Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

…indulging in a slice of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is like a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate. The rich, dark chocolate cake envelops you in warmth, while the luscious sweetness of the strawberries adds a vibrant pop of freshness. This recipe is not just a cake; it’s a celebration of life’s precious moments, bursting with aromas that hint of cocoa and fresh fruit. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a masterpiece that will leave your family and friends craving more.

History / Fun Fact

The chocolate-covered strawberry itself has been a beloved treat since the 1960s, gaining fame in gourmet bakeries across the United States. As this sweet pairing captured hearts, bakers started incorporating these divine flavors into cake, merging the two culinary delights. Imagine sharing this cake during special occasions, where each bite brings joyous memories of love and celebration. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or a summer gathering, this cake has an enchanting history that resonates with sweet indulgence.

Ingredients

To create the luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake, gather the following ingredients that promise a blend of creamy, tender, and rich textures:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base for a tender crumb.
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar – Sweetness that elevates every flavor.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – For that deep, rich chocolate essence.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – A necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda – To create the perfect rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 2 large eggs – Provides moisture and structure.
• 1 cup whole milk – Creamy goodness to enrich the batter.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Ensures a moist cake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For an aromatic hug of flavor.
• 1 cup boiling water – Creates a luxurious, thin batter.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – For a creamy and smooth frosting.
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetness for the frosting that melts in your mouth.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – To enhance the chocolatey flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Birds a rich consistency in the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Deepens the flavors of the frosting.
• Fresh strawberries – Juicy, vibrant, and perfect for decoration.
• Melted chocolate – A glossy drizzle that elevates the presentation.

With each ingredient, like a painter choosing colors, you are creating an edible work of art.

Cooking Time & Tips For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

The preparation time for this delectable cake is about 30 minutes, and the baking time lasts 30 to 35 minutes. You can choose between quick and slow preparation techniques. Quick preparation involves gathering all ingredients in advance, aligning your cooking space for maximum efficiency, while slow preparation allows you to savor each moment, enjoying the aromas wafting through your kitchen.

For successful baking, remember to:

• Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
• Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification.
• Utilize baking parchment to prevent sticking.

These simple tips will guide you toward a perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them; this ensures easy removal and a beautiful finish.

2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. Then, add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, letting the aromas fill the air. Stir in the boiling water carefully—don’t worry if the batter seems thin; it’s supposed to be!

3. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

4. Prepare the frosting. Beat the softened unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream. Finish by adding that aromatic vanilla extract, and beat until the mixture is smooth and velvety.

5. Assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Carefully add the second layer, frosting the top and sides until perfectly smooth.

6. Decorate with fresh strawberries. Arrange luscious, fresh strawberries artfully on top of the cake. Drizzle melted chocolate over these beautiful berries for that final touch, creating an irresistible visual feast.

7. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Let it chill, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, promising a delightful experience when you finally slice into this masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is perfect for a myriad of occasions. Serve it at birthday parties, anniversaries, or romantic dinners. It also makes a remarkable statement for celebration gatherings and picnics. Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes For Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

1. Not measuring accurately – Baking requires precision. Use a kitchen scale for the best results.
2. Underbaking or overbaking – Keep a careful eye on the baking time; overbaked cake can turn dry!
3. Using cold ingredients – Room temperature is key for a fluffy texture; always let eggs and milk warm up.
4. Skipping the cooling stage – Allow your cake layers to cool fully to avoid a melty frosting disaster!

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

If you’re looking to lighten up this decadent treat, consider substituting:

• Whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for more fiber.
• Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
• Coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier fat option.

For variations, you can adapt this cake by adding nuts, swapping strawberries for raspberries, or even infusing flavors like orange zest into the batter to surprise your taste buds.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just refrigerate it and bring it to room temperature before serving.

2. How do I store leftover cake?
   Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days for the best freshness.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
   Absolutely! Freeze the individual layers without frosting or the fully assembled cake. Just make sure to wrap it well.

4. What kind of chocolate should I use for melting?
   Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars for melting. This ensures a luxurious flavor.

5. Can I use non-dairy milk in the recipe?
   Yes! Almond milk or coconut milk can be used as an excellent substitute for whole milk.

6. How do I prevent my frosting from being too sweet?
   Balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of salt or incorporating cocoa powder; this will round out the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt gift that fills your home with warmth and joy. Each bite is a moment of pure bliss, creating sweet memories that linger long after the last crumb is gone. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients, follow this step-by-step recipe, and whip up a cake that will undoubtedly awe your guests and bring smiles to faces. Give it a try now, and let the indulgent flavors take you on a delightful journey!

Print Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

This decadent cake combines rich dark chocolate with fresh strawberries, creating a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course: Cake, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chocolate Cake, dessert, Strawberry Cake

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 400kcal

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour The base for a tender crumb.
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar Sweetness that elevates every flavor.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder For that deep, rich chocolate essence.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder Necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda To create the perfect rise.
• 1 teaspoon salt Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 2 large eggs Provides moisture and structure.
• 1 cup whole milk Creamy goodness to enrich the batter.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil Ensures a moist cake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For an aromatic hug of flavor.
• 1 cup boiling water Creates a luxurious, thin batter.

Frosting Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened For a creamy and smooth frosting.
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar Sweetness for the frosting that melts in your mouth.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder To enhance the chocolatey flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream Brings a rich consistency in the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Deepens the flavors of the frosting.

Decoration

• Fresh strawberries Juicy, vibrant, and perfect for decoration.
• Melted chocolate A glossy drizzle that elevates the presentation.

Instructions

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
• In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until combined.
• Add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the boiling water carefully.

Baking

• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Frosting Preparation

• Beat the softened unsalted butter in a bowl until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream. Finish with vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.

Assembly

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread frosting over the top.
• Add the second layer, frosting the top and sides until smooth.
• Decorate with fresh strawberries and drizzle melted chocolate over the berries.

Chill

• Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and follow the suggested baking tips. This cake is perfect for various occasions and can be paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.