Heart-Shaped Chocolate and Strawberry Cake

Name: Heart-Shaped Chocolate and Strawberry Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making heart-shaped cakes, especially when it comes to chocolate and strawberries. There’s something so delightful about pairing rich chocolate with fresh strawberries in a beautiful heart shape. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a treat for myself, this cake never fails to make me smile. The process of baking it also brings back lovely memories of my childhood, where I often helped my mom in the kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert with a scrumptious taste that’s sure to please.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-07T22:34:27.849Z

When I first attempted to bake this heart-shaped cake, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to create such an impressive dessert. The trick is in the combination of a rich chocolate cake base and a luscious strawberry filling that complements it perfectly. I like to use fresh strawberries for a burst of flavor that can't be beaten, while the chocolate provides a decadent touch.

To achieve the best results, I recommend letting the cake cool completely before adding the frosting. This helps the frosting maintain its shape and provides a smooth finish for that perfect presentation. Trust me, taking the time to do this pays off when you slice into the cake!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberries
Beautiful heart shape that’s perfect for celebrations
Moist and decadent, making every bite a delight

      

Mastering the Cake Texture

Achieving the perfect texture in your heart-shaped cake requires attention to detail. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; this can lead to a denser cake. Mix just until combined to ensure it stays light and fluffy. The addition of boiling water at the end serves to melt the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor while keeping the batter thin for a moist cake.

When baking, the temperature of the oven is crucial. Make sure your oven is properly preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you place the cake in. Each oven behaves differently, so keep a close eye on the cakes after around 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it’s ready to cool. Allowing the cakes to cool fully on a wire rack helps prevent them from becoming soggy.

Creating the Perfect Strawberry Filling

The strawberry filling is what brings a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate cake. Selecting ripe, fresh strawberries will elevate the flavor profile significantly. Pay attention to the size of the strawberry pieces; keeping them consistently sliced helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the filling. If you find the strawberries a bit tart, feel free to adjust the sugar to taste, but remember that the natural sweetness will shine through best in peak strawberry season.

Letting the strawberry filling sit for 15 minutes allows the sugar to draw out the natural juices. This step is essential, as it creates a syrupy mixture that enhances the moisture of the cake layers. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash some of the strawberries while preserving some slices for texture, giving your cake a nice visual and flavor balance.

Frosting Tips and Tricks

Making the chocolate frosting creamy and fluffy requires patience and the right technique. Start with soft butter; it should be at room temperature and pliable without being greasy. Beat it until it becomes light and fluffy—this can take about 2-3 minutes. Gradually adding the powdered sugar and cocoa powder while mixing on low will prevent a cloud of sugar from blowing into your kitchen, ensuring a smooth blend.

If you find your frosting is too thick, a splash of heavy cream can help achieve that perfect spreadable consistency. Conversely, if the frosting is too thin, adding a little extra powdered sugar will help thicken it. Remember to frost the cake when it’s completely cooled to achieve the best coverage without melting or sliding off.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two heart-shaped cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Finally, stir in the boiling water until well combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

While the cake cools, prepare the strawberry filling. In a medium bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to release the juices.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed. Add the cream and vanilla, then beat on high speed until fluffy.

Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the strawberry filling over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting.

Decorate with extra strawberries if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra special touch, try adding some whipped cream on top of the cake before serving. It adds lightness and complements the strawberries beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

This heart-shaped chocolate and strawberry cake can be made a day in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Store the un-frosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature to maintain freshness. If you plan to frost the cake later, store the frosting in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick whip before using to restore its texture.

Once frosted, the cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Store it in the refrigerator to keep the strawberries fresh, but let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come alive. If you have leftovers, gently cover them to keep the frosting intact and enjoy them as a delightful treat for days!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the chocolate and strawberry combination is divine, you can experiment with different flavored frostings or fillings. Consider using raspberries instead of strawberries for a tangy twist, or even a whipped mascarpone layer for a decadent creaminess. For a hint of elegance, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the frosted cake before serving.

For serving, a light dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings can elevate the presentation. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to balance the richness of the cake. A simple garnish of mint leaves can also enhance the visual appeal while adding a fresh, aromatic note to this delightful dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute.