There is something truly magical about a Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that brightens up any gathering. Imagine rich, moist chocolate layers perfectly balanced with a sweet and tangy strawberry jam tucked between, all crowned with a luscious, silky cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. This cake is a dazzling combination of flavors and textures that feels like a special treat, yet it’s surprisingly approachable to make. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving something decadent and fresh, this strawberry chocolate cake is guaranteed to delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—these ingredients are simple kitchen staples that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, moistness, and richness. Every element here supports the strawberry and chocolate duo, ensuring your cake tastes just right.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries: Essential for making fresh strawberry jam and adding natural fruity sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the jam and cake batter perfectly without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Water: Helps cook down the strawberries into a luscious jam consistency.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to the cake layers.
- Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light and airy cake texture.
- Salt: Enhances the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings moistness and richness to the cake.
- Oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed): Keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes for depth in flavor.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and contribute to the texture.
- Milk (room temperature): Moisturizes the batter for softness.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of the frosting, lending tangy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting evenly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both the frosting and cake flavors.
- Fresh strawberries: Used for garnish, adding juicy bursts on top.
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam
Start by turning those fresh or frozen strawberries into a luscious jam that will be the jewel between your chocolate cake layers. Cook strawberries, sugar, and water over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens beautifully. This jam delivers a sweet, tangy contrast that will elevate the cake’s flavor to something truly special.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining two 6-inch round cake pans ensures your cake layers come out smooth and intact — no one wants a crumbly, broken cake base!
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Whisking these well distributes the leavening evenly and helps create that perfect crumb where chocolate flavor shines.
Step 4: Create the Wet Mixture
In another bowl, beat melted butter, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and milk until creamy and smooth. This mixture adds tremendous moisture and depth to your cake, making every bite tender and rich.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Slowly stir your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until only combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and slide them into the oven. After 30 to 35 minutes, check doneness by inserting a toothpick — it should come out clean.
Step 6: Assemble With Strawberry Jam
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a thick, generous layer of your homemade strawberry jam on one of the layers. This step is where the Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe truly sparks joy, delivering bursts of fresh strawberry flavor that complement the chocolate perfectly.
Step 7: Frost With Cream Cheese Frosting
Top the jam layer with a lavish spread of luscious cream cheese frosting. The smooth tanginess creates an incredible balance with the sweet jam and rich cake, making the flavors shine in every bite.
Step 8: Decorate and Garnish
Finish off your masterpiece by placing fresh strawberries on top. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but their juicy sweetness enhances the overall experience and lets everyone know this cake is made with love and fresh ingredients.
How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries around the edges or a light dusting of cocoa powder on top can make this cake even more visually stunning. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped dark chocolate or edible flowers for a delicate touch that impresses your guests.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For coffee lovers, a dark roast espresso brings out the richness in the chocolate, while a refreshing mint tea can brighten the palate alongside the strawberry notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of extra strawberry jam or chocolate sauce on the plate for an elegant restaurant vibe. You can even turn this cake into cupcakes by dividing the batter into muffin tins and layering with jam and frosting for a handheld version of your favorite dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover strawberry chocolate cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Thanks to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place the cake, well wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, in the freezer. It freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its moistness and luscious flavor.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out until it reaches room temperature or briefly warm a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade jam has that fresh, vibrant quality that perfectly complements this recipe, a good-quality store-bought jam will still work wonderfully and save you some time.
Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting with buttercream?
You can, but the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that balances the sweetness and acidity of the strawberry jam. Buttercream would make the overall flavor sweeter and less balanced.
Is it necessary to use both oil and butter in the cake?
Yes! The combination of melted butter and oil creates a moist cake with a rich flavor and tender crumb that neither ingredient alone can achieve.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blend, this cake can definitely be adapted. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the structure provided by gluten.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a celebration of flavors that’s as impressive as it is comforting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake promises smiles with every bite. I encourage you to try it out—you might just find your new favorite dessert that everyone will be asking for again and again.
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This luscious Strawberry Chocolate Cake combines rich cocoa layers with a homemade strawberry jam filling and a creamy strawberry cream cheese frosting. Perfectly moist and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this cake is an elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Strawberry Jam
- Fresh or frozen strawberries (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Cake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup milk, room temperature
Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Jam: In a small pot, combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat while stirring frequently until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy release after baking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Batter: In a separate large bowl, beat melted butter, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and milk together until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until the batter is well combined without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before removing.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of the homemade strawberry jam on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top.
- Prepare and Apply Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the strawberry cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the assembled cake.
- Decorate: Garnish the finished cake with fresh strawberries on top for an added burst of fruity flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter incorporation and cake texture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used for the jam; if using frozen, thaw before cooking.
- Two 6-inch pans yield a thicker cake; if unavailable, a 9-inch pan can be used but may require adjusted baking time.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes if frosting becomes too soft to spread evenly.
