5-Ingredient Chocolate Strawberry Cake (Ready in 20!)

Introduction

Transform humble pantry staples into a decadent chocolate cake in under 30 minutes? Yes, it’s possible! This recipe is your secret weapon for satisfying sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, this easy chocolate cake with a delightful strawberry jam swirl is guaranteed to impress.

Why This Works

This recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. We use a clever combination of readily available ingredients and a streamlined method to create a moist, rich chocolate cake that’s bursting with a tangy strawberry surprise. The jam swirl adds a layer of unexpected deliciousness that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.

Key Ingredients

🍫 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
🥚 3 large eggs
🥛 1 cup milk
🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
☕ ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
🍯 ¾ cup granulated sugar
🧂 1 teaspoon baking powder
🧂 ½ teaspoon baking soda
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍓 ¼ cup strawberry jam

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9-inch round baking pan. This prep step takes mere seconds, but it’s crucial for easy cake release.

2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Get those dry ingredients combined quickly—no need for perfect precision here!

3️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and milk until well blended. A quick whisk is all you need; don’t overmix!

4️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing leads to a tough cake, so aim for a few gentle stirs to incorporate everything.

5️⃣ Gently swirl in the strawberry jam using a knife or toothpick. This creates the beautiful, unexpected surprise within the cake.

6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7️⃣ Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Handy Tips

• Use a good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter – a few lumps are okay!
• Check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. If your oven tends to run hot, reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees and keep a close eye on the cake.

Crunch Factor

This cake offers a delightfully moist and tender crumb, offset by the slightly tart burst of strawberry jam. The contrast in textures adds to the overall enjoyment.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For an even richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
• Use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients if you have one – but it’s totally doable by hand!
• To make this cake ahead of time, bake it a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting! Slice it into individual portions and package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with ribbon. Alternatively, you can present the whole cake in a decorative cake box.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Raspberry Swirl: Substitute raspberry jam for the strawberry jam.
🌟 Chocolate Ganache Topping: Melt together dark chocolate and heavy cream for a decadent topping.
🌟 Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus twist.
🌟 Nutella Swirl: Use Nutella instead of the jam for a chocolate-on-chocolate extravaganza.

Troubleshooting

• Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, check for doneness a minute or two earlier.
• Cake is gummy: You may not have baked it long enough. Check the toothpick test carefully.
• Cake is flat: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of jam? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite fruit jams.
• Can I make this cake in a different size pan? You can adjust the baking time accordingly, but a 9-inch round pan is recommended for this recipe.
• Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze slices of this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer bag.

Conclusion

This Speedy Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Surprise is your go-to recipe for satisfying a chocolate craving quickly and easily. Its deliciousness and ease of preparation will make it a new family favorite. Share your creations and tag us – we can’t wait to see your stunning strawberry-swirled cakes!