Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake

Introduction

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake is a delectable treat that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the richness of chocolate chips in a fluffy, moist cake. The burst of fresh strawberry flavor, paired with melted pockets of chocolate throughout the cake, creates a perfect balance of fruity and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a dessert, this cake will surely impress.

I remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. The vibrant pink color and the sweet aroma of strawberries filled the kitchen, and everyone was eager to try it. The combination of strawberries and chocolate chips was a big hit, with each bite delivering that perfect balance of flavors. It’s one of those cakes that’s not only beautiful to look at but also unforgettable in taste, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

Perfect for:

• Birthdays
• Afternoon tea or coffee
• Family gatherings
• Strawberry and chocolate lovers
• Dessert trays

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake will become your go-to dessert:

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Sweet, juicy strawberries infuse the cake with a natural fruity sweetness.
• Chocolatey Goodness: The chocolate chips throughout the cake provide pockets of melted chocolate in every bite, adding richness and indulgence.
• Moist and Fluffy: The cake’s texture is incredibly light, yet moist, thanks to the combination of strawberries and a touch of yogurt or buttermilk.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy ingredients—just fresh strawberries, pantry staples, and a handful of chocolate chips to make this delightful cake.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant pink color from the strawberries makes this cake not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)

For the Frosting (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts beautifully in the cake, giving pockets of rich chocolatey goodness.
• Yogurt or Buttermilk: Keeps the cake soft, moist, and adds a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake’s light texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor and complements both the strawberries and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake:

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Yogurt/Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the yogurt or buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the Strawberries and Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix to avoid releasing too much strawberry juice.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Frosting (Optional):

9. Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream frosting over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings for extra flair.

Serve and Garnish:

11. Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into slices and serve. The cake is perfect on its own or with the whipped cream frosting for added indulgence.

How to Serve

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra special dessert.
• For Afternoon Tea: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• For Birthdays or Celebrations: Top with whipped cream frosting and extra strawberries to make it even more festive.
• As a Snack or Dessert: Serve it as a simple, no-fuss dessert that everyone will enjoy.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake turns out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor and moisture. Avoid using frozen strawberries, as they may release too much liquid and make the cake soggy.
• Chop Strawberries Finely: Chop the strawberries into small pieces to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, use room-temperature butter, eggs, and yogurt/buttermilk to help create a smooth, even batter.

Recipe Variations

Here are 5 variations you can try for Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake:

• Double Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a double chocolate version.
• Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free yogurt, and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the whipped cream with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a rich alternative.
• Almond Strawberry Cake: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter for a nutty twist.
• Strawberry Coconut Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted, refrigerate to keep the frosting fresh for up to 4 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake easier:

• Electric Mixer: Helps to beat the butter and sugar for a smooth, fluffy batter.
• Cake Pan: A 9-inch round or square cake pan works best for this recipe.
• Spatula: Useful for folding in the strawberries and chocolate chips gently.
• Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients and beating the eggs and butter together.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   It’s best to use fresh strawberries for this cake, as frozen strawberries release too much moisture and can affect the texture of the cake.
2. Can I make this cake without chocolate chips?
   Yes! If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the chocolate chips or substitute them with white chocolate chips, nuts, or a mix of both.
3. Can I make this cake without frosting?
   Yes, the cake is delicious on its own without frosting. If you prefer, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
4. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes, you can substitute the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches for a different flavor profile.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, this cake can be baked a day ahead. Just keep it covered at room temperature, or refrigerate if it’s frosted.

Print

Conclusion

Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that brings together the sweetness of strawberries and the richness of chocolate in every bite. This cake boasts a moist, fluffy texture with pockets of gooey chocolate chips and the fresh, fruity burst of strawberries in every slice. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress.

The combination of juicy strawberries and decadent chocolate creates a perfect balance of flavors, making it a treat everyone will love. It’s easy to make, yet looks impressive enough to serve at a gathering or celebration. Top it with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of indulgence.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy baking!