Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake: Easy Layer Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake

Few desserts can claim to be the perfect trifecta of chocolate, fruit, and creamy indulgence quite like this Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake. This spectacular dessert brings together the rich depth of chocolate cake, the creamy hazelnut sweetness of Nutella, and the bright freshness of strawberries, all topped with billowy whipped cream. What makes this cake truly special is not just its incredible flavor combination, but also its surprisingly simple preparation method that delivers bakery-quality results in your own kitchen.

This cake emerged from a moment of creative desperation – when the desire for something extraordinary met the reality of pantry limitations. Instead of traditional chocolate ganache, Nutella becomes the star, creating layers of flavor that transform a simple chocolate cake into something truly memorable. The result is a dessert that’s both approachable for home bakers and impressive enough for special occasions.

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Perfection

The foundation of this cake lies in carefully selected ingredients that work in harmony to create the perfect texture and flavor balance. Each component serves a specific purpose in building the layers of taste and texture that make this dessert so irresistible.

The Chocolate Cake Base

The cake itself requires

2 sticks of butter

, which provides richness and moisture, while

4 tablespoons of cocoa powder

delivers the essential chocolate flavor. The unique preparation method involves melting the butter with cocoa and adding boiling water, creating a smooth chocolate base that infuses every bite with deep chocolate notes.

**2 cups each of flour and sugar** form the structural foundation, balanced with

1/4 teaspoon of salt

to enhance all the flavors. The liquid components include

1/2 cup of buttermilk

,

2 whole eggs

,

1 teaspoon each of baking soda and vanilla

, which work together to create the cake’s tender, moist crumb.

The Nutella Layer

Perhaps the most indulgent component is the

1 1/2 cups of Nutella

that serves as the “icing” between layers. This generous amount ensures that every bite delivers that distinctive hazelnut-chocolate flavor that makes Nutella so beloved. The Nutella acts as both a flavor enhancer and a binding agent that helps hold the layers together.

Fresh Strawberry Component

The fruit element consists of

2 pints of fresh strawberries

, which should be hulled and sliced for optimal distribution throughout the cake. These are macerated with

1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla

, a process that draws out the natural juices and intensifies the strawberry flavor. This maceration step is crucial for preventing the cake from becoming soggy while ensuring maximum fruit flavor.

Whipped Cream Topping

The final component is a cloud of homemade whipped cream made from

2 cups of heavy cream

and

1/2 cup of powdered sugar

. This light, airy topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the dense cake and rich Nutella layers, while the sweetness balances the slight tartness of the strawberries.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Creating this masterpiece involves several distinct phases, each requiring attention to detail to achieve the perfect result. The process is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

Preparing the Chocolate Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to

350 degrees Fahrenheit

and preparing two round baking pans by lining them with parchment paper and spraying with baking spray. This double protection ensures easy release and prevents sticking.

The chocolate mixture preparation is where this recipe shines. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the cocoa powder, stirring until completely smooth. The addition of boiling water creates a dramatic bubbling effect that helps bloom the cocoa, intensifying its flavor. Allow this mixture to bubble for about 20 seconds before removing from heat.

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, baking soda, eggs, and vanilla. The baking soda will react slightly with the acidic buttermilk, beginning the leavening process that creates the cake’s light texture.

The dry ingredients – sugar, flour, and salt – should be whisked together in a large mixing bowl. The hot chocolate mixture is then stirred in gently, allowing it to cool slightly before adding the buttermilk mixture. This temperature control prevents the eggs from cooking and ensures a smooth, lump-free batter.

Baking to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for

17-20 minutes

, until the cakes are just set. The key indicator is that the centers should spring back lightly when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, remove the cakes from their pans and allow them to cool completely on wire racks. This cooling period is essential – attempting to assemble the cake while layers are still warm will result in melted Nutella and deflated whipped cream.

Preparing the Supporting Elements

Macerating the Strawberries

While the cakes cool, prepare the strawberries by combining the sliced fruit with sugar and vanilla. This maceration process should continue for at least 15 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the natural juices. After this time, drain off the excess juice to prevent the cake from becoming soggy during assembly.

Whipping the Cream

Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as this can result in grainy texture or even butter formation. The cream should hold its shape but still spread easily.

Assembly Techniques for Best Results

The assembly process is where artistry meets technique. Begin by placing one cake layer upside down on your serving platter – this ensures a flat, stable base. Spread half of the Nutella evenly across the surface, creating a smooth layer that will complement the other flavors without overwhelming them.

Next, spread half of the whipped cream over the Nutella layer, followed by half of the prepared strawberries. The layering order is crucial – the Nutella provides a moisture barrier that prevents the whipped cream from breaking down, while the strawberries add bursts of fresh flavor throughout each slice.

Place the second cake layer upside down on top, then repeat the process with the remaining Nutella, whipped cream, and strawberries. This creates beautiful visible layers when the cake is sliced, making each piece a visual treat as well as a culinary delight.

Serving and Storage Considerations

This cake is best served within an hour of assembly to maintain optimal texture and prevent the layers from becoming soggy. The combination of fresh fruit and cream means it should be kept chilled until serving time.

When ready to serve, use a serrated knife for clean cuts that showcase the beautiful layers. The sawing motion of a serrated blade prevents the delicate layers from compressing or sliding, ensuring each slice looks as good as it tastes.

For storage, cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. However, the texture and appearance are best when served fresh, making this an ideal dessert to prepare on the day of serving.

Creative Variations and Adaptations

While the original recipe is perfection in itself, there are several ways to adapt this cake for different occasions or preferences. Consider using different berry combinations – raspberries or blackberries work beautifully in place of strawberries, each bringing their own unique flavor profile.

For chocolate lovers, consider adding mini chocolate chips to the whipped cream or using dark chocolate Nutella if available. During winter months, when fresh berries are less optimal, consider using high-quality frozen strawberries, thawed and drained thoroughly.

The cake layers themselves can be baked in advance and frozen, wrapped tightly, for up to one month. This makes it an excellent option for planned celebrations, as you can complete the most time-consuming portion well ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this cake without Nutella?

A: While Nutella is integral to this recipe’s character, you could substitute with chocolate ganache or chocolate buttercream, though the flavor profile will be different.

Q: How far in advance can I assemble this cake?

A: For best results, assemble no more than one hour before serving to prevent the layers from becoming soggy and maintain optimal texture.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, but thaw them completely and drain thoroughly before macerating. Frozen strawberries may release more liquid, so extra draining time is important.

Q: What if my whipped cream becomes too thick?

A: If over-whipped, gently fold in a tablespoon of cold heavy cream to restore the proper consistency. If it’s too thin, chill the bowl and beaters, then continue whipping briefly.

Q: Can I make individual portions?

A: Absolutely! Bake the batter in ramekins for 15 minutes, then layer the Nutella, cream, and fruit directly in the ramekins for individual servings.