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Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

4.9 from 136 reviews

This rich and moist Chocolate Strawberry Cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa and chocolate ganache with the fresh, sweet burst of strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a decadent dessert, this layered cake features a tender crumb, creamy ganache filling, and garnished with fresh mint sprigs for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup sugar (200 g)
  • ⅓ cup oil (vegetable or sunflower oil, 80 ml)
  • ½ cup yogurt (125 g)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1⅕ cups all-purpose flour (150 g)
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 pinch salt

For the Ganache and Decoration:

  • ⅔ cup heavy cream (160 ml)
  • 5.5 oz chocolate chips (160 g; dark, milk, or a mixture)
  • 1½ cups strawberries (220 g)
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Lightly oil two 6-inch (15-cm) round springform cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer or hand whisk until the mixture becomes creamy and pale.
  4. Add Liquids: Incorporate oil, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, mixing thoroughly until combined.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for even distribution.
  6. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two to three batches, stirring gently with a hand whisk just until combined to avoid over-mixing.
  7. Divide Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool Cakes: Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool inside for about 10 minutes before carefully removing them and placing on a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat heavy cream just until it boils, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and let cool to room temperature.
  10. Assemble Cake – Step 1: Spread a quarter of the ganache evenly over the first cake layer. Allow it to set for about 10 minutes.
  11. Add Strawberries: Thinly slice half a cup of strawberries lengthwise and arrange them neatly over the ganache layer on the first cake.
  12. Place Second Cake Layer: Carefully position the second cake layer on top of the strawberries and gently press to help the layers adhere.
  13. Finish Ganache Layer: Pour the remaining ganache over the assembled cake, spreading it evenly. Let it set for about 10 minutes.
  14. Decorate: Place the remaining strawberries on top of the ganache. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a better batter consistency.
  • Do not over-mix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
  • You can use a mixture of dark and milk chocolate chips for a balanced flavor in the ganache.
  • If heavy cream is unavailable, full-fat milk can be used, but the ganache may be less rich.
  • Letting the ganache set between layers helps to prevent sliding and keeps the cake stable.

Keywords: Chocolate cake, Strawberry cake, Chocolate ganache, Layered cake, Dessert, Baked cake