The easy chocolate and strawberry cake is one of those desserts I make when I crave something tasty and uncomplicated. Soft, aromatic and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, just like homemade cakes from the past. If you love desserts with fresh fruit, you can also try the soft strawberry tart or the soft fruit cake, both simple and perfect for the season.
I adore the contrast between cocoa and fresh strawberries: the intense flavor of chocolate meets the slightly tangy sweetness of the fruit, creating a truly irresistible balance. Strawberries also have a special meaning for me… my father used to grow them on our terrace and every spring it was a small joy to pick and taste them.
This cake is really within everyone’s reach: it takes just a few minutes to prepare and strawberries are added both inside and on top, for a soft, moist and also beautiful result to look at… absolutely worth making!
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- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Budget
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 45 Minutes
- Portions: 8 servings
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer
Easy chocolate and strawberry cake: ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup partially skimmed milk
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (00 flour)
- 3 tbsp + 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Half packet baking powder
- 1 cup strawberries
Useful tools
- Food processor Bimby
- Pan 7-inch
- Spatula
How to prepare the easy chocolate and strawberry cake
I start by putting the eggs and sugar in a bowl and whisking with electric beaters until the mixture is pale and frothy.
I add the vegetable oil and the milk in a thin stream, continuing to work with the beaters.
I fold in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder and baking powder and mix until I obtain a smooth batter without lumps.
I wash the strawberries, dry them very well and cut them: some in pieces for the interior and some into slices for decoration.
I pour part of the batter into a 7-inch pan brushed with butter and dusted with cocoa.
I distribute the chopped strawberries over it.
I cover with the remaining batter and level gently.
I decorate the surface with the strawberry slices, without pressing them in too much.
I bake in a conventional oven at 347°F on the lower-middle rack for about 45-50 minutes.
After about 35 minutes I check the surface: if it tends to darken too much I cover with parchment paper and continue baking.
I do the skewer test: it should come out dry or slightly moist but not wet.
I let it cool completely before removing from the pan and slicing.I put the eggs and sugar in the mixing bowl and work for 2 minutes at speed 4, until the mixture is pale and frothy.
I add the vegetable oil and the milk and mix for 30 seconds at speed 4.
I add the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder and baking powder and work for 40 seconds at speed 5 until the batter is smooth.
I wash the strawberries, dry them very well and cut them: some in pieces and some into slices.
I pour part of the batter into the 7-inch pan brushed with butter and dusted with cocoa.
I distribute the chopped strawberries on top.
I cover with the remaining batter and level.
I decorate with the strawberry slices, without pressing them in too much.
I bake in a conventional oven at 347°F on the lower-middle rack for about 45-50 minutes.
If necessary I cover with parchment paper during baking.
I do the skewer test before removing from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
Storage and useful tips
The easy chocolate and strawberry cake stays soft for 2-3 days under a cake dome.
For an even more indulgent version you can add chocolate chips to the batter.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the milk?
You can use a plant-based beverage such as almond or oat milk.
Why does the cake remain raw inside?
If the baking time is too short or the pan is small the cake will be taller and requires at least 45-50 minutes of baking.
Can I use a larger pan?
Yes, but the cake will be lower and the baking time will be reduced.
Should the cake be moist?
Yes, it remains slightly moist thanks to the strawberries but it should not be raw.
