How to Make a Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Are you tired of serving the same boring desserts at special occasions? Want to create something that will truly wow your guests? This decadent chocolate covered strawberry cake is the answer to your dessert dilemmas! With layers of rich chocolate cake, fresh strawberries, and a glossy chocolate ganache that cascades beautifully down the sides, this showstopper dessert combines two beloved flavors in the most extraordinary way. In this guide, you’ll discover how to select the perfect ingredients, master the baking techniques, and create professional-looking decorations that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Why This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Recipe Works

• Uses simple pantry staples combined with fresh strawberries for maximum flavor impact
• Achieves the perfect balance of rich chocolate and bright, fruity notes
• Versatile enough for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion
• Looks incredibly impressive despite being achievable for home bakers
• Can be prepared in stages to fit your schedule

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Best Chocolate for This Recipe

The foundation of this chocolate covered strawberry cake is, of course, the chocolate. For the cake layers, high-quality cocoa powder creates a deep, rich flavor base. When selecting cocoa powder, look for “Dutch-processed” varieties for a smoother, less bitter taste.

For the ganache covering, choose semi-sweet or dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content. This provides the perfect balance of sweetness and depth without overpowering the fresh strawberry elements.

Strawberry Selection Tips

The star companion to your chocolate covered strawberry cake deserves careful selection. Look for bright red strawberries with a sweet aroma. Medium to large berries work best for decorating the top, while smaller ones can be sliced for the filling. Avoid berries with white shoulders or dull appearances, as these lack flavor.

Fresh is always best, but if strawberries aren’t in season, high-quality freeze-dried strawberries make an excellent alternative for the filling.

Flour and Other Dry Ingredients

For the perfect texture in your chocolate covered strawberry cake, cake flour produces the most tender crumb. If unavailable, all-purpose flour with a tablespoon of cornstarch per cup creates a suitable substitute.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Cake Base Essentials

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup high-quality cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or water

Strawberry Filling Components

• 4 cups fresh strawberries (divided: 3 cups for filling, 1 cup for decoration)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Ganache Coating

• 12 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Pre-Cooking Prep for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) in a large bowl.
3. Wash and hull strawberries. Set aside 1 cup of the most attractive berries for decoration. Slice the remaining 3 cups for the filling.

Baking Method for Perfect Chocolate Cake Layers

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
3. Slowly add the hot coffee or water, mixing on low speed until incorporated. (The batter will be quite thin, which is normal.)
4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Creating the Strawberry Filling for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 3 cups of sliced strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and becomes jammy (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow to cool completely.

Assembly and Ganache Application for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

1. Once cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on your serving plate.
2. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the first layer, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge.
3. Place the second cake layer on top, pressing down gently.
4. For the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
5. Let stand for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Add butter and vanilla, stirring until glossy.
6. Allow ganache to cool until slightly thickened but still pourable (about 10 minutes).
7. Pour ganache over the cake, starting in the center and working outward, allowing it to drip attractively down the sides.
8. Arrange the reserved fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Looking for more decadent dessert inspiration? Browse our collection of stunning cake recipes at Recipes Foody to find your next baking project!

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Avoiding Common Chocolate Cake Mistakes

• Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a tough cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter to ensure proper emulsification.
• The hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. If you prefer, hot water works too, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.

Tool Recommendations for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake Success

• A cake turntable makes frosting and decorating much easier
• Offset spatula for spreading the filling evenly
• Digital kitchen thermometer to ensure perfect ganache temperature
• Serrated knife for leveling cake layers if needed

Storage & Make-Ahead Options for Your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

• The cake layers can be baked up to 2 days in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored at room temperature.
• The strawberry filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
• The fully assembled cake is best enjoyed within 2 days and should be refrigerated due to the fresh strawberry components.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

White Chocolate Twist

Substitute white chocolate for the semi-sweet in the ganache for a striking color contrast. The sweeter profile pairs beautifully with the tart strawberries and can be colored pink for special occasions.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Effect

Create a dramatic presentation by placing whole chocolate-dipped strawberries around the top edge of the cake. To achieve this, dip strawberries in tempered chocolate and allow to set before placing on the finished cake.

Liqueur Enhancement

Add a sophisticated flavor profile by incorporating 2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur to the filling and/or 1 tablespoon of chocolate liqueur to the ganache.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

This chocolate covered strawberry cake stands beautifully on its own, but you can elevate the experience with thoughtful accompaniments. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream to balance the richness.

For an elegant presentation, dust plates with a little cocoa powder before placing cake slices. Fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish that adds a refreshing aromatic element.

Check out more cake decorating ideas on our Pinterest board for endless inspiration to make your chocolate covered strawberry cake truly spectacular!

FAQs About Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Yes! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly and mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

How do I prevent my ganache from breaking or becoming grainy?

The key is temperature control. Don’t allow your cream to boil, and use good quality chocolate. If your ganache does break, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of warm cream to bring it back together.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling?

Yes, though the texture will be softer. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before cooking. You may need to increase the cornstarch slightly to account for the extra moisture.

How do I get such smooth drips down the sides of the cake?

The consistency of the ganache is crucial—it should be pourable but not runny. Test a small drip on the back of the cake first. If it runs too quickly, let the ganache cool longer. If it’s too thick, warm it slightly.

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the cake flour. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Conclusion

Creating this decadent chocolate covered strawberry cake is more than just baking—it’s crafting a memorable centerpiece for your special occasions. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet, tangy strawberries creates a flavor profile that’s universally beloved yet still feels special and indulgent.

Don’t be intimidated by the multiple components—each step builds toward a spectacular result that’s well worth the effort. The best part? This cake impresses on both taste and appearance, making it perfect for celebrations where you want to show off your baking skills.

Go ahead and give this chocolate covered strawberry cake a try for your next celebration—we guarantee it will become a requested favorite! Share your creation with us on social media and join thousands of bakers who have made this recipe their signature dessert.