Chocolate strawberry cake is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion with its rich, decadent chocolate layers and sweet, juicy strawberry filling. The combination of smooth chocolate cake and fresh strawberry flavor creates a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

Topped with velvety chocolate ganache and garnished with sliced strawberries, this cake is a true showstopper. Whether you’re hosting a special event or just treating yourself, this cake will bring joy to every bite.

I first made this cake for a birthday celebration, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. The chocolate and strawberry combination is classic, but the depth of flavor really shines in this cake.

The layers are incredibly moist, and the chocolate ganache topping is the perfect finishing touch. Plus, the fresh strawberries bring a burst of sweetness that makes this cake feel light and refreshing, even with its rich flavors.

Pair this delicious cake with a few rum truffles for an extra indulgence or a cozy mug of hot chocolate to enhance the rich, chocolatey experience. These pairings elevate the dessert and make it the ultimate treat for any special occasion.

Try this chocolate strawberry cake, and I’d love to hear how it turns out. Let me know if you add any twists or fun variations to make it your own!

What’s so Special About This Dish?

Show the fully frosted cake on a serving plate placed on the white marble cooktop. Ganache is being drizzled over the top, cascading down the sides in elegant drips. Fresh strawberries are arranged decoratively on top as a finishing garnish.

Irresistible Flavor: The rich chocolate and sweet strawberries are the perfect flavor combination.
Moist & Decadent: Every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, thanks to the moist layers and smooth ganache.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a simple weeknight treat, this cake always feels special.
Easy to Make: Despite how fancy it looks, it’s surprisingly simple to put together.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe

This indulgent chocolate cake with strawberry buttercream and ganache is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and fruity freshness. It’s a stunning dessert for any special occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Chill Time 30

Total Time 1 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 1001 kcal

Equipment

3 (9-inch) round cake pans
Parchment paper
Medium and large mixing bowls
Whisk
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Heat-proof bowl for ganache
Small saucepan
Wire Rack
Serving plate

Ingredients

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 40g
1 cup boiling water 240ml
3 cups all-purpose flour 360g
2 ½ cups granulated sugar 500g
2 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil 240ml
1 cup whole buttermilk room temperature 240ml
3 large eggs room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

1 ½ cups unsalted butter room temperature 340g
Salt
6 to 8 cups confectioners’ sugar 720g – 960g
½ cup chopped fresh strawberries about 6 berries
For the Ganache:

For the Ganache:

3½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate chopped 198g
½ cup heavy whipping cream 120ml
For the Garnish:
fresh strawberries

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare cake pans with butter, spray, and parchment paper.
Mix cocoa powder with boiling water and let cool. In a separate bowl, whisk dry ingredients. Combine the wet ingredients with the cooled cocoa mixture and mix into dry ingredients.
Divide batter among pans and bake for 30 minutes, then cool completely.
For buttercream, beat butter, salt, and sugar until fluffy, adding strawberries gradually. Frost the cooled cakes and chill.
For ganache, heat cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Whisk until smooth and pour over cake.
Garnish with fresh berries and let ganache set before serving.