Dreamy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance through this decadent chocolate covered strawberry layer cake that promises pure bliss.

Layers of moist chocolate sponge embrace luscious strawberry cream, creating a dessert that feels like a celebration.

Ripe, juicy strawberries peek through rich chocolate ganache, tempting you with every slice.

Elegant yet approachable, this cake brings restaurant-quality magic right into your kitchen.

Each forkful blends intense cocoa with bright, fresh berry notes that sing on your palate.

Delicate chocolate curls and fresh strawberry garnishes make this cake a showstopper for any special occasion.

You’ll feel like a pastry chef when you slice into this stunning creation that turns ordinary moments extraordinary.

Top Tips For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

• Nail Perfect Cake Texture: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a tough, dense cake; mix just until ingredients combine for a tender, light crumb.
• Boost Strawberry Flavor: Macerate fresh strawberries with a touch of sugar before making the filling to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more vibrant, concentrated filling.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Allow ganache to cool slightly before pouring to achieve the ideal drip effect; too hot will run too quickly, while too cold will be too thick.
• Prevent Soggy Layers: Create a buttercream dam around cake layers before adding strawberry filling to prevent moisture from seeping into the cake and maintaining structural integrity.
• Enhance Chocolate Depth: Use high-quality dark cocoa powder and add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Best Way To Store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

• Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake carrier to prevent drying out.
• Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate strawberry and chocolate notes.
• When ready to serve, remove the cake from the refrigerator 30 minutes before enjoying to allow it to come to room temperature, which helps restore its soft, moist consistency and enhances the rich flavors.

Drinks And Sides For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

• Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this decadent chocolate strawberry cake with a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee. The rich, bold coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep chocolate flavors, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Sip a Sweet Wine Delight: Choose a late-harvest Moscato or a sweet red dessert wine like Port. These wines complement the cake's fruity strawberry notes and chocolate richness, providing a luxurious and indulgent pairing that elevates the dessert.
• Craft a Creamy Beverage Match: Serve with cold milk or a creamy vanilla milkshake. The cool, smooth texture balances the cake's intense chocolate flavor and provides a refreshing contrast to the rich buttercream and ganache.
• Create a Champagne Celebration: Pop open a rosé champagne or sparkling wine with hints of berry. The bubbly, light sweetness and slight acidity perfectly match the cake's fruity and chocolate elements, making it an elegant and festive dessert experience.

Mix It Up With Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

• Berry Bliss Variation: Replace strawberry filling with a mixed berry compote using raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry flavor profile.
• Almond Chocolate Dream: Incorporate almond extract into the cake batter and buttercream, then garnish with toasted almond slivers for a nutty, rich experience.
• Liqueur-Enhanced Indulgence: Add a splash of raspberry or chocolate liqueur to the strawberry filling and ganache for an adult-friendly, sophisticated cake version.
• Citrus Chocolate Charm: Infuse orange zest into the cake batter and add a hint of orange liqueur to the strawberry filling for a bright, tangy undertone.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake Common Questions

• What makes this chocolate covered strawberry layer cake special?

This cake combines rich chocolate layers with fresh strawberry filling and decadent chocolate buttercream, creating a perfect balance of fruity and chocolate flavors that’s both elegant and indulgent.

• Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers and prepare the strawberry filling and buttercream a day ahead. Just keep the components refrigerated and assemble the cake when you’re ready to serve.

• Do I need any special baking equipment for this recipe?

You’ll need two 9-inch cake pans, a mixer (stand or hand), and basic baking tools like mixing bowls and a wire cooling rack. Nothing too complicated or expensive is required.

• How do I know if my chocolate ganache is the right consistency?

The ganache should be smooth and slightly warm when you pour it. If it’s too thick, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. If it’s too thin, let it cool a bit more before drizzling over the cake.

Why Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake Is A Must-Try

• Craft an Indulgent Dessert: This chocolate covered strawberry layer cake transforms ordinary baking into a gourmet experience with rich layers of decadent chocolate and bright, fresh strawberry filling.
• Master Easy Baking Techniques: Even novice bakers can successfully create this stunning cake by following straightforward steps that require basic kitchen skills and common ingredients.
• Perfect for Special Celebrations: Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or romantic dinner, this showstopping dessert guarantees to impress guests with its elegant appearance and incredible flavor combination.
• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Treat: The harmonious blend of deep chocolate, sweet strawberries, and creamy buttercream makes this cake universally appealing to both children and adults.

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's moisture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for soft cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides richness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and slight tanginess.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and smooth cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and classic baking aroma.
• Hot Coffee or Water: Intensifies chocolate flavor and creates moist batter.

• Fresh Strawberries: Natural, vibrant fruit filling with sweet-tart profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens strawberry mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness and prevents browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens strawberry filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates smooth, creamy buttercream base.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and smooth frosting texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and adjusts frosting consistency.
• Chocolate Ganache Ingredients: Chopped Chocolate, Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, glossy chocolate topping.

Instructions For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Batter

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s create cake magic! Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F. Prepare two round cake pans with a light butter coating and parchment paper.

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Hot coffee or water

Whisk the dry ingredients together until perfectly blended. Add the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. The batter might look thin – that’s totally okay! Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 2: Create Luscious Strawberry Filling

• Fresh strawberries
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch the strawberries soften and release their juicy goodness. Mix cornstarch with a splash of water, then stir into the strawberry mixture. Let it simmer until it thickens like a luxurious sauce. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Craft Decadent Chocolate Buttercream

• Cocoa powder
• Powdered sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whip until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Need it thinner? Add a splash of cream. Too runny? Sprinkle in more powdered sugar.

Step 4: Drizzle Chocolate Ganache

Create liquid chocolate magic! Warm heavy cream until it just starts to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a moment, then stir until silky smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before its grand finale.

Step 5: Build Your Spectacular Cake

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thin chocolate buttercream layer, then generously top with strawberry filling. Carefully position the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream. Pour the ganache over the top, letting it cascade down the sides dramatically. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for the ultimate showstopper!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this chocolate covered strawberry layer cake, merging rich cocoa layers with luscious strawberry cream. Delicate chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries crown this irresistible dessert, promising pure indulgence with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water

Strawberry Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (to thicken)

Frosting and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 6 ounces (170 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Craft the chocolate cake foundation by thoroughly blending dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring no lumps remain.
2. Incorporate liquid components into the dry mixture, whisking gently until a smooth, fluid batter emerges.
3. Distribute the cake mixture evenly across prepared circular baking vessels, maintaining consistent depth.
4. Expose the batter to precise oven temperatures, allowing the cake to transform into a rich, decadent chocolate landscape.
5. After baking, release the cakes from their metal constraints and permit complete temperature equilibration on a cooling platform.
6. Construct the strawberry reduction by gently simmering fresh berries with sugar, coaxing out their natural sweetness and creating a luscious, vibrant compote.
7. Thicken the strawberry mixture with a delicate cornstarch integration, stirring until the filling achieves a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
8. Whip the chocolate buttercream into a cloud-like texture, blending cocoa, butter, and cream until impossibly smooth and light.
9. Prepare the ganache by cascading heated cream over premium chocolate, creating a glossy, rich chocolate waterfall.
10. Meticulously layer the cake, spreading strawberry compote between chocolate cake tiers like a delicate crimson landscape.
11. Enrobe the entire cake structure with velvety chocolate buttercream, creating a flawless exterior.
12. Drizzle the warm ganache across the cake’s summit, allowing it to elegantly cascade down the sides in tempting rivulets.
13. Embellish with fresh, gleaming strawberries and delicate chocolate shavings, transforming the cake into a visual masterpiece.

Notes

• Customize cake batter by replacing buttermilk with yogurt or plant-based milk for dietary alternatives.
• Add instant espresso powder to enhance chocolate’s deep, rich flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• Ensure strawberry filling reaches the right consistency by cooking slowly and stirring consistently to prevent burning.
• Prevent buttercream from becoming grainy by sifting powdered sugar before mixing and using room temperature butter.
• Cool cake layers completely before assembling to prevent buttercream from melting and sliding off the cake.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Stabilize fresh strawberry decoration by patting berries dry and brushing with a light corn syrup glaze.
• Achieve smoother ganache by using high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content and chopping it finely.
• Make advance preparation easier by baking cake layers and preparing fillings a day before final assembly.
• Control ganache drip by adjusting chocolate and cream ratios and letting it cool to the right temperature before pouring.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 469
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 236 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg