Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is a decadent, moist dessert with a deep chocolate flavor and bright, sweet strawberries. The combination of flavors works well, making it a great choice for celebrations or a simple treat. The homemade strawberry frosting is smooth and creamy. It complements the chocolate cake layers perfectly.

A layered strawberry chocolate cake with light frosting, topped with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. One slice is cut out and placed on the side. A large flower is in the background.

Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

The truth is, I get some very good ideas for recipes from you guys. Your substitutions and questions are a constant source of inspiration. For this chocolate strawberry stacked cake, Richard inspired me with his modification of my ever-popular Easy Strawberry Cake.

Chocolate-covered strawberries came to mind as I was making this cake. Chocolate and strawberries go together like yin and yang. Who doesn’t love chocolate-covered strawberries? They truly please everyone! I hope this cake does too.

A three-layer chocolate cake with white frosting and sliced strawberries on top, garnished with mint leaves, on a white plate. A large pink flower is in the background.

Chocolate Cake Mix Cake

Keeping with the theme of easy strawberry cake, I started this cake with a cake mix. If you want to make the cake from scratch, use this chocolate cake recipe. It’s hands down one of the best chocolate cake recipes. You’ll add in a 3-ounce box of strawberry-flavored gelatin (Jello) and 1 cup of fresh or frozen mashed strawberries (measured after you chop or mash them)

Three-layer strawberry chocolate cake with white frosting between layers, topped with sliced strawberries and mint leaves on a white plate.

Cake mix cakes have been a staple in home baking since the 1930s when companies introduced pre-measured ingredients to make baking more convenient. By the 1950s, they became even more popular as home bakers started adding extra ingredients to customize flavors and textures. Today, they remain a reliable base for delicious homemade cakes with a personal touch.

A slice of dessert with layers of white frosting, topped with a mint leaf, sits on a plate. Whole cake in background with sliced strawberries and mint garnish.

Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake Tips & Subs

Make sure the strawberries are well-drained before adding them to the batter and the frosting. Too much moisture can change the texture.

Using Greek yogurt or sour cream in the cake adds richness and keeps the cake from drying out. Instead of Greek yogurt, you can use whole, 2%, or 1% milk or buttermilk. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond, oat, coconut, or soy milk.

Soy milk is typically recommended over other non-dairy milk alternatives for baking.

A layered chocolate cake with white frosting, garnished with sliced strawberries and mint leaves on top and sides, next to a large pink and white flower.

Instead of vegetable oil, you can use butter. Melted butter can be used for a slightly richer flavor. Melt it, then let it cool so it doesn’t scramble your eggs.

Use a dark chocolate cake mix instead if you want a deeper chocolate flavor.

For a balanced texture, make sure to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting. This helps create a smooth consistency. Fresh or frozen strawberries work, but if using frozen, let them thaw and drain well to avoid extra moisture in the cake or frosting.

Three-layer dessert with white frosting, topped with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. Placed on a white plate, a pink flower is visible in the background.

Cooking times for pan size

For a 9×13 pan, bake for 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
two 9-inches round or 9×9 inch square 28 to 31 minutes
two 8-inch round or 8×8-inch square 30 to 33 minutes
three 8-inch round 28 to 30 minutes

A slice of dessert with white frosting on a plate, garnished with mint leaf, with more cake in the background.

Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Frosting FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake stays fresh for a few days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting can also be made in advance and refrigerated until ready to use.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving for the best texture.

Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, but the strawberry cream cheese frosting gives the best balance of sweetness and tangy flavor. Buttercream or whipped frosting are other options.

Dessert topped and partially garnished with mint leaves against a floral backdrop.

Dessert, partially sliced, on a white plate with a floral background.

Three-layer chocolate cake with white frosting, topped with sliced strawberries and mint leaves. Placed on a white plate, a pink flower is visible in the background.

Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake

Strawberry Chocolate Layer Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries.

Author: Paula

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 22

Total Time: 40

Servings: 16 slices

Equipment

Ingredients

Cake

15.25 ounce box chocolate cake mix (use ingredients listed here NOT what is listed on the box) You can also use 16.25-ounce size
3 -ounce box strawberry flavored gelatin you'll use the powder
1 cup strawberries fresh or frozen mashed or finely chopped (measured after you chop or mash them)
½ cup vegetable oil
⅔ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream*,
4 large eggs at room temperature

Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

8 -ounces cream cheese at room temperature
½ cup butter room temperature
5 to 6 cups powdered sugar (aka confectioners) sifted then measured, more if needed
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream more if needed
¼ cup strawberries fresh or frozen, mashed or chopped fine, drained

Instructions

PLEASE READ POST ABOVE FOR MORE INFO

For the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray pan(s) with non-stick spray or Wilton cake release.
Add cake mix, eggs, milk, and vegetable oil to a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and mix well. Mix in the 1 cup of mashed strawberries and the (dry) strawberry gelatin.
Mix 3 minutes, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl a couple of times.
Divide the batter evenly among layer pans or pour into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Cool the cake layers for 10 minutes in the pan before removing them to a wire rack. Wait until the cake is completely cool before frosting.

For Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Sift sugar and add one cup at a time to the cream cheese mixture. Add heavy whipping cream and strawberries and incorporate completely.
For a more professional cake, remove the domes from the tops of the cake layers with a cake leveler or large serrated knife.
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread about 1 cup of the frosting on top in an even layer. Repeat with the next layer of cake and frosting, then top the cake with the final layer of cake (if you have 3 layers).
Frost the outside of the cake. An offset spatula makes it really easy to get an even layer.

Video

Notes

Cooking times for pan size

For 9×13 pan bake 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
two 9-inches round or 9×9 inch square 28 to 31 minutes
two 8-inch round or 8×8-inch square 30 to 33 minutes
three 8-inch round 28 to 30 minutes

*You can use whole, 2%, or 1% milk or buttermilk for the Greek yogurt. You can also use non-dairy milk like almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk.

**The video is of my Easy Strawberry, the method for mixing is the same.

Nutrition

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.

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