Description
A luscious Strawberry Chocolate Cake combining rich cocoa layers with a homemade strawberry jam filling and creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. This delightful dessert balances chocolaty depth with fresh and fruity strawberry flavors, perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam
- Fresh or frozen strawberries, 2 cups
- Granulated sugar, ½ cup
- Water, 2 tablespoons
Cake Batter
- All-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups
- Cocoa powder, ¾ cup
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup (melted)
- Oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed), ¼ cup
- Brown sugar, 1 cup
- Large eggs, 2 (room temperature)
- Milk, ½ cup (room temperature)
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces (softened)
- Powdered sugar, 2 cups
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish), about ½ cup sliced
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Jam: In a small pot, combine the fresh or frozen strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the melted unsalted butter, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth and well mixed.
- Combine Batter: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely in pans.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, spread a generous layer of the homemade strawberry jam over one cake layer. Place the second layer on top.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and fluffy.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the assembled cake.
- Decorate: Garnish with fresh sliced strawberries on top for an appealing presentation and added fruity flavor.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs and milk helps to create a smoother batter.
- If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used for the jam; just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- Allow the cake layers to cool completely before assembling to prevent the frosting from melting.
- This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract to the frosting.
