why make this recipe
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is a delightful treat that combines two beloved flavors: rich chocolate and fresh strawberries. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and a testament to the joys of baking. With its moist chocolate base and sweet strawberry topping, every bite is a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Whether you are looking to impress guests at a party or simply treat yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Furthermore, chocolate and strawberries are often associated with special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day, making this cake an excellent choice for any celebration.
Baking this cake also gives you a chance to create something special from scratch, filling your kitchen with the delightful aroma of freshly baked goods. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to showcase the beautiful colors of strawberries, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table. Each slice not only looks stunning but also packs a flavor punch that makes it unforgettable.
how to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Creating your own Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is easier than you might think. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time. Below are the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step directions to make this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together so they are evenly mixed.
Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add the softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk into the bowl. Mix everything together until you have a smooth batter.
Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. This will give the cake a lovely fruity flavor and add moisture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: While your cake is cooling, you can make the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Decorate the Cake: Once your cake is completely cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top for a rich and creamy finish. If you like, you can also decorate with additional fresh strawberries to make it look even more appealing.
Serve and Enjoy: Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is now ready to be served! Cut it into slices and enjoy the delicious blend of chocolate and strawberries with family and friends.
how to serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Serving your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake can be just as fun as making it. Here are a few suggestions:
Slice and Plate: Cut the cake into even slices and place them on individual plates. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence.
Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, serve the cake on a cake stand, garnished with whole strawberries around it. This adds a pop of color and enhances the visual appeal of your dessert.
Accompaniment: Consider pairing the cake with a hot beverage like coffee or tea. The warm drinks complement the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries nicely.
Special Occasions: If this cake is for a special occasion, consider adding candles on top for birthdays or a festive decoration for holidays. Make sure to take pictures to capture the moment!
how to store Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Proper storage is essential to keep your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake fresh. Here’s how to store it effectively:
Airtight Container: If you have leftover cake, place it in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture and softness.
Refrigeration: Because the cake contains fresh strawberries and chocolate ganache, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. This will prevent spoilage and keep the flavors intact.
Freezing: If you want to store the cake for an extended period, you can freeze it. Make sure it cools completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
tips to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
Here are some valuable tips to ensure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake turns out perfect every time:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, consider using frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary greatly in temperature. To ensure the cake bakes evenly, consider using an oven thermometer to verify it’s accurate.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your batter, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake texture.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the ganache. This ensures that the ganache will set properly and won’t melt into the cake.
Experiment with Flavors: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the batter for a deeper flavor profile.
variation
There are many delightful variations you can try with your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake:
Chocolate Variations: Experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache. Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a mix of chocolates for a nuanced flavor.
Different Fruits: Swap fresh strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. They offer unique flavors and pair well with chocolate.
Layered Cake: For a more extravagant treat, consider making this cake as a layered cake. Bake two or more layers of chocolate cake and stack them with whipped cream and strawberries in between for added height and flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there is batter on the toothpick, it needs more time.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used in this recipe. Make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to keep the cake from becoming too moist.
What can I do with leftovers?
If you have leftover cake, it makes a great snack! Serve it with morning coffee, or crumble it for a parfait with yogurt and more fresh fruit.
Is this cake suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The flavors of chocolate and strawberries are usually a hit with children. Just be mindful of any allergy issues related to strawberries or dairy.
Embrace the joy of baking with this delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake. It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful chocolate cake topped with fresh strawberries and rich chocolate ganache, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk; mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- While cooling, make the ganache by heating heavy cream and stirring in chocolate chips until smooth.
- Once the cake is cooled, drizzle the ganache over the top and decorate with fresh strawberries.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, strawberry cake, dessert, celebration, baking