Description
A delightful dessert that combines rich chocolatey flavors with fresh strawberries, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for frosting)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
- Optional: Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the red food coloring and water until well combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the strawberry filling, combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth; add heavy cream if needed for consistency.
- Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter, spread the strawberry filling on top, and add the second layer.
- Frost the entire cake with cream cheese frosting and smooth out.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and, optionally, chocolate shavings or sprinkles. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs well with vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cake, chocolate, strawberries, dessert, celebration