Get ready to bake a truly show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake features a moist, rich chocolate cake, topped with a vibrant strawberry glaze, and crowned with a luscious buttercream frosting, fresh strawberries, and crunchy chocolate cookies. It’s a decadent, incredibly flavorful, and visually stunning cake that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want to create a truly unforgettable sweet experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake is an absolute culinary dream! What I love most is how it combines the timeless pairing of chocolate and strawberries in a multi-textured, incredibly satisfying way. The chocolate cake is wonderfully moist and rich, even with the addition of boiling water which enhances its chocolate flavor. The strawberry glaze adds a beautiful sheen and a burst of fruity tang, while the creamy buttercream provides classic indulgence. Topped with fresh berries and crunchy cookies, every slice is a symphony of flavors and textures. It feels incredibly gourmet and impressive, yet it’s surprisingly approachable to bake, making it a go-to for special moments!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2-3 tbsp strawberry puree (from fresh or thawed strawberries)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or whole
- Chocolate cookies (like Oreos or chocolate wafers)
- Crumbled chocolate cookies for garnish
Swaps and Notes
- Cocoa Powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or natural, both work here due to both baking soda and baking powder).
- Milk: Whole milk or 2% milk is fine. Buttermilk can also be used for an even more tender crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil works best.
- Boiling Water: This helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor, and contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- Strawberry Puree (Glaze): Use fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, blended until smooth. Strain for a super smooth glaze if desired. Adjust the amount to reach desired consistency.
- Unsalted Butter (Frosting): Ensure butter is well-softened (room temperature) for a smooth, creamy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar (Frosting): Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness and frosting consistency.
- Heavy Cream (Frosting): Adds richness and fluffiness. Add gradually.
- Vanilla Extract (Frosting): Pure vanilla extract is recommended.
- Toppings: Fresh strawberries are beautiful. Chocolate cookies add crunch and extra chocolate. Other toppings like chocolate curls, sprinkles, or even chopped nuts would be delicious.
Instructions
Let’s bake and decorate this decadent Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake!
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a round cake pan (an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan works well for a single layer cake, or two 8-inch pans for a double layer). For extra ease, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Trust me, this will make removing the cake a breeze!
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until all dry ingredients are well combined and no lumps remain. This fragrant mixture will set the stage for a delightful cake!
- Combine Wet Ingredients (and Add to Dry): In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, large egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients in the medium bowl. Mix with a whisk or spatula until just smooth.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the 1/2 cup of boiling water into the batter. The batter will be thin and runny – this is normal! Stir just until combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the thin batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (no wet batter attached). Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing. Patience is key here—you want that icing to be on a beautifully cool cake!
- Prepare Strawberry Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of strawberry puree. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Adjust the amount of strawberry puree to achieve your desired consistency (thicker or thinner).
- Glaze the Cooled Cake: Once your cake is completely cool, carefully invert it onto a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper or foil (to catch drips). Pour the prepared strawberry glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes.
- Whip Frosting: While the glaze is setting, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until it’s creamy and pale. Gradually add the 3-4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated, then increasing to medium. Add the 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Decorate: Once the glaze has set on the cake, carefully transfer the cake to your serving plate. Pipe or spread the prepared buttercream frosting on the top of the cake (and sides, if desired, or leave them glazed). Arrange fresh strawberries and whole chocolate cookies on top. Finally, sprinkle some crumbled chocolate cookies for extra crunch and a beautiful finish. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing cake batter (especially after adding flour) can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until combined.
- Boiling Water: This step is crucial for blooming the cocoa and creating a moist crumb. The thin batter is correct!
- Cool Cake Completely: This is vital before adding glaze and frosting. A warm cake will melt them.
- Adjust Glaze & Frosting Consistency: Add strawberry puree to the glaze and milk/cream to the frosting gradually until you reach your desired pourable/spreadable consistency.
- Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
- Room Temperature Butter/Cream Cheese (for Frosting): Ensures a smooth, lump-free buttercream.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake is a magnificent dessert on its own, perfect for celebrations:
- Coffee or Tea: A rich coffee or a light tea makes a lovely accompaniment.
- After-Dinner Indulgence: Perfect as the grand finale to a special meal.
- Birthday Cake: Ideal for birthdays or anniversaries due to its impressive appearance.
- For other delightful chocolatey treats, you might also enjoy our Chocolate Cookie Delight for a layered no-bake option.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This cake stores well, making it great for enjoying over a few days!
- Refrigeration (Frosted): Store the frosted and decorated cake in an airtight cake carrier or covered loosely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The strawberries will be freshest in the first 1-2 days.
- Freezing (Unfrosted Cake): The baked chocolate cake layers (without glaze or frosting) freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before glazing and frosting.
- Freezing (Frosted Cake): You can freeze frosted cake for up to 1 month. Freeze solid uncovered, then wrap tightly. Thaw in fridge. Note that the texture of the frosting and fresh berries may change slightly.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the decadent, sweet, and delightful nature of this Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic dessert and treat recipes:
- For another utterly decadent sweet obsession, check out These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a fan of rich, classic baked goods, our The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot are a must-try!
- And for a fresh, fruity, no-bake layered delight, don’t miss our Strawberry Banana Crumble Delight!
- Finally, for a quick and easy no-bake summer treat, our This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert is always a winner!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake recipe is a brilliant creation that brings together the best of rich chocolate, vibrant strawberries, and luscious frosting into one unforgettable dessert. It’s perfect for celebrating life’s special moments or simply indulging in a slice of pure joy.
Give this recipe a try and let the sweet, decadent flavors fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite cake flavor combination? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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