Description
A rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey cake layered with fresh strawberries and silky dark chocolate frosting, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
For the chocolate frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (for filling)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee until fully incorporated (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well.
- Add heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and evenly distribute chopped strawberries.
- Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with sliced strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Substitute hot water for coffee if preferred.
Use fresh strawberries for best texture; thaw and drain frozen strawberries thoroughly if using.
Do not overbake to maintain a moist texture.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days due to fresh fruit filling.
Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 52 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
