Name: Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 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; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ 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 extract; 200 g strawberries, finely diced; 7 strawberries, halved for decoration

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe because it marries two of my all-time favorite flavors in a way that’s both stunning and utterly delicious. The rich chocolate cake layers are so moist and tender, perfectly offset by the fresh, fruity strawberry jam and the luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting. Every bite feels like a little celebration, and it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to whenever I want to wow friends or treat myself.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe

What really makes this cake stand out for me is the beautiful balance of flavors. The deep, intense cocoa notes of the cake are brightened by the vibrant strawberry jam, while the cream cheese frosting adds that irresistibly creamy tang. It’s not overly sweet, which I appreciate, and each ingredient shines through without overwhelming the others. The fresh strawberry pieces nestled into the jam inside the layers add that extra bit of texture and freshness that just elevates every bite.

When it comes to ease, I find this recipe wonderfully approachable. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, just good-quality staples that come together beautifully. The steps are straightforward and manageable, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. I love making this cake for special celebrations, like birthdays or holidays, but honestly, it brightens up any day and makes for a perfect weekend project. Plus, it looks impressive enough to serve guests, yet it’s so comforting you’ll want to keep it all to yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

On the left side, a black cooking pot sits on a white marbled countertop filled with diced red strawberries layered evenly, topped with a thick layer of white sugar crystals scattered across the fruit. In the background, there are pink ceramic containers and a small figurine. On the right side, a gray pot is on a stove with a black glass top, inside the pot is a thick red strawberry sauce being stirred by a woman's hand holding a pink spatula, with steam rising from the surface of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this cake are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced in color and texture. Each one plays a key role in making this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe truly special.

Strawberries for jam and decoration: Fresh or frozen strawberries provide the natural sweetness and vibrant color for the jam and finishing touches.
Granulated sugar: Adds balanced sweetness and helps thicken the jam.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure while keeping the cake tender.
Natural cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor without overpowering.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for proper rising and fluffy texture.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
Unsalted butter and oil: Create moisture and richness in the cake batter.
Brown sugar: Adds deeper, caramel notes that complement the chocolate.
Eggs and milk: Provide structure, richness, and a smooth batter.
Cream cheese: For that tangy, creamy frosting that perfectly balances the sweet jam.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while keeping it silky smooth.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the frosting.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by making the strawberry jam. Combine strawberries, granulated sugar, and water in a small pot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally as it comes to a boil, then cook until it thickens to a jammy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and chill until completely cool before using.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 6-inch round cake pans by lining their bottoms with parchment paper rounds.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will give your cake structure and flavor.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Add eggs and whisk until smooth, ensuring a silky batter base.

Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to your wet ingredients in two parts, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake moist and tender.

Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans (about 540g of batter each). Smooth the tops with a spatula or gently tap the pans on the counter to level.

Step 7: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry cream cheese frosting. Beat softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy, then add cream cheese and beat until perfectly smooth.

Step 9: Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by strawberry jam and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Transfer a small portion into a piping bag for assembling the cake.

Step 10: Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife and slice each layer horizontally to create four thin layers.

Step 11: Place the first cake layer on a turntable or serving plate. Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge, then spoon in 4 tablespoons of strawberry jam inside the ring. Smooth with an offset spatula, then sprinkle diced strawberries evenly over the jam.

Step 12: Repeat with remaining layers, stacking as you go. Once all layers are assembled, apply a thin crumb coat of frosting all over the cake and chill it for 20 minutes to set.

Step 13: Frost the cake with a final thick coat of strawberry cream cheese frosting. Use a scraper to smooth the sides and top, then add rustic swirls with a spatula. Press halved strawberries along the top edge for a beautiful finishing touch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 10 generous servings, perfect for small gatherings or family celebrations. The total time you’ll need includes 20 minutes of prep, about 45 minutes of baking, plus 1 to 1.5 hours of cooling and assembly time. The strawberry jam and cake layers both require complete cooling before assembly, so plan ahead to enjoy the best texture and flavor in your Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe.

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

A three-layer dark chocolate cake is covered in thick, smooth light pink frosting. Between each dark chocolate layer, there is a bright red strawberry filling with small pieces of strawberries, creating a fresh look. The outside of the cake is fully coated in the same pink frosting, with whole red strawberries with green tops placed around the sides and on top. A slice of the cake is being lifted, showing the layers clearly. The cake sits on a white plate, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this cake, I like to keep things elegant but simple. It’s wonderful served at room temperature, which allows the frosting to be creamy and the jam luscious. For a fresh contrast, I often accompany the cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The hint of vanilla really complements the strawberry and chocolate without stealing the spotlight.

For presentation, I love to use a cake stand to showcase the beautiful layers and decoration. Adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or edible rose petals around the base elevates the look, especially for special occasions. Garnishing with fresh strawberries alongside each slice on a dessert plate adds a thoughtful, inviting touch. If you’re pairing drinks, a light sparkling rosé or a fruity non-alcoholic strawberry lemonade works perfectly to echo and enhance the flavors.

This cake truly shines at celebrations like birthdays, summer parties, or romantic dinners, but honestly, it’s such a crowd-pleaser that I sometimes make it for weeknight dessert too. Its balance of flavors makes it a refreshing choice that’s satisfying without being overly heavy. I recommend slicing it into moderate portions to savor every layer and flavor combination beautifully.

Variations

I’ve found this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe to be wonderfully versatile. If you want to switch things up, you can easily substitute fresh strawberries with mixed berries for a more complex jam filling. Using blueberries or raspberries can add extra depth without losing that fruity brightness. For the frosting, I sometimes swap strawberry jam for a homemade raspberry or cherry jam to vary the flavor profile slightly.

If gluten is a concern, I’ve had great success using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to keep the cake moist and structured. For a vegan twist, you can replace the butter with vegan margarine, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative, and swap eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). The cake turns out a little denser but remains delicious and full of flavor.

For a more intense chocolate experience, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter or swapping natural cocoa for Dutch-processed cocoa, but reduce the baking soda slightly to balance acidity. If you prefer a different cooking method, making cupcakes using the same batter and frosting is a fun way to serve individual portions at parties or picnics.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always recommend storing leftover cake in an airtight container or covering it well with plastic wrap to keep the frosting from drying out. This cake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the tangy frosting and fresh strawberry flavors without compromising the cake’s moistness.

Freezing

This cake freezes very well, which makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert. To freeze, I suggest wrapping the frosted cake tightly with plastic wrap, then covering it with a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can keep frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator to allow the layers and frosting to soften evenly.

Reheating

Because this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. If you want to soften the frosting slightly before serving, just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the frosting to separate and alter the texture of the jam filling. For the best flavor and texture, fresh is always best, but well-stored leftovers still taste delightful!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought strawberry jam instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Store-bought jam works well for this recipe and saves time. Just choose a high-quality jam with good fruit content and minimal additives for the best flavor. I’ve used this shortcut often when I’m short on time, and the cake still tastes fantastic.

What type of cocoa powder do you recommend?

I prefer natural unsweetened cocoa powder here because it provides a bright, intense chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries. However, Dutch-processed cocoa can be used if you adjust the leavening slightly to maintain the cake’s rise and balance of flavors.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making a day or two ahead. I like to bake and cool the cake layers the day before, then assemble and frost it the next day. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes serving less stressful on the day of your event.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Definitely! Replace the butter with a vegan alternative, use plant-based cream cheese, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. The texture might be a bit different but still moist and delicious.

How do I keep the cake moist without making it too sweet?

The key is balancing ingredients: using both butter and oil keeps the cake tender, while brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel undertone that complements the cocoa. The strawberry jam and fresh strawberries naturally sweeten the layers without making the cake cloyingly sweet, and the slight tang of the cream cheese frosting keeps everything bright and balanced.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Strawberry Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and Jam Filling Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a special gift to yourself and anyone you share it with. It’s bursting with flavor, simple to make, and makes such a lovely centerpiece for any occasion. Baking this cake always fills my kitchen with warmth and happiness, and I’m sure it will do the same for you!