Chocolate strawberry cake is the kind of dessert that makes February feel a little softer. It’s warm, sweet, and full of the little things that say “I love you” without needing to say a word. I started making this cake one quiet Valentine’s when the kids were grown and the house felt too still. I stirred cocoa into the batter, simmered strawberries on the stove, and by the time the cake was cooling, the whole kitchen smelled like comfort.
You don’t need a special reason to bake it. But if you’re hoping to make someone smile this Valentine’s Day, this cake has a way of doing just that.
Table of Contents
A Valentine’s Day Dessert That Feels Like a Hug
This chocolate strawberry cake is the kind of dessert that brings warmth to the middle of winter. It’s rich, sweet, and just messy enough to feel homemade. I started making it when my daughter asked for “something pink and chocolatey” for her third-grade Valentine’s party. I wasn’t going to show up with store-bought cupcakes. We made the cake together, strawberry buttercream fingerprints and all. It wasn’t perfect, but it was beautiful.
If you’re craving something a little more impressive, with ganache and layers and real wow factor, my chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is the showstopper. But today, let’s keep things cozy.
What Makes Chocolate Strawberry Cake So Perfect for February 14
Rich cocoa for deep romance
There’s something about chocolate that just feels right on Valentine’s Day. Not the waxy boxed kind, but deep cocoa baked into a warm, tender crumb.
Strawberries, the love language of fruit
They’re sweet, a little tart, and bright enough to cut through the richness of chocolate. Even frozen strawberries work beautifully in the filling.
A dessert that looks as good as it tastes
Chocolate and strawberries are a natural pair. And when they’re nestled into a soft cake and topped with pink frosting, it feels like love on a plate.
Ingredients for a Classic Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Pantry and fridge staples
You don’t need anything fancy. Just:
- cocoa powder
- flour
- eggs
- butter
- sugar
- sour cream
- strawberries
Optional extras to add flair
Strawberry extract adds a punch of berry flavor to the frosting. And if you’ve got pink sprinkles or heart-shaped pans, now’s the time to use them.
Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe for Valentine’s Day
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This cozy chocolate strawberry cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Made with rich cocoa, real strawberries, and pink strawberry buttercream, it’s sweet, simple, and full of homemade love. No fancy layers, just heartfelt flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
-
1 1/4 cups cake flour (or all-purpose)
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup vegetable oil
-
1/2 cup whole milk
-
2 large eggs
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Strawberry Filling:
-
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
-
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
-
2 tablespoons strawberry filling (reserved from above)
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for texture)
Optional Ganache:
-
1/3 cup heavy cream
-
1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped
Topping:
-
Fresh strawberries, halved or whole, dried thoroughly
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch round pan. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, sour cream, milk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then slowly stir in hot coffee. Pour batter into pan and bake for 28–32 minutes. Cool completely before frosting. - Make Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, simmer strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until soft. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until thickened. Cool and reserve 2 tablespoons for the frosting.
- Make Strawberry Buttercream: Beat butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar. Add the reserved strawberry filling, vanilla, and cream if needed. Beat until light and fluffy.
-
Frost the Cake: Spread a thin layer of strawberry filling on top of the cooled cake. Frost with strawberry buttercream. Chill briefly before adding ganache if using.
- Optional Ganache: Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Drizzle over chilled cake and decorate with fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Make sure strawberries are fully dry before topping the cake.
- You can use store-bought strawberry jam in a pinch.
- Want to make it layered? Double the recipe and stack with extra filling.
- For dairy-free, use plant-based butter, milk, and cream alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
How to Make This Valentine’s Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Bake the chocolate cake base
Preheat your oven and mix dry ingredients in one bowl, wet ingredients in another. Combine gently, then stir in hot coffee to bloom the cocoa. Pour into a greased 8-inch pan and bake at 350°F until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs.
Step 2: Cook the strawberry filling
Simmer chopped strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until soft. Add a little cornstarch slurry to thicken. Let it cool. This step smells like summer in the middle of February.
Step 3: Layer, frost, and decorate
Once the cake is cool, slice it in half if you’d like layers. Spread the strawberry filling in the middle, then frost the whole thing with strawberry buttercream. For a dramatic finish, add a few chocolate-dipped berries on top.
If you want something more dramatic, the full layered version in my Chocolate Cake with chocolate strawberries post walks you through it step by step.
Decorating Tips for a Romantic Touch
You don’t need piping tips or steady hands. A spoonful of ganache drizzled over the top looks gorgeous. Add whole strawberries, or even just a dusting of powdered sugar. Keep it relaxed. Keep it you.
How to Decorate a Cake with Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Tips for Storing and Serving on Date Night
Let the cake cool completely before storing. Cover and refrigerate if you’re not serving it right away. It’ll keep for about five days. If you want to bake ahead, wrap the cake base in plastic and freeze it for up to a month.
Serve with a cup of coffee or a little bubbly, and a napkin tucked under your chin if you’re eating straight from the plate.
Make It Personal: Love Notes in Frosting
You can pipe initials or hearts with a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate. Or use sliced strawberries to form a little heart on top. Sometimes I just write “xo” with ganache and call it done.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about making someone feel thought of.
Conclusion
This chocolate strawberry cake isn’t about perfection. It’s about love in the little things. A spoonful of frosting licked from the bowl. Strawberries sliced a bit uneven. That first bite when the cocoa and berries hit just right.
Whether you’re baking for your partner, your kids, your neighbor, or just for yourself, this cake brings a kind of comfort that doesn’t ask for much. Just a little time, a warm oven, and a bit of heart.
And if you’re ready to turn it into something truly unforgettable, my full chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is waiting for you, layers and all.
- Love this recipe? Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious bakes, tips, and inspiration!
FAQs
Can I make chocolate strawberry cake ahead of time?
Yes, and I often do. You can bake the cake a day or two early, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. The strawberry filling and frosting can be made ahead too. Just let them come to room temperature before using and give the frosting a quick whip to bring it back to life.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. I actually prefer frozen strawberries for the filling because they break down beautifully and give you that deep, jammy flavor. Just don’t use them for decorating the top of the cake. That’s where fresh strawberries really shine.
Do I need a heart-shaped pan for this Valentine’s version?
Not at all. A regular round or square cake pan works just fine. If you want to go the extra mile, you can cut the cooled cake into a heart shape using a paper template. But truly, love tastes the same in any shape.
How do I keep the strawberries from leaking into the frosting?
Make sure they’re completely dry before decorating. After washing your strawberries, pat them gently with a towel and let them air dry for a bit. That helps keep your frosting smooth and your cake looking fresh.
What’s the difference between this cake and your chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries?
This version is simpler, more casual, and perfect for a cozy Valentine’s dessert. My chocolate cake with chocolate strawberries is the full showstopper with layers, ganache, and a buttery strawberry filling. Think of this one as the love note and that one as the full bouquet.
1 thought on “Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe for Valentine’s Day”