Description
This dependable recipe combines a moist, deeply flavored chocolate cake with a bright, homemade strawberry jam and a stable cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays or simple enjoyment, this cake’s flavor improves overnight and stays beautifully tender.
Ingredients
- Strawberries (fresh and frozen recommended)
- Granulated sugar
- Water
- All-purpose flour
- Natural cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Melted butter
- Oil (vegetable or canola)
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Softened butter (for frosting)
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Cooled strawberry jam
- Vanilla extract
- Diced fresh strawberries (for filling)
- Fresh berry halves (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a small pot, stir together your strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil. Keep stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens into a jammy consistency. Let it cool completely in the fridge.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two 6-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, natural cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, oil, and both sugars until they are well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
- Alternate adding half of your dry mixture and half of the milk into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack.
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until very creamy. Add the powdered sugar on low speed, then stir in your cooled strawberry jam and vanilla extract.
- Level your cooled cakes with a serrated knife and cut them in half to create four thin layers. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge of the first layer, fill the center with jam and diced strawberries, and repeat. Finish with a smooth coat of frosting and fresh berry halves.
Notes
When making the homemade jam, ensure you cool it thoroughly, as adding warm jam to the frosting will cause it to melt and separate. For a cleaner slice, chill the finished cake for at least an hour before serving. If you don’t have parchment paper, grease and flour your cake pans thoroughly, ensuring the cocoa powder mixes with the flour for a clean release.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American