Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Chocolate Layers: The cake features soft and fudgy chocolate layers that provide a rich and satisfying base.
• Homemade Strawberry Jam: A sweet and tangy strawberry jam filling adds a fruity contrast to the chocolate, enhancing each bite.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: The frosting offers a creamy texture with a burst of strawberry flavor, perfectly complementing the cake layers.
• Simple Decoration: Decorating with fresh strawberries requires no special skills, giving the cake a rustic and inviting appearance.

Ingredients

Strawberry Jam

• 500 g strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Chocolate Cake

• 190 g all-purpose flour
• 75 g natural cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 115 g unsalted butter, melted
• 100 g light-tasting oil
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 330 g milk, room temperature

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 250 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 115 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 100 g powdered sugar
• 70 g strawberry jam (from above)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling and Toppings

• 200 g strawberries, finely diced
• 7 strawberries, halved for decoration

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

Directions

Strawberry Jam

1. In a small pot, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
2. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jammy consistency.
3. Transfer the jam to a bowl and let it cool completely in the fridge until ready to use.

Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Alternate adding half of the flour mixture and then half of the milk, mixing until just combined after each addition.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans (about 540g of batter in each pan). Smooth the surface with a spatula.
7. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with some crumbs attached.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run an offset spatula around the edges to release them, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.
3. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined.
4. Add strawberry jam and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
5. Transfer a small portion of the frosting to a piping bag and cut the tip off.

Assembly

1. Use a serrated knife to level the cake layers and cut them in half horizontally to create four layers.
2. Place the first layer on a cake turntable. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge.
3. Spread about 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam inside the frosting ring.
4. Scatter diced strawberries on top of the jam.
5. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with frosting, jam, and diced strawberries.
6. Continue layering until all cake layers are used.
7. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
8. Decorate the top with halved strawberries.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields 8 servings.
• Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Cooking Time: About 1 hour.
• Cooling Time: Allow at least 1 hour for the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
• Total Time: Around 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Variations

• Cake Size: You can bake this cake in a larger pan, such as a 9-inch round, for fewer layers, but you may need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Frosting: If you want a less creamy texture, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese in the frosting.
• Jam Filling: Feel free to use store-bought strawberry jam if you're short on time or prefer a quicker option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To enjoy it warm, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached, the cake is done.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Yes, frozen strawberries will work perfectly for making strawberry jam.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of days before assembling.

How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease and line the pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different fruit for the jam?

Yes, you can substitute other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if you prefer.

How thick should the strawberry jam be?

It should have a spreadable, thick consistency, but not be too sticky or runny.

Can I use a different frosting?

You can use buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese frosting if you prefer a sweeter taste.

What can I do if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, add powdered sugar a little at a time until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.

Is there a substitute for the oil in the cake recipe?

You can substitute the oil with an equal amount of melted butter for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, from birthdays to holiday gatherings. The combination of chocolate and strawberry is always a crowd-pleaser, and with the homemade strawberry jam and creamy frosting, it's sure to impress. Enjoy a slice of this delicious cake that balances sweetness and richness in every bite!