Luscious Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

Decadent layers of rich dark chocolate mingle with luscious strawberry goodness in this irresistible dark chocolate strawberry layer cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Silky chocolate sponge meets vibrant berry notes, creating a dessert that melts hearts and tantalizes taste buds.

Each slice tells a story of careful crafting and passionate baking.

The contrast between deep cocoa and bright strawberry creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Elegant yet approachable, this cake transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

Delicate strawberry frosting and intense chocolate layers promise a dessert experience that feels both luxurious and comforting.

You’ll fall in love with every single decadent bite of this show-stopping cake.

Tools You’ll Need to Bake This Layered Cake

• 9-inch round cake pans: Essential for baking perfectly shaped cake layers.
• Mixing bowls: Sturdy bowls for combining cake ingredients and preparing cream.
• Electric mixer: Helps create smooth cake batter and whip marshmallow cream.
• Spatula: Perfect for spreading marshmallow cream and smoothing cake layers.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake layers to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing strawberries and creating clean cake layers.
• Serving plate: Provides a beautiful presentation for the finished cake.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

Baking Instructions for This Rich Dessert

• Cake Foundation

Start by placing the initial cake layer on a beautiful serving plate, creating a solid base for your delightful dessert.

• Marshmallow Magic

Spread a generous, cloud-like layer of marshmallow cream across the cake, ensuring even coverage that promises creamy sweetness.

• StrawberryScape

Artfully arrange delicate strawberry slices over the marshmallow cream, creating a vibrant and fresh landscape of red and white.

• Layer Building

Gently position the second cake layer, repeating the marshmallow cream and strawberry slice process to build height and complexity.

• Chocolate Cascade

Crown the cake with the final layer, then pour rich dark chocolate glaze over the top, allowing it to beautifully drip down the sides in elegant streams.

• Finishing Touch

Strategically place whole, luscious strawberries on the cake’s surface, transforming the dessert into a stunning centerpiece that promises indulgence.

Fancy Tips to Elevate Your Chocolate Cake

• Enhance the marshmallow cream by mixing in a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint for an unexpected aromatic twist.
• Macerate sliced strawberries in a tablespoon of sugar and a dash of balsamic vinegar for 15 minutes before layering to intensify their natural sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.
• Experiment with chocolate glaze temperatures – slightly cooler glaze creates thicker drips, while warmer glaze results in smoother, more elegant cascading lines down the cake's sides.
• Assemble the cake layers and filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator. Add the chocolate glaze and fresh strawberry decorations just before serving to maintain optimal texture and presentation.

How to Serve a Slice That Wows

• Romantic Date Night Dessert: Slice this decadent cake for an intimate evening with your partner, pairing it with a glass of red wine or champagne to elevate the romantic mood.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Centerpiece: Present the cake on a beautiful cake stand during a sophisticated tea gathering, impressing guests with its luxurious layers and stunning chocolate drizzle.
• Summer Party Showstopper: Bring this cake to a backyard barbecue or summer celebration, where its vibrant strawberries and rich chocolate will make it the star of the dessert table.
• Instagram-Worthy Presentation: Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers around the cake's base to create a photogenic dessert that will wow your social media followers.

Saving Cake Slices That Stay Moist

• Store Smartly: Keep the assembled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate glaze and bring out the rich flavors.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual cake layers separately in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks if you want to prepare components in advance.
• Slice and Separate: Place wax paper between cake slices when storing to prevent them from sticking together and preserve the delicate strawberry and marshmallow layers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 13

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Cake Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and soft texture for the cake layers.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cake.
• Butter: Delivers moisture and enhances flavor depth.

• Marshmallow Cream: Creates a pillowy, sweet layer between cake tiers.
• Fresh Strawberries: Adds vibrant fruity brightness and natural sweetness.
• Dark Chocolate: Delivers intense, velvety coating with deep flavor profile.

• Dark Chocolate: Provides rich, glossy finishing layer.
• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, pourable chocolate coating.
• Butter: Adds shine and silky texture to the glaze.

Luscious Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate cake layers cradle luscious strawberry filling in this dark chocolate strawberry layer cake. Silky ganache and fresh strawberries complete this indulgent dessert that will delight chocolate and fruit enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) strong black coffee, hot
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tbsps (30 g / 1 oz) unsalted butter
• 2 tsps (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) vanilla extract
• 2 tsps (8 g / 0.3 oz) baking soda
• 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) baking powder
• 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) salt
• 4 oz (113 g) dark chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

1. Foundation Preparation: Position the first chocolate cake layer centrally on an elegant serving platter, creating a stable base for the decadent dessert.
2. First Cream Layer: Spread a smooth, velvety marshmallow cream across the entire cake surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Initial Fruit Placement: Carefully arrange thinly sliced strawberries in a precise pattern over the marshmallow cream, maximizing flavor distribution and visual appeal.
4. Tier Assembly: Gently place the second chocolate cake layer atop the strawberry-adorned marshmallow cream, applying light and even pressure to maintain structural integrity.
5. Second Cream Application: Replicate the marshmallow cream layer, creating a consistent and luscious tier across the second cake level.
6. Secondary Fruit Arrangement: Strategically position additional delicately sliced strawberries over the marshmallow cream, maintaining flavor balance and aesthetic harmony.
7. Final Layer Positioning: Crown the cake with the ultimate chocolate cake layer, ensuring precise alignment and structural stability.
8. Chocolate Glaze Finish: Pour rich, glossy chocolate glaze over the cake’s summit, allowing the decadent chocolate to cascade elegantly down the sides, creating mesmerizing drips that enhance the cake’s visual allure.
9. Decorative Garnish: Artfully top the cake with whole, pristine strawberries, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern to elevate the dessert’s presentation and appeal.

Notes

• Slice Strawberries Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut strawberries uniformly thin, ensuring even layer distribution and preventing cake structural instability.
• Control Cream Spread: Apply marshmallow cream with an offset spatula for smooth, consistent coverage without tearing delicate cake layers.
• Temperature Matters: Allow cake layers to cool completely before assembling to prevent cream melting and maintain structural integrity.
• Glaze Technique: Pour chocolate glaze slowly from the center, tilting the cake to create elegant drips and complete side coverage without pooling.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg