If you are on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich decadence of chocolate with the fresh, vibrant sweetness of strawberries, you have to try this Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe. It masterfully blends moist chocolate layers with a luxuriously smooth and tangy strawberry buttercream that feels like a hug in frosting form. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and luscious textures coming together in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something extraordinary, this recipe promises to impress and delight every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of two clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled texture. The larger bowl is filled with bright red frozen strawberries covered in a layer of frost, showing different shapes and sizes of the berries. The smaller bowl contains fine white sugar, evenly filled to the rim. Beside the bowls lies a small wooden spoon with a heart shape cut out in the center. The overall scene is simple and clean with a fresh look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s talk ingredients. The magic of this Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe lies in the simplicity of its components. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich cocoa that gives the cake its deep chocolate flavor to the fresh strawberries adding brightness and natural sweetness. The buttercream, made with egg whites and butter, strikes the perfect balance of creamy and fluffy, with the strawberry puree infusing it with irresistible fruity notes.

All-purpose Flour (2 cups / 240g): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
Granulated Sugar (2 cups / 400g + additional for buttercream): Essential for sweetness and helps create a moist crumb in the cake layers.
Large Eggs (2 room temperature): Adds richness and stability to the batter.
Dutch-processed Cocoa Powder (2/3 cup / 60g): Gives the chocolate layers their deep, smooth flavor and dark color.
Vegetable Oil (2/3 cup / 160ml): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Whole Milk (1 cup / 240ml, room temperature): Adds richness and helps dissolve the cocoa.
Baking Powder (2 tsp): Provides lift, ensuring the cake is light and fluffy.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
Hot Water (1/2 cup / 240ml): Intensifies cocoa flavor and improves texture.
Fresh or Frozen Strawberries (17 oz / 500g): The star of the buttercream, creating a fresh fruit puree base.
Granulated Sugar for Strawberry Puree (1/2 cup / 100g): Sweetens and thickens the strawberry mixture.
Egg Whites (4 large / 160g, room temperature): Whipped into a meringue to give the buttercream its silky smooth texture.
Cream of Tartar (1/2 tsp): Stabilizes the meringue and helps it hold stiffness.
Granulated Sugar for Syrup (1 1/3 cups / 267g): Creates the syrup that’s gently folded into the meringue for sweetness and structure.
Water (1/3 cup / 80ml): Used to make the sugar syrup for the Italian meringue.
Unsalted Butter (3 sticks / 340g, room temperature): Gives the buttercream richness, creaminess, and body.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Lifts the flavor profile of the frosting to a heavenly finish.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 335°F (170°C) and lining two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Combine all the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt—in a mixing bowl. Add in the eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. Then, pour in the hot water and mix again until the batter is smooth and glossy. This step is crucial as the hot water intensifies the chocolate flavor and ensures the cake is incredibly moist. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and pop them in the oven for about 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Puree

While the cake bakes, start your strawberry puree by placing the strawberries and 1/2 cup of sugar into a medium saucepan. For fresh strawberries, add a splash of water to help things along. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the berries break down and the mixture reaches a bubbling boil. Reduce the heat and allow it to thicken to a jam-like texture that has a slight gelatinous consistency. This may take around 15 minutes of simmering but don’t rush it—as it thickens, the flavor intensifies beautifully. Let it cool slightly before blending until smooth, then strain through a sieve to remove seeds. Cool the puree completely before incorporating it into the buttercream.

Step 3: Create the Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream

This is where the magic truly happens. Begin with room temperature egg whites and butter, which is essential for the best result. Whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy, then gradually add 1/3 cup of sugar one tablespoon at a time, whipping to soft peaks. Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and water in a saucepan and heating it to 240°F (115°C)—the perfect temperature for making Italian meringue. Slowly pour this syrup into the whipped egg whites with the mixer running on low, then whip on high until the bowl cools to room temperature. Now for the butter: add softened butter a tablespoon at a time, mixing thoroughly before next addition. The frosting might look curdled halfway through but trust the process! Finally, add vanilla and fold in the chilled strawberry puree a little at a time until you get that perfect pink hue and fruity punch.

Step 4: Assemble Your Cake Layers

Once fully cooled, level the domed tops off your chocolate cakes using a serrated knife or cake leveler. Carefully cut each cake horizontally to create four thin layers total. Start assembling by placing your first layer on a cake board or plate, then spread an even layer of the strawberry buttercream on top. Add the subsequent layers repeating the buttercream between them. If you want an added surprise, try scattering finely chopped fresh strawberries in the middle layers for a burst of texture and flavor. Finish by covering the entire cake in the strawberry buttercream and smoothing it out. From here, get creative with your decoration—chocolate ganache drips, buttercream swirls, or chocolate-covered strawberries make stunning toppings.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe

The image shows a whole chocolate cake covered with smooth pink frosting, sitting on a white cake stand. The top edge of the cake has dark chocolate drips flowing down the sides, and it is decorated with swirls of the same pink frosting and several chocolate-covered strawberries with green leaves on top. In front of the cake, there is a white plate holding a three-layer slice of the cake, each dark chocolate layer separated by thick pink frosting. A chocolate-covered strawberry rests on top of the slice. A pink and gold fork lies beside the plate on a white marbled surface, which is scattered with small red heart-shaped confetti. In the background, there is a vase with red roses. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate the look and taste, garnish your cake with fresh strawberries, either whole or sliced. A drizzle of chocolate ganache can add a glossy finish and another layer of richness. Edible flower petals or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder also complement the fresh, fruity aesthetic perfectly. These touches make the cake feel both elegant and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice of this luscious cake with a light complement like vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a beverage, a chilled glass of champagne or a warm cup of rich coffee beautifully balances the strawberry and chocolate flavors, making your dessert experience even more unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of the traditional round cake, try making cupcakes or even mini layer cakes using this recipe—it’s perfect for intimate gatherings or party favors. For a rustic vibe, display the layered cake on a wooden board surrounded by fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings. You can also pipe the strawberry Italian meringue buttercream into pretty rosettes for a delicate, bakery-style look that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days refrigerated.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Simply allow frozen cake to thaw completely, and if the buttercream feels a little stiff, give it a quick stir to bring back its silky smooth texture before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the strawberry puree?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully and often have a more consistent flavor year-round. Just add a splash of water when cooking to help them break down smoothly.

What can I do if my buttercream looks curdled while mixing?

This is totally normal. Keep adding the butter a little at a time and continue whisking. The mixture will come together and become creamy once all the butter is fully incorporated.

Can I substitute an ingredient to make this cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but be aware that texture might vary slightly. Be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for the best structure.

How long does it take to make this Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe?

The entire process, including baking and chilling, takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, but it’s definitely worth the time for such an outstanding cake.

Is it possible to add more strawberry flavor to the buttercream?

Yes, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract or reserve some strawberry puree to swirl through the final frosting to intensify the fruity taste without overpowering the delicate balance.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe is truly a labor of love that rewards every effort with rich chocolate and bright, luscious strawberries in perfect harmony. I can’t recommend it enough for your next special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Once you try this cake, I guarantee it will become a treasured recipe you return to again and again.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Italian Meringue Buttercream Recipe