I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite desserts with you: Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake! This delightful treat is my go-to for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy Sunday afternoon at home. There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate, juicy strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream that makes everyone’s eyes light up with delight.
I have such sweet memories of making this cake with my best friend, Sarah, in her tiny kitchen, where we’d spill flour everywhere and get into more giggles than actual cake-making. We usually ended up tasting more batter than we should have, but we didn’t care. That first bite of the finished cake always made the mess worthwhile! This cake is not just another dessert; it’s a delicious experience full of love, laughter, and, of course, chocolate!
What’s in Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
Chocolate Cake: This might just be the star of the show! A rich and moist chocolate cake is the base of our dessert. I prefer using unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor and a good-quality cake flour for a tender crumb.
Fresh Strawberries: You can’t have strawberry shortcake without strawberries! Look for ripe, juicy berries; the sweetness and natural flavor will shine through.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping that brings everything together. I like to use heavy whipping cream—it beats up beautifully and can hold its shape.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener adds the perfect hint of sweetness to the whipped cream without making it too cloying.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the flavor of both the cake and the whipped cream, making everything taste a little more special!
Is Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake Good for You?
Well, let’s be real—while this cake is a delicious indulgence, it’s not exactly health food! However, it does contain some perks:
Strawberries: These luscious fruits are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They’re pretty good for your skin, too!
Dark Chocolate (if used): Rich in flavonoids, dark chocolate can have health benefits, including improved heart health, when consumed in moderation.
Of course, keep in mind that this cake is definitely a treat and not a daily staple! Enjoy it in moderation, and you’ll be just fine!
Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake
This recipe serves about 8 people. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but don’t worry; that’s how it should be!
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on wire racks.
6. While the cakes are cooling, whip the heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the teaspoon of vanilla extract, whipping until stiff peaks form.
7. To assemble, place one layer of the chocolate cake on a large plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of whipped cream on top and layer with sliced strawberries.
8. Place the second layer of chocolate cake on top and repeat the process with whipped cream and strawberries.
9. Top the entire cake with any remaining whipped cream and add more strawberries for decoration.
10. Slice, serve, and watch your loved ones dig in!
Sweet Suggestions for Your Cake
– For an extra decadent twist, consider adding chocolate ganache drizzle over the whipped cream and strawberries.
– If you want to get a bit fancy, add a touch of almond extract to the whipped cream.
– Serve each slice alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
I truly hope you give this Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cake a try. It’s perfect for any occasion (or none at all!), and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. So grab your apron, turn up the music, and let’s make some delicious memories together!