flour can sometimes absorb more liquid.

4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

If the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add more cream cheese for balance.

5. Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a buttercream frosting or whipped cream for a different flavor profile.

6. Can I make mini cakes instead of one large cake?

Yes, you can bake the batter in smaller cake pans (6-inch pans or muffin tins) and adjust the baking time accordingly.

7. How can I make the cake extra moist?

The addition of buttermilk and vegetable oil in the recipe helps keep the cake moist. Ensure you follow the recipe closely for the best results.

8. Can I use a different type of food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring or any type of gel or liquid food coloring, though red is the classic choice for a velvet cake.

9. How can I make the strawberry filling smoother?

You can blend the cooked strawberries before using them in the filling to achieve a smoother texture.

10. Can I freeze the cake layers?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to use, thaw the cakes at room temperature before assembling and frosting.

Conclusion

This Dark Velvet Strawberry Cake is a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet and the sweet freshness of strawberries. The moist cake layers, flavorful strawberry filling, and creamy cream cheese frosting come together to create a showstopper dessert. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a delicious homemade cake, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

Print