Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake 🍓🍰
Indulge in this delightful Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake, featuring moist chocolate layers, a fresh homemade strawberry filling, and a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any celebration!
Equipment
- 8-inch round baking pans (2)
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Small Bowl
- Electric Mixer
- Wire Rack
- Serving plate or cake stand
- Toothpick
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Moist Chocolate Cake Layers
- 3 large Eggs at room temperature
- ⅔ cup Vegetable oil (like avocado oil for a lighter touch)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- ½ cup Sour cream at room temperature (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier swap)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¾ cup Buttermilk at room temperature (make your own with milk + lemon juice!)
- 1 ¾ cups Granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup Dutch cocoa powder sifted
- 2 cups All-purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ¾ cup Hot strong Coffee (freshly brewed enhances flavor!)
For the Homemade Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups Fresh or frozen Strawberries washed and chopped
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Cornstarch mixed with a little water to form a slurry
For the Creamy Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 5.3 oz Full-fat Cream cheese softened
- 5 cups Powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Strawberry compote (can use some of your homemade filling, pureed)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
- Making the Perfectly Moist Chocolate Cake
- 1. Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 8-inch round baking pans by lining them with parchment paper – this ensures easy release!
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, sour cream, salt, buttermilk, and granulated sugar until beautifully combined. Sift in the cocoa powder and mix it in.
- 3. Add the flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk until just barely combined – avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender!
- 4. Carefully pour in the hot coffee and continue whisking until the batter is smooth. Don't worry if it seems a bit thin; that's just right for a moist cake.
- 5. Divide the luscious batter evenly between your two prepared baking pans. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 6. Let the cake layers cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for a stable cake that won't crumble when frosted. Once cool, carefully run a knife around the edges and invert to remove from pans.
- Crafting the Fresh Strawberry Filling
- 1. Begin by thoroughly washing your strawberries. Remove the stems, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- 2. In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture starts to bubble.
- 3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened.
- 4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a tiny bit of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the simmering strawberry mixture while stirring continuously.
- 5. Continue to simmer for another 2 minutes until the filling becomes glossy and slightly thickened. Set it aside to cool completely.
- Whipping up the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer until they are wonderfully smooth and creamy.
- 2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until each addition is fully incorporated and the frosting is smooth.
- 3. Pour in the strawberry compote (or pureed cooled filling), vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium speed until everything is well combined and you achieve a smooth, flavorful frosting.
- Assembling Your Delightful Cake
- 1. Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Use some of the frosting to create a neat border around the outer edge of this cake layer.
- 2. Carefully spoon the cooled strawberry filling into the center of the cake, spreading it out evenly within the frosting border.
- 3. Gently place the second cake layer on top.
- 4. Frost the entire cake with the remaining strawberry cream cheese frosting, spreading it smoothly over the top and sides.
- 5. For a final touch, press halved fresh strawberries onto the top or sides of the cake. Make sure they are patted dry to keep them from sliding! Slice and enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Notes
This recipe yields a truly delightful cake with moist chocolate layers, fresh strawberry filling, and creamy frosting.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 477 kcal
Total Carbs: 93g
Net Carbs: 91g
Fats: 31g
Protein: 5g
Calories: 477 kcal
Total Carbs: 93g
Net Carbs: 91g
Fats: 31g
Protein: 5g
