Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries
If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines rich, decadent chocolate with light, airy whipped cream and the fresh burst of strawberries, then this Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect cake for celebrations, birthdays, or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home. This cake is not only visually stunning but also layered with flavors and textures that everyone will love. From the moist chocolate sponge to the fluffy whipped cream and juicy strawberries, every bite is pure bliss.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic behind this Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The cake itself is soft and moist, thanks to the combination of milk and vegetable oil. Hot water or coffee is added to the batter, enhancing the chocolate flavor without adding a noticeable coffee taste. The whipped cream provides a light and airy contrast to the dense chocolate, while the fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and slight tang, preventing the dessert from becoming too rich.
Another reason this recipe works is its simplicity. While it looks impressive, it is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require complicated techniques. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and with a little patience, you can create a bakery-quality dessert at home.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
Before you start baking this Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries, make sure you have the following ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup milk or buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¾ cup hot water or hot coffee
For the Whipped Cream:
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
3–4 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling and Topping:
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Gather all ingredients beforehand to make the baking process seamless. Having everything ready ensures your Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries turns out perfectly the first time.
How To Make This Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8–9 inch round cake pan with parchment paper. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out smoothly.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients are crucial for the structure and flavor of your cake.
Add sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth. The batter should be consistent but not overmixed, which keeps the cake tender.
Slowly pour in hot water or coffee while mixing. This step thins the batter and intensifies the chocolate flavor, making your Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries extra rich.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30–35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling. Cooling is essential, as frosting a warm cake can cause the whipped cream to melt.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape.
Pour cold heavy cream into the bowl and whip until soft peaks form.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Your whipped cream should be fluffy and able to hold its shape without being overwhipped.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two layers. This allows you to add the whipped cream and strawberries between layers, creating a visually appealing and flavorful dessert.
Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the bottom cake layer.
Evenly arrange sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream. The strawberries add color, flavor, and freshness to the cake.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it with a spatula for an elegant finish.
Decorate with fresh strawberries to create an inviting presentation.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Creating a perfect Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries requires attention to detail. Here are some expert tips:
Cool the Cake Completely: Always wait for the cake to cool before adding whipped cream. Otherwise, the cream will melt.
Use Cold Cream: For the fluffiest whipped cream, always use heavy cream straight from the refrigerator.
Enhance Chocolate Flavor: Hot coffee in the batter brings out the richness of cocoa without adding a coffee taste.
Slicing the Cake: Use a serrated knife and gentle sawing motions to prevent crumbs and maintain clean layers.
Strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
These tips ensure your Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries looks professional and tastes incredible.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries slightly chilled for the best texture. The whipped cream will be firm yet creamy, and the cake layers moist. This dessert is perfect for:
Birthdays and celebrations
Afternoon tea or coffee breaks
Weekend family treats
Romantic dinners
Pair the cake with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. For an extra indulgence, drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the top or add a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Time
Here’s a quick breakdown of the time needed to make this Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Cooling & Decorating: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Even with these steps, the result is well worth the effort. This cake is an elegant, show-stopping dessert that can be prepared at home with relative ease.
By following this guide, your Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream and Strawberries will not only taste divine but also look stunning. The combination of moist chocolate layers, fluffy whipped cream, and juicy strawberries makes it a crowd favorite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple dessert, this cake is sure to impress everyone.
Remember, the key is patience and attention to detail. Cool the cake properly, whip the cream to stiff peaks, and layer with care. Soon, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it came from a professional bakery, all in your own kitchen.