There’s something universally irresistible about the combination of rich, velvety chocolate and the sweet, tangy burst of fresh strawberries.
This Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake is a luxurious dessert that brings together these two beloved flavors in a harmonious and decadent creation.
The cake features layers of moist, chocolate sponge cake enveloped in a luscious strawberry filling, and is finished with a silky chocolate ganache.
A special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake promises to impress with its beautiful presentation and delightful taste.
Gather your ingredients and prepare to make a cake that will become a treasured recipe in your repertoire.
How To Prepare Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake?
Recipe Overview
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Needed Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- 9-Inch Round Cake Pans
- Offset Spatula
- Stand Mixer (Optional)
- Wire Rack
Recipe Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
How To Make Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake
1. Making the Chocolate Cake
1. Prep your pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Create the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Incorporate hot water: Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
6. Bake the layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Making the Strawberry Filling
8. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
9. Cook the filling: Bring the mixture to a medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
10. Cool completely: Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely before using.
3. Making the Chocolate Ganache
11. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
12. Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
13. Let it cool: Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
4. Assembling the Cake
14. Level the cakes: Trim the tops of the cakes to make them even.
15. Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling over the cake. Top with the second cake layer.
16. Frost the cake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
17. Decorate: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or other desired toppings.
Special Note
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This ensures the best consistency for your batter and frosting.
If you want to add a touch of sophistication, consider incorporating a bit of sea salt on top of the frosting or a sprinkle of edible gold dust.
Nutritional Amount Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sugar | 35g |
Perfect Making Tips For Your Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake
1. Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor and richness of your cake.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and leavening agents together to ensure an even texture and better rise.
3. Cool Cakes Completely: Let cakes cool fully before assembling and frosting to prevent melting or slipping of the ganache.
4. Chill the Ganache: Cool and chill the ganache to make it thicker and easier to spread smoothly over the cake.
5. Thicken Strawberry Filling: Cook the strawberry filling until it’s thickened properly and cool it completely before using to avoid soggy cake layers.
What Filling Goes Best With Chocolate Cake?
A rich and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with chocolate cake is a luscious chocolate ganache or a smooth vanilla buttercream. These classic choices complement the deep cocoa flavors of the cake and add a velvety texture.
For a more adventurous twist, try a salted caramel filling to introduce a sweet and salty contrast, or a raspberry jam for a touch of tartness that balances the richness of the chocolate.
What Fruit Goes Well With Chocolate Cake?
Fruits that pair beautifully with chocolate cake include raspberries, strawberries, and cherries. Their bright, tart flavors create a delightful contrast to the rich and dense chocolate.
For a touch of sophistication, consider using orange zest or slices, as the citrus adds a refreshing, aromatic note that enhances the chocolate’s depth.
How To Decorate The Top Of A Chocolate Cake With Strawberries?
To decorate the top of your chocolate cake with strawberries, start by ensuring the ganache is set and smooth.
Arrange fresh strawberries, either whole or halved, in a visually pleasing pattern on the cake’s surface. For a polished look, place them in a concentric circle or a symmetrical arrangement.
You can also add a touch of elegance by drizzling a bit of extra ganache or a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the strawberries.
For a final flourish, consider adding a few mint leaves for a pop of color and a fresh aroma. This simple yet stunning decoration enhances both the visual appeal and the flavor of your cake.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a memorable eating experience.
The rich chocolate cake layers provide a perfect backdrop for the vibrant strawberry filling, while the smooth chocolate ganache adds a finishing touch of indulgence.
Each bite is a delicious balance of sweet and slightly tart, with the deep cocoa notes of the cake complementing the fresh fruitiness of the filling.
More Delicious Chocolate Cakes
Rice Cakes Dipped in Chocolate
White Chocolate and Strawberry Cake
3 Ingredient Chocolate Zucchini Cake
Strawberry Filling Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans,
- offset spatula
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
Instructions
Making the Chocolate Cake
- Prep your pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Create the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate hot water: Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Strawberry Filling
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook the filling: Bring the mixture to a medium heat, stirring constantly. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool completely: Transfer the filling to a bowl and let it cool completely before using.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Melt the chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Let it cool: Let the ganache cool slightly before using.
Assembling the Cake
- Level the cakes: Trim the tops of the cakes to make them even.
- Layer the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling over the cake. Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the cake: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Decorate: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or other desired toppings.