Ingredients Overview
Before starting, gather all your ingredients. Quality ingredients make a huge difference, especially for a cake where flavors are simple and fresh.
🍫 Chocolate Cake Layers Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
🍓 Strawberry Filling Ingredients
- 3½ cups fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
☁️ Cream Filling & Frosting Ingredients
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream (very cold)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mascarpone or cream cheese (optional but recommended for stability)
🍓 Decoration Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (whole and sliced)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
🍰 Equipment You’ll Need
- 2 or 3 round cake pans (8 or 9 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Saucepan
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (optional but helpful)
🍫 Preparing the Chocolate Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently.
Finally, pour in the hot coffee or water. The batter will be thin—this is exactly what you want. It creates an incredibly moist cake.
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.
🍓 Making the Strawberry Filling
Chop the strawberries into small pieces. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the strawberries release their juices.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water, then add it to the strawberry mixture. Continue cooking until thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool completely. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
☁️ Preparing the Cream Filling
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
If using mascarpone or cream cheese, beat it separately until smooth, then gently fold it into the whipped cream. This stabilizes the cream and helps the cake hold its shape beautifully.
Refrigerate the cream until ready to use.
🎂 Assembling the Strawberry Cream Layer Cake
Place the first chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the top.
Add a thick layer of strawberry filling, then scatter fresh strawberry slices on top.
Place the second cake layer gently over the filling. Repeat the cream and strawberry layers.
Add the final cake layer, then frost the top and sides with remaining whipped cream.
Use an offset spatula to create soft, rustic swirls, just like in the image.
🍓 Decorating the Cake
Top the cake with whole strawberries and sliced strawberries arranged beautifully.
Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired. Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
This cake is best served chilled. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for perfect slices.
Serve with:
- Hot coffee or espresso
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves
🔁 Variations & Customizations
- Vanilla Cake Version: Replace cocoa powder with flour for a vanilla sponge
- No-Bake Option: Use chocolate cookies and cream layers
- Keto-Friendly: Use almond flour, sugar substitutes, and sugar-free chocolate
- Extra Chocolate: Add chocolate ganache drizzle between layers
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Do not freeze fully assembled cake (cream may separate)
- Cake layers alone can be frozen up to 2 months
💡 Pro Baking Tips
- Always use cold cream for best whipping results
- Chill cake layers before assembly for cleaner layers
- Fresh strawberries give the best flavor—avoid frozen for decoration
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cream Layer Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Each bite offers rich chocolate, fresh fruit, and cloud-like cream, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply because you deserve something special.