Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen); 50 g granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon water; 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); 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 bean paste; 200 g strawberries (finely diced); 7 strawberries (halved for decoration)

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There’s something incredibly joyful about biting into a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with luscious strawberry jam and silky cream cheese frosting. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe perfectly balances deep chocolate flavors with fresh strawberry brightness and the tangy cream cheese frosting, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet fresh. It’s a show-stopping treat that feels just as special for an elegant gathering as it does for a cozy weekend celebration at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing melted butter forming the base layer, topped with a pile of brown sugar and a small heap of white granulated sugar all together in the center. In the next image, the same glass bowl now has two whole raw yellow egg yolks added to the mixture, with a silver whisk inserted on the right side, ready to beat the ingredients together. Light shines on the bowl, highlighting the shiny texture of the melted butter and the smooth surface of the egg yolks, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the natural cocoa powder that provides a deep chocolate base to the fresh strawberries that bring brightness and juiciness, every element is simple but essential.

500 g strawberries (fresh or frozen): The star fruit for making the homemade strawberry jam that infuses sweetness and natural tang.
50 g granulated sugar: Helps to sweeten and help thicken the strawberry jam.
1 tablespoon water: A little moisture to aid the jam’s consistency.
190 g all-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure and crumb.
75 g natural cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise lightly and evenly.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with acidic ingredients to keep the cake tender.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate’s depth and balances sweetness.
115 g unsalted butter (melted): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
100 g light-tasting oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender.
100 g granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake batter for perfect balance.
100 g brown sugar: Brings warmth and slight caramel notes.
2 large eggs (room temperature): Add structure and a tender crumb.
330 g milk (room temperature): Moistens and melds ingredients together smoothly.
250 g cream cheese (softened): For the luscious frosting that’s tangy and creamy.
115 g unsalted butter (softened): Makes the frosting rich and spreadable.
100 g powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting consistency.
70 g strawberry jam (from above): Blends into the frosting adding strawberry flavor and a hint of sparkle.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Lifts all frosting flavors with warm vanilla notes.
200 g strawberries (finely diced): Adds fresh texture between cake layers.
7 strawberries (halved for decoration): For a beautiful, natural garnish on top of the finished cake.

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

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

Start by creating the luscious strawberry jam that will add bursts of fresh fruitiness to the cake. Combine the strawberries, sugar, and water in a small pot and cook over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and watch as the mixture comes to a boil and thickens into a jammy consistency—this means when you drag a spatula through it, the jam parts and slowly comes back together after a few seconds. Transfer the jam to a bowl and chill it until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a larger bowl, mix melted butter, light oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Beat in eggs until smooth. Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together for a tender batter.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the surface. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake is stable enough for slicing and frosting.

Step 4: Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, then add cream cheese and beat until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined. Stir in the strawberry jam and vanilla bean paste until the frosting is perfectly flavored and smooth. Reserve a small amount of frosting to pipe later for decorating.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake Layers

Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife and slice each one horizontally to create four even layers. On your cake turntable or serving plate, place the first layer and pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to form a barrier. Fill the center with 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam, spreading it evenly, then sprinkle diced strawberries on top. Repeat this process for each layer, building a beautiful stack.

Step 6: Crumb Coat and Final Frosting

Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to seal in crumbs and smooth the surface. Chill briefly if needed, then apply the final frosting layer. Use a spatula to add gentle swirls for texture and press halved strawberries around the top for an inviting finish that looks as delightful as it tastes.

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

A slice of chocolate layer cake with four thick, dark brown layers separated by three bright red strawberry jam layers and light pink whipped cream. The cake slice sits on a small white scalloped plate surrounded by fresh red strawberries, all placed on a white marbled surface. There is a fresh green-leafed plant in the bottom left corner of the image. The overall look is fresh and inviting, with the rich dark cake contrasting with the bright red jam and soft pink cream. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh strawberry halves on top not only makes the cake look stunning but also adds a burst of freshness with every bite. You can also sprinkle some edible flower petals or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Fresh berries on the side can amplify the fruity notes and make your dessert plate pop.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, serve individual slices with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a spoonful of leftover strawberry jam. Layer the cake slices with whipped cream and berries in clear glasses for a delightful layered dessert presentation perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, keep the cake covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese frosting fresh and the strawberry jam set. Properly stored, it will stay delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers separately for up to 2 months before assembling. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frosted cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to a week if wrapped carefully.

Reheating

When you want to enjoy leftovers, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes; warming preserves the creamy texture and releases the fresh strawberry aroma. Avoid microwaving to keep the frosting from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the jam?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully for the jam and are often more convenient. Just thaw them before cooking, and drain any excess juice to prevent the jam from becoming too watery.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

You could use mascarpone for a milder flavor or a mix of butter and heavy cream for a different texture, but cream cheese gives this frosting its signature tang and creamy consistency.

Can I make this cake in larger pans?

Yes, just adjust the baking time accordingly. Larger pans will require less time, so start checking the cake around 25-30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How do I prevent the cake layers from doming?

Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and consider using cake strips around the pans to promote even baking. Leveling the cakes with a serrated knife after cooling is also a great way to ensure flat layers.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

Feel free to use pure vanilla extract as a substitute. The paste adds a lovely depth with vanilla seeds, but extract works well and is easier to find.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about creating a dessert that brings together the richness of chocolate and the bright freshness of strawberries in perfect harmony. This Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a labor of love that rewards you with layers of indulgent flavor and texture that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself and loved ones, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite. Give it a try—you won’t regret the sweet joy it brings!