Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry Recipe

If there’s a dessert that never fails to make jaws drop and taste buds rejoice, it’s the Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry. Moist, decadent chocolate cake layers get filled with velvety chocolate cream, stacked to towering perfection, and then lavishly crowned with a blanket of fluffy whipped cream. That finishing touch—a juicy fresh strawberry and a drizzle of glossy ganache—turns every slice into a mini celebration. This showstopper isn’t just eye-catching; every bite delivers a balance of rich chocolate, delicate cream, and that pop of bright fruit that keeps everyone coming back for another forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list—each plays a key role in making this Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry truly unforgettable. With simple pantry staples, you’ll create layers of flavor and texture that transform into a bakery-worthy creation right in your kitchen.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure to each cake layer so they rise tall and hold all that cream and filling.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packs a deep, chocolatey punch for a cake that’s satisfyingly rich and dark.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps keep it tender and moist.
• Baking powder and baking soda: The leaveners that give your cake a beautiful, fluffy crumb.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the chocolate flavors.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture so every bite is soft and luxurious.
• Whole milk (or buttermilk): Makes the crumb extra tender and brings richness (buttermilk adds a subtle tang!).
• Vegetable oil: Ensures the cake stays incredibly moist, even days after baking.
• Vanilla extract: Warms up the chocolate flavors and rounds out the taste.
• Hot coffee (or hot water): Deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the batter an irresistibly smooth texture.
• Heavy cream (for filling): Forms the luscious base for the chocolate cream layer.
• Dark chocolate (chopped): Any good-quality chocolate will do—this is the heart of your decadent filling.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and shine to the chocolate filling.
• Heavy whipping cream (for topping): Whips up light and airy for the most dreamy, cloudlike topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough.
• Chocolate ganache (reserved): For drizzling—because a glossy finish is always the best finish!
• Fresh strawberry: The jewel on top—colorful, sweet, and a little bit fancy.
• Cocoa powder (for dusting): Adds a final flourish and a touch of bittersweet contrast.

How to Make Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, lining their bottoms with parchment for easy removal. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, then beat until your batter is smooth and luscious. Stir in the hot coffee—this is the secret to an ultra-moist, tender crumb (don’t worry, you won’t taste the coffee, only deeper chocolate flavor!). Divide the batter evenly among the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely so assembling is a breeze.

Step 2: Make Chocolate Cream Filling

While the cakes cool, heat the heavy cream just until steaming (avoid boiling). Pour the hot cream over your bowl of chopped dark chocolate and butter. Let this mixture sit for 2 minutes—the heat will gently melt everything—then stir until it’s rich, glossy, and impossibly smooth. Chill until thickened but still spreadable: this step ensures that your filling won’t ooze out once the cake is assembled.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Topping

With your cake and chocolate cream ready, it’s time to whip up the crowning glory. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds its shape on the whisk and looks like billowy clouds—just perfect for spreading and piping.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

Now for the grand finale! Place your first cake layer on a serving plate, then spread a generous layer of chocolate cream over the top. Repeat with the next cake layer and more chocolate cream, then add the final cake round. Count to three and get ready to swoon: smooth on the whipped cream, pipe a swirl if you’re feeling fancy, and drizzle the reserved ganache over the edges for that gorgeous, glossy drip. Finish by dusting with cocoa powder and setting a fresh strawberry right in the center. You’ve just made the best Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry your table has ever seen.

How to Serve Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry

Garnishes

This cake practically begs for an extra flourish or two. A dusting of cocoa powder gives a professional touch, while a single plump strawberry perched on top acts as an irresistible invitation. A little extra ganache drizzle over each slice gives every piece a dramatic, chocolatey finish—because a little more chocolate is always the right choice.

Side Dishes

Since the Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry is so rich, it pairs well with tangy or fruity sides. Consider serving it with a bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of raspberry sorbet, or even a citrus salad to brighten the plate. For a luxurious touch, a shot of espresso or a glass of cold milk makes a lovely companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a personal twist, slice and serve the cake on vintage plates, or place individual slices in clear cups layered with extra whipped cream and strawberries. Turn it into mini trifles or cupcakes if you’re making it for a crowd—no matter the format, the combination of chocolate, cream, and strawberry will always dazzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry, simply cover it well with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The whipped cream helps keep the cake moist, and the flavors continue to meld, making late-night slices even better.

Freezing

Freeze unassembled cake layers (well-wrapped), as well as the chocolate cream filling and whipped cream separately for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and assemble as directed. It’s best to add the whipped cream and strawberries just before serving for peak freshness.

Reheating

While you should enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature for the best texture, you can pop a slice (without cream or strawberry!) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer a warm, gooey chocolate treat. Always add the whipped cream and fruit after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for the cake?

All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can use cake flour for an even lighter crumb. Keep in mind that using whole wheat or gluten-free flours may change the texture and flavor.

What if I don’t own three cake pans?

No problem! Simply bake your cakes in batches, letting the pans cool and cleaning them between uses. You’ll get perfect layers for assembling your Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry.

Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! Raspberries, cherries, or even thinly sliced bananas make fantastic alternatives if strawberries aren’t in season. Just choose a fruit with a bit of tartness to complement the chocolate and cream.

How far ahead can I make this cake?

You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. The chocolate cream can be made a day ahead—just let it soften a bit before spreading. Assemble with whipped cream and strawberries the day you plan to serve.

What’s the best way to cut clean cake slices?

Use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This helps get those perfect, photo-worthy layers that make every Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry slice look bakery-perfect.

Final Thoughts

This cake is pure celebration in every slice, whether for a birthday, a dinner party, or simply to treat your loved ones. The Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Cream & Strawberry is a labor of love that rewards every minute with jaw-dropping beauty and incredible flavor. Roll up your sleeves and dive in—you’re sure to create new favorites and sweet memories.