Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

If your idea of dessert perfection involves rich chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, then this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Picture moist chocolate layers that melt in your mouth, complemented by tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting infused with homemade strawberry jam and a surprise of fresh strawberries between every layer. This cake is a delightful celebration of contrasting flavors and textures that come together in a harmonious and unforgettable bite. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every sweet craving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe relies on simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the deep cocoa powder that gives the cake its chocolatey richness to the fresh strawberries that brighten every bite, every element has a job to do in making this cake truly shine.

• 500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen): Provides the base for the luscious homemade strawberry jam that adds natural sweetness and fresh flavor.
• 50 g granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the homemade jam for the perfect strawberry spread.
• 1 tablespoon water: A small touch to help the jam cook down smoothly without drying out.
• 190 g all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the cake’s tender crumb.
• 75 g natural cocoa powder: Adds rich, deep chocolate flavor that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise nice and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids in the batter to create a light texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the chocolate and strawberry notes.
• 115 g unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture to the cake layers.
• 100 g light-tasting oil: Keeps the cake extra moist and tender.
• 100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter for perfect indulgence.
• 100 g brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that deepens the chocolate flavor.
• 2 large eggs (room temperature): Provides structure and richness to the cake.
• 330 g milk (room temperature): Moistens the batter and helps blend flavors seamlessly.
• 250 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature): The creamy star of the frosting, lending tartness and smoothness.
• 115 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature): Works with the cream cheese to create fluffy, silky frosting.
• 100 g powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to the perfect consistency.
• 70 g strawberry jam (from above): Infuses the frosting with vibrant strawberry flavor and sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the frosting with warm, aromatic notes.
• 200 g strawberries (finely diced): Adds juicy texture and bursts of fresh strawberry flavor inside the cake layers.
• 7 strawberries (halved for decoration): Beautifully finish the cake with fresh, inviting garnishes.

How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

Start by creating a luscious homemade strawberry jam that will infuse your cake with fresh, natural sweetness. Combine the strawberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small pot. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture boils and then thickens into a jammy consistency. Keep an eye on it because the foam can bubble up quickly. The jam is ready when dragging a spatula through it leaves a clear path that slowly fills back in. Let the jam cool completely in the fridge before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper rounds. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt — this dry mixture will give your cake that perfect structure and rich chocolate flavor.

In a larger bowl, combine melted butter, light oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Beat in the eggs to form a silky wet mixture. Alternate adding the dry mix and milk gently into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Using a hand mixer, beat softened butter until very creamy. Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth. Slowly incorporate powdered sugar, then stir in your strawberry jam and vanilla extract until you have a luscious, velvety frosting that’s bursting with strawberry flavor. Reserve a small portion of frosting in a piping bag for assembling the cake later.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers

Level each cake layer with a serrated knife if needed, then cut each in half to create four layers. Place the first layer on a cake turntable and pipe a ring of frosting near the edges to create a barrier. Inside this ring, spread about four tablespoons of strawberry jam evenly, then sprinkle diced strawberries on top. Carefully stack the next layer and repeat these steps until all layers are stacked.

Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake, smoothing with a scraper to seal in crumbs. Once chilled briefly, finish with a final thick layer of frosting, smoothing or swirling as you like. Press halved strawberries onto the top for a fresh, stunning decoration that hints at the flavors inside.

How to Serve Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

Add a touch of elegance and extra freshness by decorating your cake with halved strawberries or even a dusting of edible glitter. Fresh mint leaves or a few chocolate curls can add beautiful contrast and elevate the presentation for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe as mini layered cupcakes for a playful party dessert. You can also plate individual slices with drizzled strawberry sauce or a dusting of cocoa powder to make every serving feel like a work of art.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cake fresh by storing leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight cake container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy every bite without rush.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for up to two months. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil or freeze the whole cake after applying the crumb coat, then finish decorating after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Because this cake is best served chilled, avoid reheating. Instead, let slices sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before serving to bring out their full flavor and soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly for the jam; just thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and thickening.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake layers; if it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the cake is baked to perfection.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, nondairy cream cheese, and plant milk to make a dairy-free version.

Is it okay to use store-bought strawberry jam for the frosting?

While homemade jam offers fresher, more vibrant flavor, you can use store-bought jam in a pinch. Just choose one with high fruit content for best taste.

How long does this cake keep well at room temperature?

Because of the cream cheese frosting and fresh fruit, it is best to store the cake in the refrigerator and not leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe is a true joy, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures that never fail to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this cake brings warmth and happiness to the table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this luscious cake in your repertoire forever. Happy baking!

Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Jam Recipe

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This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist cocoa-infused cake layers paired with a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Fresh strawberries are cooked into a homemade jam that adds a sweet and tangy burst between cake layers and in the frosting. The cake is finished with a smooth, creamy strawberry frosting and fresh strawberry decorations, making it a perfect treat for special occasions and chocolate-fruit lovers.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Strawberry Jam

• 500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 50 g granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Chocolate Cake

• 190 g all-purpose flour
• 75 g natural cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 115 g unsalted butter (melted)
• 100 g light-tasting oil
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 330 g milk (room temperature)

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 250 g cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 115 g unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 100 g powdered sugar
• 70 g strawberry jam (from above)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200 g strawberries (finely diced)
• 7 strawberries (halved for decoration)

Instructions

1. Make Strawberry Jam: In a small pot, combine 500 g strawberries, 50 g granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until boiling. Be cautious of bubbling foam. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency that parts and slowly comes back together when a spatula is dragged through.
2. Cool Jam: Transfer the jam to a small bowl and refrigerate until completely cooled, ready to be used later in the frosting and cake assembly.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper rounds and set aside.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 190 g all-purpose flour, 75 g cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk melted 115 g unsalted butter, 100 g light oil, 100 g granulated sugar, and 100 g brown sugar until combined. Add 2 eggs and whisk until smooth and uniform.
6. Combine Batter: Alternately add half the dry ingredients and half the 330 g milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently but thoroughly after each addition until just combined.
7. Fill Cake Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans (approximately 540 g batter each). Smooth the tops with a spatula or swirl the pans gently for an even surface.
8. Bake Cake Layers: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool Cake: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes. Run an offset spatula around the edges to loosen, then invert onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before assembling.
10. Prepare Frosting: Beat 115 g softened unsalted butter until creamy with an electric mixer. Add 250 g softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and lump-free.
11. Add Powdered Sugar and Jam: Gradually add 100 g powdered sugar, beating at low speed until combined. Incorporate 70 g cooled strawberry jam and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until evenly blended. Transfer a small amount to a piping bag.
12. Prepare Cake Layers for Assembly: Level the cake layers using a serrated knife to remove any doming. Cut each layer in half horizontally to create four layers total.
13. First Layer and Filling: Place the first cake layer on a cake turntable or serving plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to form a barrier. Inside the ring, spread approximately 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam evenly. Sprinkle diced 200 g strawberries atop the jam in an even layer.
14. Repeat Layers: Add the next cake layer and repeat the frosting ring, jam filling, and diced strawberries until all four layers are stacked.
15. Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire assembled cake to trap crumbs. Smooth the surface with a cake scraper and remove excess frosting.
16. Final Frosting and Decoration: Apply a final thick coat of frosting to the cake, smoothing with a spatula or scraper. Add frosting swirls using your spatula for texture. Decorate the top with the 7 halved strawberries evenly spaced to finish the presentation.

Notes

• Ensure eggs, milk, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature before mixing for best texture.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used for jam; thaw frozen before cooking.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding layers.
• Use a serrated knife carefully to level cake layers to avoid crumbling.
• The frosting can be piped for decorative finishes using the reserved portion in the piping bag.
• Keep the assembled cake refrigerated if not serving immediately, especially due to the cream cheese frosting.