Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Introduction
There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate, coffee, and strawberries. The Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake takes this classic flavor trio and transforms it into a soft, fudgy dessert bar that is both elegant and approachable. Perfect for casual gatherings, coffee breaks, or a special treat for your loved ones, this dessert combines the richness of mocha with the natural sweetness of strawberries for a harmonious and irresistible flavor.
Unlike traditional layer cakes that require multiple pans and complicated assembly, the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake simplifies everything into a single-bake bar cake, while still delivering the same decadent flavor profile you’d expect from a bakery-style dessert. Its moist, tender crumb is complemented by a fresh strawberry layer that adds a burst of color and fruity brightness, making this cake not only delicious but visually stunning.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner trying your first one-pan dessert, this Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake is forgiving, easy to assemble, and impresses every time.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Why This Recipe Works
The success of the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake lies in the careful balance of ingredients and technique.
First, the combination of vegetable oil and milk ensures the cake stays moist and tender. Unlike butter-only cakes that can dry out quickly, the oil keeps the crumb soft and fudgy, even after cooling.
Second, the addition of brewed coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor. The coffee enhances the cocoa without overpowering the dessert, giving the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake a deep, rich mocha profile that chocolate lovers adore.
Third, the strawberry layer is lightly sweetened and thickened with cornstarch. This step ensures that the fruit releases its juices during baking without turning the cake soggy, creating pockets of fruity flavor that contrast beautifully with the chocolate base.
Finally, the optional mocha glaze adds a glossy, crackly finish, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Drizzling the glaze over the cooled cake creates a professional-looking finish that elevates the dessert from simple bars to an irresistible treat.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To make this Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Mocha Cake Base
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup milk
¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Layer
1 ½ cups chopped fresh strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Optional Mocha Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1–2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 tablespoon melted dark chocolate
Each ingredient contributes to the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake’s flavor, texture, and presentation, ensuring a dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
How To Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Layer
Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a bowl. Stir until the strawberries are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to release their juices. This ensures a juicy, flavorful strawberry layer that integrates beautifully with the mocha cake.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Proper pan preparation guarantees the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake will release cleanly after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients form the foundation for the cake base.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, milk, brewed coffee, and vanilla extract. Ensuring the eggs are at room temperature helps the batter mix evenly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stir only until the batter is uniform.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake
Pour the mocha cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly distribute the prepared strawberry mixture over the top of the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The bars should be tender but set.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Glaze
Allow the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake to cool completely in the pan. For added flavor and elegance, prepare the mocha glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cocoa powder, coffee, and melted chocolate. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Use strong coffee for a pronounced mocha flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a soft and tender crumb.
Cool completely before slicing to keep the bars intact.
Add mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate bursts.
Use fresh strawberries for the top garnish to add visual appeal.
Store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
These tips help ensure your Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake is both visually stunning and delicious every time.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
How To Serve
The best way to serve the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake is at room temperature. This allows the flavors to shine and the texture to remain soft and fudgy.
Slice the bars evenly using a sharp knife for neat portions. For extra presentation flair, dust lightly with powdered sugar or place a fresh strawberry on top of each bar.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dessert with:
Espresso or cappuccino for a mocha experience
A scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast
Fresh strawberries to accentuate the fruit flavor
Whipped cream for a light, airy addition
These serving ideas make the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake versatile enough for brunch, tea, or dessert tables at special occasions.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 12–15 bars
This dessert is quick enough for weekday treats but elegant enough to serve for celebrations, making the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake a practical yet indulgent choice.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
The combination of chocolate, coffee, and fresh strawberries in a soft bar format creates a dessert that is both familiar and exciting. This Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and guarantees consistent results with every bake.
The cake’s fudgy texture, the bright strawberry layer, and the optional glossy mocha glaze make it visually appealing and incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve it for family gatherings, coffee breaks, or special celebrations, this Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake is sure to impress.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
From start to finish, this recipe highlights simplicity without sacrificing flavor. The Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake balances sweetness, tartness, and chocolate richness effortlessly. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s quickly becoming a favorite dessert for chocolate and strawberry lovers alike.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
With its combination of fudgy mocha cake, fresh strawberries, and optional glaze, this dessert provides a bakery-quality experience at home. Each bar of Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake offers a perfect bite of chocolate, coffee, and strawberry harmony that will delight family and guests.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Enjoy this dessert as a snack, a dessert after dinner, or even a gift for someone special. The Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake delivers rich, comforting flavors while maintaining an elegant appearance. Its balance of flavors ensures every bite is as satisfying as the first.
Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake
Whether you bake it for a casual afternoon treat or a special celebration, the Strawberry Mocha Bar Cake will quickly become a favorite. Its rich chocolate, bold coffee undertones, and sweet strawberry notes create an unforgettable dessert that pleases every palate.