Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes

Indulge in the decadent layers of rich chocolate cake and fresh strawberries, all topped with a fluffy whipped cream frosting.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:42:19.365Z

This Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. The moist chocolate layers are complemented by the sweetness of fresh strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any celebration!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Moist texture that makes every bite delightful
Visually stunning and perfect for special occasions

      

The Perfect Combination of Flavors

Chocolate and strawberries are a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, deep flavor of the chocolate cake contrasts beautifully with the bright, fresh taste of the strawberries. Each bite offers a delightful balance that tantalizes your taste buds, making this cake a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether it's a birthday party, anniversary, or just a special treat, this Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is sure to impress.

Using fresh strawberries not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds a vibrant splash of color to your dessert. This visual appeal makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for your table. Plus, the natural sweetness of the strawberries complements the richness of the chocolate, creating a harmonious dessert experience. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!

A Moist and Tender Cake

One of the secrets to this cake's success lies in its moist texture. The combination of whole milk and vegetable oil keeps the cake tender and prevents it from drying out, ensuring that every slice is a delightful experience. The addition of boiling water to the batter also contributes to the cake’s moisture, making it incredibly soft and fluffy.

Moreover, each layer of chocolate cake is baked to perfection, creating a tender crumb that pairs wonderfully with the light and airy whipped cream frosting. This cake is not just about flavor; it’s about texture, and the interplay between the layers creates a luxurious mouthfeel that you and your guests will adore.

Easy to Make and Assemble

Despite its impressive appearance, this Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is surprisingly easy to make. The process is straightforward, from mixing the batter to whipping the cream. Each step is simple enough for beginner bakers while still providing a rewarding challenge for more experienced ones. The use of fresh ingredients makes a significant difference in flavor, and with just a bit of time and effort, you can create a dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.

Assembly is a breeze, and you can customize it to fit your personal style. Whether you choose to pipe the frosting or spread it on with a spatula, the end result will be stunning. Feel free to get creative with strawberry decorations or even add chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

2 cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake.

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water until combined. Pour the batter into prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release their juices.

Make the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting over the cake, followed by a layer of the strawberry filling. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream. Decorate with additional strawberries if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake!

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it, as the strawberries may start to lose their freshness after that time. If you have leftovers, make sure to cover the exposed cake layers to prevent them from drying out.

You can also freeze the cake if you want to enjoy it later. Slice the cake into individual servings, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Layer Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. These accompaniments add an extra layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will appreciate. A sprinkle of crushed nuts can also add a nice crunch that complements the soft cake and cream.

For a more festive presentation, consider serving the cake alongside fresh whipped cream or a fruit compote. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides guests with options to customize their slices. Whatever you choose, this cake is sure to be the star of any dessert table.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, but fresh strawberries will give the best flavor and texture.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance and assemble just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping as alternatives.