Description
Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate cake with a luscious strawberry filling and creamy chocolate frosting. This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a show-stopping dessert perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the chocolate cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the strawberry filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons water
For the chocolate frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- For the filling, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down slightly, about 10–12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then add salt, vanilla, and cream. Beat until light and spreadable.
- To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides with chocolate frosting. Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix until well combined. Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin). Divide evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- You can make the strawberry filling a day ahead and refrigerate it.
- For a richer flavor, substitute coffee for the hot water in the cake batter.
- Use stabilized whipped cream instead of chocolate frosting for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
