Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake Recipe

Moist chocolate cake, fluffy cream, and juicy strawberries come together in this Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake, a dessert that’s rustic, elegant, and absolutely irresistible. With its exposed layers and natural beauty, this cake doesn’t need heavy decoration—the simple combination of chocolate and strawberries speaks for itself.

Behind the Recipe

This cake was inspired by the charm of rustic naked cakes, where the beauty of the ingredients is on full display. Instead of hiding everything under thick frosting, the layers peek through, showing off their richness. Paired with strawberries, it feels romantic yet approachable, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or even a casual weekend indulgence.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The “naked cake” trend started in modern bakeries that wanted to celebrate natural textures and flavors. Unlike traditional cakes, these are minimally frosted, letting the cake layers and fillings shine. The pairing of chocolate and strawberries is a timeless romance in baking, often found in European patisserie, now reimagined in this rustic showpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake

• Visually Stunning: Rustic yet elegant presentation.
• Classic Flavors: Chocolate + strawberries = timeless pairing.
• Less Sweet: Light frosting keeps it balanced.
• Easy Decoration: No need for fancy piping or perfect smoothing.
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for any celebration.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Layers can be baked ahead and assembled later.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
2. Level cake layers before stacking for stability.
3. Chill whipped cream filling slightly before assembling.
4. Don’t over-frost—the charm of a naked cake is its exposed edges.
5. Garnish with whole strawberries and chocolate shavings for a showstopper finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 8-inch Cake Pans (2 or 3)
• Mixing Bowls
• Electric Mixer
• Spatula & Offset Spatula
• Serrated Knife (for leveling cakes)
• Cooling Racks

Ingredients in Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
• Granulated Sugar: 2 cups
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ¾ cup
• Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Eggs: 2 large
• Milk: 1 cup
• Vegetable Oil: ½ cup
• Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
• Hot Coffee (or hot water): 1 cup

For the Filling & Frosting:

• Heavy Cream: 2 cups (whipped to stiff peaks)
• Powdered Sugar: ½ cup
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Fresh Strawberries: 3 cups (sliced, plus whole for garnish)

Optional Garnish:

• Shaved Chocolate or Cocoa Powder

Ingredient Substitutions

• Flour: Use cake flour for lighter texture.
• Oil: Swap with melted butter for richer flavor.
• Coffee: Use hot water if preferred—coffee just enhances chocolate flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Swap for mascarpone cream for extra richness.
• Strawberries: Use raspberries or cherries for a twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they bring a natural sweetness that balances the richness of the chocolate cake.

Hot Coffee: Enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.

Instructions for Making Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line 2–3 cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in hot coffee until combined (batter will be thin).
3. Bake the Cake:
   Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on racks.
4. Prepare the Filling:
   Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Slice strawberries for layering.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   Level cooled cakes. Place first layer on serving plate, spread whipped cream, and top with strawberries. Repeat with remaining layers.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Lightly frost the outside with a thin coat of cream, leaving edges exposed. Garnish top with whole strawberries and chocolate shavings.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Chill slightly before slicing for clean layers, then serve fresh.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This cake combines moist chocolate layers with fluffy cream and fresh, juicy strawberries. The balance of rich and light makes every bite feel indulgent but not overwhelming.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill the mixing bowl before whipping cream for stability.
• Assemble cake close to serving time for the freshest look.
• Use a serrated knife to cut neat slices without squishing strawberries.

What to Avoid

• Don’t overwhip cream—it can turn grainy.
• Avoid watery strawberries—dry slices before layering.
• Don’t overbake the cake—it should stay moist.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 slices
Calories per slice: ~410

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Assembly Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Bake cakes a day ahead, wrap tightly, and refrigerate.
• Assemble up to 4 hours before serving for best freshness.
• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake

Serve on a cake stand with extra strawberries scattered around. Pair with coffee, champagne, or even a glass of cold milk for contrast.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Cake Parfaits: Layer cake scraps with cream and berries in glasses.
• Cake Trifles: Build in a bowl with extra strawberries.
• Chocolate Strawberry Milkshake: Blend scraps with ice cream and milk.

Additional Tips

• Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache between layers for richness.
• Brush cake layers with simple syrup for extra moisture.
• Add mint leaves to garnish for freshness.

Make It a Showstopper

Stack 3 tall layers, garnish with cascading strawberries, drizzle with ganache, and dust lightly with powdered sugar. It’ll look straight out of a bakery.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Raspberry Naked Cake: Use raspberries instead of strawberries.
• Black Forest Twist: Add cherries and chocolate shavings.
• Valentine’s Cake: Heart-shaped pan with pink whipped cream.
• Mini Naked Cakes: Bake in small pans for individual cakes.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds between layers.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use boxed cake mix?

A1: Yes, just enhance with coffee for richer flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?

A2: Yes, use plant-based whipped cream and milk.

Q3: Can I freeze cake layers?

A3: Yes, wrap and freeze up to 2 months before assembling.

Q4: Can I make cupcakes instead?

A4: Absolutely—top with whipped cream and strawberries.

Q5: How long does it last?

A5: Best eaten within 2 days for freshness.

Q6: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A6: Not recommended—they release too much liquid.

Q7: Do I need a stand mixer?

A7: No, a hand mixer works fine.

Q8: Can I add chocolate ganache?

A8: Yes, it makes it even richer.

Q9: Can I make it gluten-free?

A9: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Q10: What’s the best way to cut neat slices?

A10: Chill slightly and use a serrated knife.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake is rustic elegance at its best—moist chocolate layers, fresh strawberries, and light cream all stacked into a stunning, delicious centerpiece. Whether for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake promises to impress.

Watch How To Make Chocolate Strawberry Naked Cake Recipe