Description

A moist, tender chocolate cake balanced with bright strawberry flavor and a hint of acidity from vinegar, creating a complex and satisfying dessert that is quick to make and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (200g) brown sugar
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup (120g) strawberry puree
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup fresh strawberries, diced small

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper. Dust with flour or cocoa powder.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until no lumps remain.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, strawberry puree, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Mix on low speed or stir by hand until just combined. Do not overmix.
Toss diced strawberries in a tablespoon of flour. Gently fold them into the batter using a rubber spatula until just incorporated.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients emulsify better. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture. The vinegar reacts with baking soda for lift and adds brightness without tasting sour. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 35
Sodium: 350
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 50
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: strawberry chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, strawberry cake, acid in baking, easy dessert, summer cake, homemade cake