If you have a sweet tooth that yearns for something both fruity and chocolaty, you are going to adore this Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe. It’s an irresistible treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate with the bright, juicy flavors of strawberry pie filling, all wrapped up into a moist, tender cake topped with luscious chocolate frosting. This dessert is like a warm hug on a plate and is guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re an experienced baker or dabbling in making something special for the first time, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising smiles with every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on the Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet each one plays an essential role in giving the cake its delightful taste, texture, and vibrant color. From the rich cake base to the glossy chocolate topping, every item on the list is necessary—trust me, skipping one means missing out on magic.
- Devil’s Food cake mix: This provides a deeply chocolatey foundation that’s moist and fluffy.
- Strawberry pie filling: Its sweet-tart juiciness infuses the cake batter with bursts of fruity goodness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic warmth.
- Large eggs: Important for structure and moisture, helping the cake rise perfectly.
- Milk: Adds tenderness and helps combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Sugar: Sweetens the chocolate frosting and contributes to a smooth texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the frosting.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into a glossy, decadent frosting with balanced sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, which ensures it’s ready to bake the cake evenly. While it heats up, grease a 9×13 inch pan thoroughly so that your cake won’t stick during baking and slices come out flawlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, combine the box of Devil’s Food cake mix with a whole can of strawberry pie filling, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk. Use an electric mixer just until all the ingredients come together. Mixing gently but thoroughly is key to keeping the cake moist without overworking the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean. After baking, set the cake aside to cool completely before moving on to the frosting.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and milk — heat it gently until it reaches a rolling boil. Stir constantly during boiling for 2 full minutes to create a rich, shiny base. Then remove from heat and immediately stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until you get a silky, smooth frosting that’s ready to drizzle over the cake.
Step 5: Frost and Chill
Pour the warm chocolate frosting evenly over your cooled cake. Let it sit until completely cooled and set, giving that beautiful chocolate topping time to firm up just right before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe with fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a charming finish. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that beautifully complements the rich chocolate and sweet strawberry flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serving alongside a cup of hot coffee or rich hot cocoa makes for a cozy, indulgent treat perfect for dessert or even an afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, consider serving the cake in individual parfait glasses by layering cake cubes with additional strawberry pie filling and whipped cream. Alternatively, slice into neat squares and stack with toothpicks and a strawberry on top for an elegant finger-food display that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might want to hide some!), store your cake covered tightly in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy that decadent strawberry-chocolate combo.
Freezing
The Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months, and thawing it in the fridge overnight keeps the flavors intact.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cake, bring it to room temperature or warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer a soft, freshly baked feeling. Be careful not to overheat to preserve that luscious chocolate frosting’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
Fresh strawberries are delicious, but the pie filling is important here because it adds sweetness and a gel-like consistency that blends beautifully into the batter. You could try adding fresh strawberries with sugar and a little cornstarch to mimic the filling, but it might change the texture.
Is it necessary to use Devil’s Food cake mix?
Devil’s Food cake mix provides a rich chocolate flavor and tender crumb that pairs perfectly with strawberry pie filling. Using another chocolate cake mix might work, but the deep chocolate taste might not be as pronounced.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same and is just as delightful.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
What if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If your frosting seems too thick, you can gently stir in a bit more milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, return it to low heat and simmer a little longer, stirring constantly to thicken it up before pouring over the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy night in, give this recipe a try—you’ll find that each bite is packed with love and a touch of magic. Trust me, once you experience this chocolatey, strawberry goodness, it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with friends and family again and again.
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this luscious Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake, a delightful combination of rich devil’s food cake infused with sweet strawberry pie filling and topped with a smooth, homemade chocolate frosting. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-make cake delivers a moist texture and a harmonious blend of chocolate and fruity flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1 (21-oz) can strawberry pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 5 Tbsp butter
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside for later.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, strawberry pie filling, vanilla extract, eggs, and ¼ cup milk. Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients just until combined; be careful not to overmix to preserve a tender crumb.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, combine the sugar, butter, and â…“ cup milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then boil gently for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Add Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Frost the Cake: Immediately pour the warm chocolate frosting over the cooled cake. Spread it evenly across the top. Allow the frosting to cool and set completely before slicing and serving your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Pie Cake.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before pouring the frosting to prevent it from melting and becoming too thin.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can gently fold in a few spoonfuls of fresh strawberries into the batter before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker frosting, allow it to cool slightly before pouring to achieve a denser texture.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
