Chocolate Strawberry Torte

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Torte
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed; Fresh strawberries, sliced; Chocolate shavings (optional)

Highlighted under: Heavenly Dessert Creations

I can't get enough of the rich and decadent Chocolate Strawberry Torte! Every time I make it, I’m reminded of how perfectly the layers of chocolate and fresh strawberries complement each other. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and juicy berries creates a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a go-to dessert for gatherings and special occasions. I promise, this torte will impress everyone at your table!

Created by

Tom

Last updated on 2026-02-04T16:17:27.783Z

When I first tried making a Chocolate Strawberry Torte, I wasn't sure how the flavors would meld together. I layered a rich chocolate cake with a smooth strawberry cream filling and topped it with fresh strawberries. The first bite was pure bliss! I learned that using high-quality cocoa powder makes all the difference in flavor, so don't skimp on that.

One of my favorite morning rituals is watching people’s faces light up as they take their first bite of this dessert. The soft torte paired with the slightly tart strawberries creates a balance that is refreshing and indulgent at the same time. I swear, this will become your new favorite dessert!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistible combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries
Light and creamy strawberry filling enhances the flavor
Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion

Perfecting the Chocolate Cake

The chocolate cake is the backbone of this torte, and its texture plays a crucial role in the overall success of the dessert. When mixing the dry ingredients, ensure they are well combined to avoid any clumps. The boiling water is a key step; it intensifies the cocoa flavor and creates a moist batter. Once combined, the batter should be glossy and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as that could incorporate too much air and lead to a denser cake than desired.

After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps set the structure and prevents the cakes from breaking. To test if they are done, insert a toothpick into the middle—the toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If needed, adjust the baking time slightly according to your oven's performance.

Creating the Strawberry Filling

The strawberry filling is what elevates this torte from a basic dessert to something truly special. Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor; their sweetness will shine through when pureed. If you prefer a more intense strawberry taste, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to the puree to enhance the berries' natural sweetness. This acidic touch balances the richness of the chocolate cake.

When whipping the cream for the filling, it's essential to use a chilled bowl and beaters to stabilize the cream. Start at a low speed until frothy, then gradually increase the speed. Watch closely for soft peaks and stop when you reach the stiff peak stage to avoid over-whipping, which can turn the cream grainy. This velvety, fluffy filling complements the cake perfectly, adding a fresh contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.

Assembling and Serving Your Torte

To assemble the torte, ensure the chocolate cake layers are completely cool; this prevents the filling from melting. I like to use a slight layer of filling between the cakes to help lock in moisture. For a visual twist, consider layering thin slices of fresh strawberries between the filling and cake layers. This not only looks beautiful but adds texture and freshness, enhancing the overall experience.

If you're preparing this dessert ahead of time, both the cake and the strawberry filling can be made one day in advance. Store the cakes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature and the filling in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the torte and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Consider pairing this dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more indulgent experience.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful Chocolate Strawberry Torte:

For the Chocolate Cake

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

For the Strawberry Filling

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

For Topping

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings (optional)

Make sure to use the freshest strawberries for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Chocolate Strawberry Torte:

Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the bowl and mix just until combined, then stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Make the Strawberry Filling

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the pureed strawberries. Keep the filling chilled until ready to use.

Assemble the Torte

Once the cakes are baked and cooled, remove them from the pans. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread half of the strawberry filling over the top. Add the second layer of cake and spread the remaining filling on top. Decorate with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.

Enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Torte chilled for the best flavor!

Pro Tips

For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle some chocolate sauce over each slice before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftovers, store the assembled torte in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the freshness of the strawberries, it's best to add them just before serving if you're making the torte ahead. If storing the individual cake layers and filling separately, you can freeze the chocolate cakes for up to three months, wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn. The filling does not freeze well, so make it fresh whenever possible.

To thaw frozen cake layers, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve their moisture. Allow them to come to room temperature before assembly for the best texture. When it comes time to serve, slice the torte with a hot, dry knife for clean edges; this prevents the filling from smudging.

Variations to Experiment With

For a twist on flavors, you can substitute the strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Each of these fruit options provides a unique tartness that can complement the rich chocolate. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of liqueur, such as raspberry or orange liqueur, to the strawberry filling for an adult version that really stands out at a gathering.

If you're looking to make the torte a bit lighter, consider reducing the amount of sugar in the cake or using a sugar substitute. Coconut flour can also be blended with almond flour for a gluten-free option, but keep in mind you'll need to adjust the humidity and wetness in the batter since these alternatives absorb moisture differently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before pureeing.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover torte 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 cakes a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

→ Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this torte gluten-free.