Introduction
This luscious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the freshness of strawberries, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any special occasion. The moist chocolate cake, adorned with ripe strawberries, makes for a stunning centerpiece and a delightful treat for chocolate and fruit lovers alike.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup chocolate chips
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness with bursts of fresh strawberry flavor!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
With the dry ingredients mixed, add in 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined.
4. Stir in Boiling Water
Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. Be mindful that the batter will be thin at this stage, which is expected and necessary for a moist cake.
5. Add Strawberries and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries and 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
6. Bake
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.
7. Cool the Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Frost and Decorate
After the cakes have cooled, frost them with your choice of chocolate or strawberry frosting. For an added touch, decorate with extra fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
9. Slice and Enjoy
Cut the cake into slices and enjoy the rich chocolate flavors complemented by the fresh strawberry bursts!
Notes
Prep Time
The preparation time for this cake is approximately 20 minutes.
Total Time
The total time from start to finish is about 1 hour.
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Additionally, you may use dairy-free milk for a dairy-free cake.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. Refrigeration is recommended if you have frosting with dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for additional indulgence.
Cook Techniques
Measuring Ingredients Accurately
Use dry measuring cups for flour and cocoa powder, and liquid measuring cups for milk and oil to ensure accurate measurements.
Mixing the Batter
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
Incorporating Boiling Water
Adding boiling water to the batter helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor while creating a thinner batter for a moist cake.
Folding in Ingredients
Gently fold in strawberries and chocolate chips to prevent them from breaking and ensure an even distribution throughout the cake.
Baking Evenly
Position the cake pans in the center of the oven and avoid opening the oven door frequently to maintain a consistent baking temperature.
Cooling the Cakes
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent sticking while allowing even cooling.
Frosting Techniques
Use a spatula or a piping bag to apply frosting evenly, creating smooth layers and decorative finishes for a polished look.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw them and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can affect the cake’s texture.
What type of chocolate is best for frosting?
Semi-sweet chocolate works well for frosting, but you can also use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
How can I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance, let them cool completely, and wrap them tightly before storing in the refrigerator.
What can I replace the vegetable oil with?
You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, capturing the essence of indulgence in every bite. Its moist layers, complemented by frosting and fresh fruit, make it an unforgettable treat for gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a special dessert to enjoy at home. This cake not only satisfies sweet cravings but also adds a touch of elegance to any occasion.
Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes
Transform the cake into delightful cupcakes by using the same batter and baking them in muffin tins. Top with chocolate or strawberry frosting for individual treats.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Parfait
Layer slices of your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake with whipped cream and more fresh strawberries in a glass for a beautiful parfait dessert.
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake
Create a twist on traditional shortcake by using the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake as the base, layering with whipped cream and strawberries for a rich dessert option.
Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake
Blend pieces of the cake with vanilla ice cream and milk for a decadent milkshake topped with whipped cream and garnished with chocolate drizzle.
Chocolate Strawberry Trifle
Cube the cake and layer it in a trifle dish with pudding, strawberries, and whipped cream for a stunning layered dessert.
Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
Incorporate chunks of the cake into a smoothie bowl made with bananas, strawberries, and a splash of milk. Top with granola and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast or snack.
