Milk Chocolate Strawberry Delight Cake

Name: Milk Chocolate Strawberry Delight Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup milk; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely adore creating desserts that are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. This Milk Chocolate Strawberry Delight Cake is one of those recipes that never fails to impress my family and friends. The rich, velvety chocolate cake combined with fresh strawberries creates a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity. It has become my go-to cake for special occasions, and I love how easy it is to make, allowing me to enjoy the process as much as the delightful end result.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-04T15:13:27.385Z

When I first made this cake, I experimented with various chocolate and strawberry combinations until I found the perfect balance. I discovered that adding a hint of vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, making it even richer. This has turned into a family favorite, often making an appearance during birthdays and holiday gatherings.

One tip that I've found useful is to let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting; this prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Moist and fluffy cake texture that everyone will adore
Visual centerpiece for any celebration or gathering

The Perfect Chocolate Cake Base

A key aspect of achieving an extraordinary Milk Chocolate Strawberry Delight Cake lies in creating a well-balanced chocolate cake. The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder provides that deep, rich chocolate flavor, while the granulated sugar ensures the right level of sweetness without overpowering the chocolate. When measuring flour, be sure to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off; this prevents the cake from becoming dense and ensures a light, fluffy texture.

Another crucial step is incorporating boiling water into the batter. This might seem unorthodox, but it actually helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying its flavor. Plus, it adds moisture to the batter, contributing to that delightful texture we all strive for. Just remember, when adding the boiling water, stir gently until the batter is smooth; you don't want to overmix, as this can develop gluten and lead to a tougher cake.

Building Flavor with Frosting and Decoration

The frosting plays a significant role in complementing the cake. By using unsweetened cocoa powder in the frosting, you're able to maintain a balanced sweetness while amplifying the chocolate flavor. Beat the butter until it is creamy and light, as this will create a fluffier, more spreadable frosting. If your frosting is too thick, adding a tablespoon of milk at a time helps achieve the desired consistency, ensuring it glides beautifully over the cake layers.

For decoration, fresh strawberries not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate. When selecting strawberries, opt for firm, ripe ones; they'll hold their shape better when stacked on the cake. Chocolate shavings, whether from a chocolate bar or a block of chocolate, add a textural contrast, making each slice visually appealing and enticing.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake.

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

For Decoration

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to bake this delicious cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well blended.

Incorporate Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth; it will be thin but that’s correct.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla and milk until desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, add sliced strawberries, then top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Decorate the top with additional sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish.

Enjoy your cake with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the top before adding strawberries. This adds richness and an appealing sheen to your cake.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the chocolate taste. Just be sure to frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it to maintain that fresh strawberry element and prevent the strawberries from soaking into the frosting.

Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, press a piece of wax paper over the exposed slices before sealing it in an airtight container. For longer storage, this cake freezes well; slice it into portions before wrapping each piece in plastic and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Just thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Substitutions and Dietary Options

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthum gum to help with binding. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk and use a plant-based margarine for the frosting.

For those who prefer a lighter chocolate flavor, you can use a mix of semi-sweet chocolate and cocoa powder in the cake and frosting. This will still provide richness but with a different nuanced taste. Adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly if you use chocolate that is already sweetened.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature until you're ready to frost.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or a commercial egg replacer for a vegan alternative.