Easy Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe That Wows

Dark chocolate strawberry layer cake promises a decadent journey through rich, velvety textures and vibrant fruity notes.

Passionate bakers understand the magic of combining intense cocoa depths with sweet, luscious berries.

Layered desserts tell stories of culinary creativity and sensory delight.

Each slice reveals intricate harmonies between deep, complex chocolate and bright, tangy fruit essences.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake revamps ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Texture plays a crucial role, with moist cake layers complemented by silky smooth frostings and fresh garnishes.

Preparing this dessert requires patience, skill, and a genuine love for baking.

How to Make the Layered Cake

Step 1: Prepare Serving Plate

Place the first cake layer on a clean, sturdy serving plate.

Step 2: Spread Marshmallow Cream

Generously spread a smooth layer of marshmallow cream over the cake layer.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Layer

Arrange sliced strawberries evenly across the marshmallow cream, covering the entire surface.

Step 4: Build Cake Layers

Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry layer.

Step 5: Repeat Cream and Fruit

Spread another layer of marshmallow cream over the second cake layer.

Add another layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cream.

Step 6: Final Cake Layer

Gently position the final cake layer on top of the strawberry layer.

Step 7: Chocolate Glaze Drizzle

Pour rich chocolate glaze over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.

Step 8: Garnish With Fresh Strawberries

Decorate the top of the cake with whole, ripe strawberries for a beautiful finishing touch.

Baking Tips for Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

• Choose Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe, vibrant red strawberries without bruises or soft spots for the most intense flavor and beautiful presentation.
• Chill Marshmallow Cream: Refrigerate the marshmallow cream for 15 minutes before spreading to make it easier to handle and create cleaner layer lines.
• Layer Strategically: Gently press each cake layer to ensure even distribution of marshmallow cream and strawberries without squishing the delicate ingredients.
• Control Chocolate Glaze: Pour the glaze slowly from the center, allowing it to naturally cascade down the sides for a professional, elegant finish.
• Garnish Carefully: Place whole strawberries symmetrically on top, alternating sizes for a visually appealing and balanced cake decoration.

Storing and Serving the Strawberry Layer Cake

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the marshmallow cream from absorbing other flavors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften the texture and enhance the flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cake dry and compromise the delicate marshmallow cream and chocolate glaze.

Dessert Pairings for the Layer Cake

• Pair with Silky Red Wine: Select a smooth, slightly sweet red wine like Merlot or Pinot Noir that complements the dark chocolate's rich intensity and matches the strawberry's fruity notes.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake to balance the dark chocolate's deep flavor and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense cake texture.
• Match with Champagne Cocktail: Create a light, bubbly champagne cocktail with a hint of strawberry liqueur to enhance the cake's sweet and tangy profile, adding an elegant touch to the dessert experience.
• Offer Espresso on the Side: Brew a small, strong espresso to cut through the cake's sweetness and highlight the dark chocolate's complex flavor, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing that stimulates the palate.

Ways to Switch Up the Layer Cake

• Berry Bliss Cake: Swap strawberries for a mix of raspberries and blackberries, creating a multi-berry flavor explosion that adds vibrant color and tangy sweetness to the classic chocolate cake.
• Nutty Chocolate Dream: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts between layers for a crunchy texture that complements the smooth marshmallow cream and dark chocolate glaze.
• Boozy Indulgence: Brush each cake layer with a light splash of Grand Marnier or raspberry liqueur before assembling, infusing the cake with a sophisticated adult twist that enhances the chocolate and berry notes.
• Chocolate Orange Sensation: Add orange zest to the marshmallow cream and drizzle a hint of orange extract into the chocolate glaze, creating a citrusy undertone that brightens the rich chocolate flavor.

Why Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Is a Showstopper

• Indulge in Luxurious Flavor Combinations: Dark chocolate and fresh strawberries create a decadent pairing that balances rich, intense cocoa with bright, sweet berry notes, making every bite a celebration of contrasting tastes.
• Enjoy Stunning Visual Appeal: The dramatic chocolate glaze dripping down the sides and the crown of whole strawberries transform this cake into a show-stopping dessert that looks as incredible as it tastes, perfect for special occasions or impressing guests.
• Experience Playful Texture Layers: The soft marshmallow cream provides a fluffy cushion between cake layers, while fresh strawberry slices add a juicy crunch, creating a delightful textural journey with each forkful that keeps your palate excited and engaged.
• Create Effortless Elegance: Despite looking complicated, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, allowing home bakers of various skill levels to craft a professionally designed dessert that feels like a gourmet bakery creation without extensive technical skills.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake layers.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic flavor enhancement to the cake.

• Marshmallow Cream: Creates a soft, sweet layer between cake layers.
• Fresh Strawberries: Provides fresh, fruity flavor and beautiful presentation.

• Dark Chocolate: Gives rich, intense chocolate flavor for the cake topping.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate glaze.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a shiny chocolate coating.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with this Dark Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake, a masterpiece combining rich cocoa depths and luscious strawberry notes. Delicate layers of moist chocolate cake embrace silky strawberry buttercream, creating a dessert that delivers pure indulgence in each heavenly slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) strong black coffee, hot
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Wet Ingredients and Eggs:

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons (8 grams) baking soda
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 4 ounces (113 grams) dark chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

1. Position the first chocolate cake layer centrally on an elegant serving platter, creating a stable foundation for the dessert.
2. Generously spread a smooth, even layer of velvety marshmallow cream across the entire surface of the cake layer, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Carefully arrange fresh, thinly sliced strawberries in a uniform pattern over the marshmallow cream, maximizing berry distribution.
4. Gently place the second chocolate cake layer directly on top of the strawberry-adorned marshmallow cream, applying light, even pressure.
5. Repeat the marshmallow cream application, creating a consistent and luscious layer across the second cake tier.
6. Strategically position another layer of delicately sliced strawberries over the marshmallow cream, maintaining visual appeal and flavor balance.
7. Crown the cake with the final chocolate cake layer, ensuring precise alignment and stability.
8. Slowly pour rich, glossy chocolate glaze over the cake’s summit, allowing the decadent chocolate to cascade elegantly down the sides, creating mesmerizing drips.
9. Artfully garnish the cake’s top with whole, pristine strawberries, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern to enhance visual presentation.

Notes

• Store this decadent cake in the refrigerator to keep the marshmallow cream and fresh strawberries stable and prevent spoiling.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate glaze and enhance flavor complexity.
• Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the most intense and sweet fruity flavor in your layer cake.
• Create a smooth glaze by ensuring the chocolate is melted at the perfect temperature, allowing it to flow beautifully down the cake’s sides.
• Consider making this cake a day ahead, as the flavors will meld and intensify overnight, creating an even more delicious dessert experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg