Indulge in the delectable fusion of chocolate and strawberries with this Chocolate Strawberry Cake. This beloved dessert, adored globally, features a luxuriously soft and fluffy chocolate base, enriched with the finest cocoa. The addition of succulent strawberries and velvety whipped cream not only infuses moisture but also elevates the chocolate's rich taste.
Ideal for birthdays, appealing to both children and adults, or as a standout dessert for any celebration, this cake promises to delight your senses.
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Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup All purpose flour
- ½ cup Cocoa powder, unsweetened
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- ½ tsp Baking powder
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla essence
- ½ cup Coffee, brewed
- ¼ cup Oil
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar, granulated
- ¾ cup Yogurt, curd
- Salt, a pinch, optional
For Filling
- 1 cup Whipping cream, heavy
- ¼ cup Sugar, powdered
- ¼ cup Strawberry, chopped
For Chocolate Glaze
- 3 oz Chocolate bar, chopped
- ¼ cup Butter, room temperature
Instructions
Preparing Chocolate Mixture
- Start by whisking together one egg, curd, oil, vanilla essence, and brewed coffee in a bowl. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined for a consistent flavor.
- Gradually add in sieved all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar to the wet mixture. Gently fold them together to avoid forming any lumps, aiming for a smooth, velvety batter.
Baking the Chocolate Mixture
- Pour the prepared batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it's perfectly baked.
- Carefully remove the cake from the oven. It's crucial to let it cool down completely in the pan. This cooling process helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Preparing Whipping Cream
- In a large bowl, pour in the whipping cream. Add powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla essence for a hint of sweetness and flavor.
- Use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture. Continue until it forms stiff peaks, which indicates it's ready. Set this whipped cream aside, keeping it chilled.
Preparing Chocolate Glaze
- Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler setup to ensure even and smooth melting. As it melts, stir in butter, which adds a rich, glossy finish to the glaze.
- Continuously whisk the chocolate mixture until it achieves a creamy consistency. Allow it to cool down to room temperature for optimal spreading. If the glaze appears too thick, gently incorporate few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to reach the desired consistency, ensuring it's smooth and pourable.
Making Chocolate Strawberry Cake
- Carefully invert the cooled cake onto a flat surface and slice it horizontally into two equal layers. This step requires a steady hand and a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Take the bottom layer and generously spread the prepared whipping cream over it. Scatter chopped strawberries evenly over the cream, creating a juicy, fruity layer.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries, aligning it well with the base.
- For the grand finale, pour the creamy chocolate glaze over the cake, ensuring it covers the top and drips down the sides for a decadent finish. Allow the cake to rest, letting the chocolate set slightly for a stunning presentation and easier slicing. Your Chocolate Stawberry cake is now ready to be enjoyed.
Serving
- Serve this delicious Chocolate Strawberry Cake as a standalone treat or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For more creative serving ideas and pairings, refer to our Serving Suggestions section.
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Select Premium Cocoa and Strawberries: Opt for the highest quality cocoa powder you can find; its depth of flavor is the heart of your cake. Pair it with the freshest strawberries for a vibrant, natural sweetness. The interplay between the luxurious cocoa and the bright, fresh berries is what sets your cake apart.
- Room Temperature for Smooth Batter: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature to blend seamlessly into your batter. This small step makes a significant difference, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes evenly, resulting in a perfectly textured cake.
- Folding Technique for Lightness: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ones. This technique traps air in the batter, translating to a lighter, fluffier cake. Imagine you're giving the batter room to breathe, ensuring it rises beautifully in the oven.
- Avoid Overmixing to Retain Texture: Mix the batter just enough to combine ingredients, as overmixing can develop the gluten excessively, leading to a dense, heavy cake. Think of it as blending flavors while respecting their individuality.
- Timely Baking for Optimal Rise: As soon as the batter is ready, get it into the oven. This preserves the action of the leavening agents, ensuring your cake rises to its full, glorious potential.
- Cooling for Perfect Frosting: Patience is key – let the cake cool completely before frosting. This waiting period prevents the frosting from melting upon contact, ensuring a smooth, professional finish.
- Uniform Strawberry Slices for Consistency: Slice strawberries evenly to ensure each bite has an equal share of their juicy sweetness. This consistency in size not only looks appealing but also distributes the flavor uniformly.
- Chilled Whipped Cream for Stability: Keep your whipped cream chilled until the moment of use. This ensures it holds its shape and texture as you spread or pipe it, adding a luxurious creaminess to each layer.
- Balanced Layering for Harmonious Flavor: When assembling the cake, aim for uniform layers. This careful distribution results in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – creamy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and rich chocolate cake in every bite.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
Discover creative and delightful ways to serve your Chocolate Strawberry Cake in our serving suggestions, perfect for elevating this classic dessert.
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The richness of the chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with the creamy simplicity of vanilla ice cream, balancing the flavors.
- Fresh Berry Medley: Accompany the cake with a side of mixed fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Dusted Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a subtle sweetness and a touch of elegance.
- Coffee or Espresso: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or a shot of espresso. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Whipped Cream Dollop: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for those who prefer a less sweet, creamy addition.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with chocolate shavings for an extra chocolatey experience and a sophisticated look.
- Mint Leaves: A few mint leaves can add a fresh aroma and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for a gooey, sweet addition.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Storage Suggestions
For optimal storage of your Chocolate Strawberry Cake, follow these guidelines:
- Room Temperature Storage (Short-Term): If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Keep it in a cake dome or an airtight container to maintain freshness. Ensure it's placed in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Refrigeration (Up to a Week): For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Place it in an airtight container or cover it well with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge and to maintain its moisture.
- Slicing Before Storing: If you anticipate only eating a portion at a time, consider slicing the cake before storing. This way, you can take out individual slices as needed, which helps in maintaining the structure and freshness of the remaining cake.
- Separate Layers for Freezing: For freezing, it's advisable to separate the cake layers from the cream and strawberries. Wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store the whipped cream and strawberries in separate airtight containers. The cake can be frozen for up to three months.
- Thawing: When ready to serve again, thaw the cake layers in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble with fresh whipped cream and strawberries for the best taste and presentation.
- Avoid Freezing with Frosting: It's not recommended to freeze the cake once it's been assembled with the frosting and strawberries, as the texture of the whipped cream and strawberries may change.
Remember, the fresher the cake, the better the taste, so while these storage methods will help maintain its quality, it's always best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Liz
This looks really good but what is curd?
Sangeetha Vel
Hi Liz,
Glad you liked it. Thanks for your feedback. Curd is nothing but Plain whole milk Yogurt. Hope this helps.