Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake: Indulgent Delight

Name: Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake: Indulgent Delight
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 58 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups cups All-purpose flour; 1 cup cups Dutch process cocoa powder; 1 3/4 cup cups White granulated sugar; 2 1/2 tsp tsp Baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp tsp Baking soda; 1 tsp tsp Salt; 3.5 oz oz Semi-sweet chocolate bar, melted; 3/4 cup cups Oil (canola or vegetable); 2 tsp tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cup cups Buttermilk, room temperature; 4 large Large eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup cups Hot water, steaming; 8 oz oz Cream cheese, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups cups Unsalted butter, slightly cold; 6 cups cups Powdered sugar, sifted; 2 oz oz Freeze dried strawberries, ground; 1 tsp tsp Pure vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp tsp Salt; 1/3 cup cups Heavy cream; 1 cup cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup cups Heavy cream; Chocolate covered strawberries (optional for decoration)

Jump to Recipe

Chocolate covered strawberry cake is an indulgent treat that combines rich brownie layers with creamy frosting. This dessert is not only delicious but also simple to make, ensuring it’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

Table of Contents

Indulgent chocolate covered strawberry cake recipe.

Why You Will Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cake

Rich Chocolate Brownie Base

This cake starts with a rich chocolate brownie base that’s moist and decadent. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering a delightful chocolate experience. The combination of Dutch cocoa powder and melted chocolate enhances the flavor, making it irresistible.

Chocolate covered strawberry cake with rich brownie layers.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

The star of this cake is the strawberry cream cheese frosting. It’s creamy, tangy, and sweet, perfectly complementing the rich brownie layers. Ground freeze-dried strawberries add vibrant flavor and a beautiful pink hue, making the frosting a visual treat.

Decadent Chocolate Drip

No chocolate cake is complete without a luscious chocolate drip. This ganache is smooth and glossy, adding a touch of elegance to your cake. When drizzled over the frosted layers, it creates an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Whether it’s a birthday celebration or a romantic dinner, this chocolate covered strawberry cake is a showstopper. Its beautiful layers and delicious flavors make it a cake that everyone will love, turning any occasion into a special one.

Ingredient Notes

Essential Ingredients for the Brownie Cake

For the brownie cake, you’ll need all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, and sugar. These ingredients create a dense, fudgy texture that is simply divine. Don’t forget the eggs and buttermilk, which add moisture and richness.

Key Components of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

The frosting is made with cream cheese and unsalted butter, ensuring a rich and creamy texture. Sifting the powdered sugar helps avoid grittiness, while the freeze-dried strawberries provide that lovely strawberry flavor.

Tips for the Chocolate Drip

For a perfect chocolate drip, use semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat the cream gently before pouring it over the chocolate to avoid burning. Stir it well until smooth, and let it cool slightly before drizzling.

Step By Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Pans

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by spraying them with baking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures the cakes release easily after baking.

Mixing the Brownie Cake Batter

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave until smooth, then let it cool. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the oil, vanilla, buttermilk, eggs, and the cooled chocolate. Gradually mix in the hot water.

Baking the Cake Layers

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, whisking until just mixed. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-28 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the slightly cold butter and room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and ground freeze-dried strawberries, mixing in vanilla and salt. Finally, add heavy cream and mix until well combined.

Assembling and Frosting the Cake

After chilling the cake layers in the freezer for 30 minutes, spread about 1 cup of frosting between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and freeze it for 15 minutes to set the frosting.

Creating the Chocolate Drip

To prepare the chocolate drip, heat the heavy cream and pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature. Drizzle the ganache over the frosted cake and top with chocolate-covered strawberries if desired.

Assembling the Cake Tips

Chilling Cake Layers for Easier Frosting

Chilling the cake layers makes them easier to handle. It reduces crumbs and ensures a smooth finish when frosting, so don’t skip this step!

Applying a Crumb Coat

A crumb coat is essential for a clean finish. It seals in crumbs and provides a smooth base for the final layer of frosting. After applying it, a quick freeze allows everything to set beautifully.

Final Frosting Techniques

Use an offset spatula for the final frosting layer. This tool makes it easy to spread the frosting evenly. Take your time to create a beautiful finish.

Decorating The Cake

Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Drip

When creating the chocolate drip, ensure the ganache is cool but still pourable. This will give you the best results and avoid drips that run too fast down the sides.

How to Decorate with Chocolate Covered Strawberries

For an extra touch, decorate your cake with chocolate-covered strawberries. Ensure they are completely dry before dipping them in melted chocolate for easy coating.

Storing and Freezing

Best Practices for Storing the Cake

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best served at room temperature, so remember to let it sit out before serving.

Freezing Cake Layers for Future Use

You can freeze the brownie layers wrapped in cling wrap for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them for 1-2 hours before serving.

FAQs

How do I make the chocolate drip topping?

To make the chocolate drip topping, heat heavy cream and pour it over semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze‑dried strawberries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh strawberries, but they will not provide the same concentrated flavor. You may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the frosting.

What is the best way to keep the cake moist?

To keep the cake moist, store it in an airtight container and avoid exposing it to air. You can also brush the layers with simple syrup before frosting.

How long can I store the cake before serving?

You can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture, serve it at room temperature.

Conclusion

Chocolate covered strawberry cake is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt creation that brings joy to any gathering. For more delightful ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page at Artemis Recipes. Happy baking!