Strawberry Fudge Cake
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Prep Time: 40 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16
Description
For a dessert that perfectly marries the rich flavor of chocolate and the refreshing taste of strawberries, look no further than this Strawberry Fudge Cake. It’s a showstopper at any dinner party or potluck, and the combination of a soft, fudgy cake layered with strawberry frosting is nothing short of heavenly. The cake itself is incredibly moist, while the strawberry topping provides a luscious, fruity contrast that complements the chocolate beautifully. Make this dessert for your next gathering, and you’re sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: strawberry, berries, fruit, potluck, for large groups, oven, under 4 hours
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 2 |
| Strawberry (for topping) | 4 cups |
| Water | 2/3 cup |
| Brownie mix | 1 package |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Chocolate chips | 2 cups |
| Frosting (for filling and coating) | 1 jar (approx. 1 1/2 cups) |
| Whole or sliced strawberries | As needed (for garnish) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 424.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 52.9 mg |
| Sodium | 125.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 45.9 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your cake pans by spraying two 8-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that the cakes come out of the pans without sticking. -
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1/3 cup water. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat the mixture until it’s well-blended. This should only take about 1 minute. After mixing, stir in the chocolate chips for an added burst of chocolate in every bite. -
Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Spread the batter out gently, smoothing the tops. Place the pans in the oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 30 minutes on a wire rack while still in the pans. -
Make the Strawberry Topping
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry topping. Take the fresh strawberries and puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. This strawberry puree will be spread over the warm cakes to infuse them with a sweet, fruity flavor. -
Cool and Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled for 30 minutes, use a fork or skewer to poke several holes into each cake layer. Pour the prepared strawberry topping over the warm cakes, allowing it to soak into the holes. This will ensure that each bite of the cake has that delicious strawberry flavor. After the cakes have soaked for a while, carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on the wire rack. -
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread 1 1/2 cups of frosting on top of the first cake layer. Gently place the second layer of cake on top, aligning it evenly with the bottom layer. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and around the sides of the entire cake. The frosting will create a smooth, creamy layer that complements the fudgy, strawberry-infused layers beneath. -
Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish the cake with whole or sliced strawberries on top. The bright red berries will not only add a pop of color but also give an extra burst of fresh flavor to the cake. Once garnished, slice and serve this delicious dessert at your next dinner party, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Tips for Success:
- Substitute for Frosting: If you want to make the frosting from scratch, a rich, homemade chocolate ganache would pair wonderfully with the strawberry topping.
- For Extra Moisture: To ensure the cake stays moist, you can add a small amount of sour cream or yogurt to the batter. This will also make the cake even richer.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days before frosting and assembling the cake.
This Strawberry Fudge Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual potlucks to more formal dinner parties. With its combination of rich chocolate cake and fresh strawberry topping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a large event, this decadent dessert is bound to impress!
