Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Introduction

Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate and the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply to enjoy at home with family and friends. Its layers of moist chocolate cake paired with a fruity strawberry filling create a delicious contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe for Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is not only delicious but also fairly easy to make. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, making a homemade cake shows love and care for those you are serving. You’ll impress your guests with the beautiful layers and fresh flavors, making it a wonderful dessert for any occasion.

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Making Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is straightforward. With just a little time and patience, you can create a stunning and scrummy cake. Follow the steps below to bake this delicious treat.

Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup water
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy. Add the milk and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Now, stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.

Strawberry Filling:

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water. Cook until it thickens, about 5-10 minutes. Let it cool.

Assembling the Cake:

Once the cakes are cool, level them off if needed. Spread the strawberry filling over the first layer of cake, then place the second layer on top.

Frosting:

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in the heavy cream and vanilla, beating until smooth.
Frost the top and sides of the cake, adding extra strawberries on top if you like.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

To serve, slice the cake into pieces and present it on a nice plate. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or even more fresh strawberries on the side for an extra touch. Enjoying it with a cup of coffee or tea makes it even better!

How to Store Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If possible, place parchment paper between the slices to keep them from sticking together. The cake can last for about 3-5 days in the fridge.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling

Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start, as this helps everything blend better.
When measuring flour, spoon it into the cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
Experiment with different toppings like chocolate shavings or mint leaves for a unique touch.

Variation

You can use different fruits for the filling, such as raspberries or blueberries, depending on what you like. You can also add nuts for an extra crunch or use a different frosting flavor, like cream cheese frosting, for a different taste profile.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers the day before and assemble them when you are ready to serve.

Q2: What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use applesauce or a commercial egg replacer to replace eggs if you need a vegan option.

Q3: Can I freeze Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling?
Yes, you can freeze the unassembled cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. However, the strawberry filling is best enjoyed fresh.

Enjoy baking your delicious Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling!