Unser Engagement für Frische und Saubere Zutaten.

Quick & Easy Chocolate Cake With Berries

This quick chocolate cake with berries combines rich cocoa with fresh fruit for a simple yet impressive dessert. You’ll need basic pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and oil, plus your choice of strawberries and raspberries. The moist texture comes from blooming cocoa in hot water, while the berries add bright contrast to the chocolate. Top with ganache for a bakery-worthy finish that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Geschichte

The journey of chocolate cake began in America during the Victorian era, appearing in cookbooks by the late 19th century. Eliza Leslie’s groundbreaking 1847 recipe featuring finely chopped chocolate paved the way for what you’d recognize today as chocolate cake.

You’ll find British traditions heavily influenced early recipes, reflecting the cultural exchange between America and Britain. As cocoa processing improved, so did the cakes—better texture, enhanced flavor, and richer taste profiles emerged. The technique of baking in water baths, similar to the method described in the cake preparation, helps create exceptionally smooth and moist chocolate desserts.

Key figures like Miss Parloa and Mrs. Rorer popularized chocolate cakes through their widely distributed recipes and partnerships with chocolate companies. Before chocolate cake became popular, chocolate was primarily consumed as a beverage rather than used in baking. This was similar to how strawberry shortcake was enjoyed before it became a quintessential American dessert around 1850. Adding buttermilk to the batter creates an exceptionally moist texture and slight tang that enhances the chocolate flavor. By the early 20th century, decadent creations like Devil’s Food Cake doubled the chocolate content for more intense flavor. The pairing with berries came later, adding fresh, tangy contrast to chocolate’s rich depth.

Rezept

This quick and easy chocolate cake with berries is the perfect dessert when you’re craving something decadent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The moist cake gets its rich flavor from bloomed cocoa powder, while the contrast of fresh berries adds a bright, fruity element that balances the chocolate perfectly. The recipe incorporates equal parts of strawberries and raspberries for an authentic berry flavor without artificial additives. The cake features an indulgent chocolate ganache topping that gives it a decadent finish reminiscent of gourmet bakery desserts.

Indulge in decadence without the fuss—rich chocolate and vibrant berries unite in perfect harmony.

What makes this recipe special is its Einfachheit – just mix the dry ingredients, combine with the wet ingredients, Und bake. The hot water added to the batter helps intensify the chocolate flavor and creates an incredibly tender crumb. You can enjoy this cake with a simple topping of fresh berries and whipped cream or elevate it with a cream cheese frosting for special occasions. With only 25 minutes hands-on, this vegan-friendly chocolate cake is an impressive yet effortless dessert option for any gathering.

Zutaten:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup hot water
½ cup buttermilk (or whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently to combine, then carefully add the hot water. Mix until just incorporated—the batter will be quite thin, which is normal and contributes to the cake’s moisture.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Once the cake is completely cool, top with the whipped cream and arrange the fresh berries decoratively on top. For a more polished look, you can glaze the berries with a little warmed apricot jam.

Extra Tips

For an intensified chocolate flavor, substitute hot coffee for the hot water in the recipe—the coffee enhances the chocolate without adding a coffee taste. If using frozen berries, don’t thaw them before topping the cake as they’ll release too much liquid; instead, use them straight from the freezer. For a make-ahead option, the unfrosted cake can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to two days, or frozen for up to a month. The whipped cream topping is best added just before serving, but if you need a more stable topping, consider adding 2 teaspoons of cornstarch to the powdered sugar before whipping the cream.

Kochschritte

Begin by preparing your baking pan with parchment paper and non-stick spray while your oven preheats to 350°F.

You’ll then mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt) before adding the wet ingredients (oil, hot water, eggs, and vanilla) and stirring until just combined.

Consider adding a small amount of espresso powder or hot coffee to the batter as these ingredients enhance chocolate flavor significantly.

After pouring the batter into your prepared pan, you’ll bake for 20-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Adding fresh raspberries to the top of your chocolate cake creates a balanced flavor profile as the bright acidity of the fruit complements the cake’s sweetness.

Fold some fresh blueberries into the batter for a delicious fruity surprise in every bite.

Step 1. Prepare Baking Pan

Before diving into the cake preparation, properly prepare your baking pan to guarantee a flawless release later. Preheat your oven to 350°F while you work on the pan.

Choose a 9×13 inch rectangular pan for this chocolate cake, as it provides even baking and easy serving. Using a pastry brush, thoroughly coat the interior with butter or oil. Then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. For chocolate cakes, consider using cocoa powder instead of flour to avoid white residue on the finished cake. Alternatively, you can use an 8″ square pan or 9″ round pan at least 2″ deep for this recipe.

If you prefer, line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. Don’t fill the pan more than two-thirds full with batter, and gently tap it on the counter to remove air bubbles before baking. After baking, you’ll have a super moist texture thanks to the perfect combination of oil, butter, eggs, and milk in the recipe. This cake recipe is perfect for transporting to gatherings since it can remain in the baking dish without worrying about it slipping or sliding. For a stovetop alternative, you could use a heavy-bottom frying pan with a cover to cook the cake on low heat for 10-15 minutes.

Mix Dry Ingredients

While the cake pan warms in the oven, it’s time to prepare the dry foundation of your chocolate cake. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ cups of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add 1 teaspoon each of baking powder and baking soda, plus ½ teaspoon of salt.

Sift these ingredients together to remove any lumps, especially from the cocoa and flour. This prevents overmixing later and ascertains even distribution of leavening agents. The dry mixture sifting step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your final cake. Taking care not to overmix will ensure your cake stays moist and fluffy rather than becoming tough and dry. For best results, use a digital scale to measure precisely—it’ll make your cake consistently delicious every time.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. For the most flavorful results, be sure to use high-quality cocoa powder when mixing your dry ingredients. The original recipe suggests using unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar. Whisk everything thoroughly until well combined and set aside.

Step 3. Add Wet Ingredients

combine wet room temperature ingredients for fluffiness

Now it’s time to prepare your wet ingredients for the perfect chocolate cake. In a separate bowl, add your coconut oil (or melted butter), water, eggs, and vanilla extract. If you’re using hot water, it will help intensify the chocolate flavor by blooming the cocoa from your dry mixture.

Whisk these liquids thoroughly until well combined. For the smoothest batter, guarantee your eggs are at room temperature and use liquid oils rather than solid fats. A tablespoon of cider vinegar can create a chemical reaction with the baking soda, making your cake exceptionally light and fluffy.

For extra moisture and tenderness, consider adding a splash of milk or buttermilk. The recipe specifically calls for brown sugar in the wet ingredients mixture. The recipe recommends using 2% or whole milk for the best texture and flavor. For an amazing flavor combination, incorporate fresh blueberries into your batter just before baking. Don’t overmix once combined with your dry ingredients – just enough to create a smooth, uniform batter.

Step 4. Bake at 350°F

evenly distribute bake thoroughly toothpick test cool completely

With your wet and dry ingredients beautifully combined, it’s time to get baking. Pour your cake batter into your prepared pan, guaranteeing it’s evenly distributed for uniform baking.

Slide your cake into the preheated 350°F oven and set your timer for 20-40 minutes, depending on your pan size. Larger or single pans require longer baking times. For perfect results, rotate the pan halfway through baking to confirm even heat distribution.

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Don’t rely solely on appearance; the toothpick test is most reliable. Once baked, let your cake cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling before frosting.

Step 5. Step 5{optimize_title]

Der perfect chocolate cake becomes extraordinary when you add berries at just the right moment. For maximum impact, gently fold fresh or frozen berries into your batter after you’ve combined your wet and dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just a few turns with your spatula will distribute them evenly without crushing or bleeding color throughout.

Divide your berry-studded batter evenly between your prepared pans to guarantee uniform baking. If you prefer, you can alternatively sprinkle berries on top of the batter before baking for a different visual effect.

Remember that your cake will need 20-35 minutes in the oven, and you’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t open the oven door too often!

Abschließende Gedanken

Bringing together a chocolate cake with berries doesn’t have to eat up your entire day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and simplicity—whether you’re using pantry staples for a last-minute dessert or showcasing seasonal berries for a special occasion.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different berries, swap in tropical fruits during summer months, or intensify the chocolate flavor with a splash of hot coffee. The rustic presentation actually works in your favor, as imperfections add to its homemade charm.

Remember that this cake works equally well as a casual weeknight treat or an elegant centerpiece when dressed up with whipped cream and artfully arranged berries. The most important ingredient is confidence—with these straightforward techniques, you’ll create something delicious every time.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Can I Substitute Fresh Berries With Frozen Ones?

Yes, you can substitute fresh berries with frozen ones in most recipes. When using frozen berries, don’t thaw them first – add them directly to your batter after lightly dusting with flour to prevent sinking.

Sie müssen extend your baking time by about 5 minutes since frozen berries lower the batter temperature. Expect a slightly softer texture and more color bleeding, but the flavor will remain delicious in your finished baked goods.

How Long Does the Chocolate Cake Stay Fresh?

Your chocolate cake will stay fresh for 2-3 days at room temperature or 4-7 days in the refrigerator.

If you’ve used dairy-based frosting, refrigerate it within 24 hours and consume within 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped in parchment paper and plastic wrap for up to 3-5 months. Remember to store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out and maintain its moisture.

Is This Cake Suitable for People With Gluten Intolerance?

Yes, this cake can be suitable for people with gluten intolerance if you make it with gluten-free flour blends like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Baking Flour. You’ll need to guarantee all other ingredients, including chocolate, are certified gluten-free. Be careful about cross-contamination by using dedicated utensils and equipment.

Der natural leavening agents (baking soda/powder) are already gluten-free, and fresh berries add nutritional benefits without gluten concerns.

Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can definitely make this cake ahead of time! You’ll get the best results by preparing components separately: bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap after cooling completely.

Prepare your berry fillings and buttercream frosting 1-2 days in advance and refrigerate. Assemble the cake the day before your event, and just add fresh berries as toppers right before serving for the best presentation.

What Other Toppings Work Well With This Cake?

You’ve got plenty of delicious options for toppings! Fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries add natural sweetness, while dark chocolate ganache creates rich indulgence.

Try cream cheese or whipped cream for a tangy contrast, or mixed berry jam for intense flavor. For visual appeal, consider chocolate shavings, raspberry clusters, or caramel drizzle.

If you’re feeling adventurous, add nuts for crunch, fresh mint leaves for brightness, or even a raspberry liqueur ganache for an adult twist.