There’s something magical about baking that brings joy to my heart. The aroma of chocolate wafting through the kitchen, combined with the sweet scent of strawberry jam, creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of life’s sweetest moments. I remember the first time I made this cake for my family. The look on their faces as they took their first bite was priceless. It was a moment of pure bliss, and I knew I had stumbled upon something special.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a cozy weekend treat. The rich chocolate layers paired with the fruity strawberry jam create a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients List
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ 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 strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed)
How to Prepare Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam
Prepping the Cake
Let’s get started! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because a properly heated oven ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. I like to use a bit of butter to grease the pans, then dust them with flour. This helps the cakes release easily after baking, preventing any heartbreak when it’s time to serve.
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. This step is important because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Next, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want a smooth batter, so don’t rush this part! After that, carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s exactly what you want for a moist cake.
Baking the Cake
Now it’s time to pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake them in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. If it comes out clean, they’re ready! Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential; it helps the cakes firm up and makes them easier to frost.
Making the Frosting
While the cakes cool, let’s whip up the chocolate frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium speed until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined. This helps prevent a sugary cloud from forming!
Once combined, add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If it feels too thick, don’t hesitate to add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembling your masterpiece! Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry jam over the top. Then, carefully place the second cake layer on top of the jam. Use the chocolate frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. I like to smooth it out with a spatula for a neat finish. Finally, decorate the top with fresh sliced strawberries for that extra touch of elegance. Your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam is now ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful dessert in no time.
Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate and strawberry creates a decadent taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a family gathering, this cake is sure to impress.
Moist and Fluffy: The unique batter, enhanced by boiling water, results in a cake that’s incredibly moist and fluffy.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different jams or add layers for an even more indulgent treat!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam turns out perfectly, here are some tips I’ve gathered over the years:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake.
Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Check Your Oven: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure your temperature is accurate, as this can affect baking time.
Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam that will wow your family and friends!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for one slice of Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Protein: 4g
These estimates are a great starting point for understanding the nutritional content of this delightful dessert. Enjoy your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam in moderation, and savor every bite!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about making Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam. I hope these answers help you on your baking journey!
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam pairs beautifully with chocolate, feel free to experiment with raspberry, blueberry, or even apricot jam. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor profile.
How do I store leftover cake?
To keep your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
What can I substitute for eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Use ¼ cup of either for each egg. This will keep your cake moist and delicious!
Why is my cake dense?
A dense cake can result from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this enhances the flavors.
If you have a larger portion or want to save some for later, freezing is a great option! Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Your cake can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This way, you can savor the delightful combination of chocolate and strawberry whenever the craving strikes!
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam is a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ 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 strawberry jam (store-bought or homemade)
Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy cream (more if needed)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (the batter will be thin).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until combined.
Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry jam over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top of the jam layer.
Use the chocolate frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out with a spatula for a neat finish.
Decorate the top with fresh sliced strawberries.
Notes
Enjoy your Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam, a rich and fruity treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
