How To Transform a Chocolate Cake Into a Decadent Delight


Boozy Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cake

boozy chocolate cake with chocolate-dipped strawberries

The easiest way to transform a classic cake into a perfectly indulgent delight is by decorating a simple chocolate sponge with boozy, decadent chocolate-dipped strawberries. Your otherwise unassuming cake will impress anyone who will happen to be around, guaranteed!

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I have spoken about my little allotment in another post (link above) and about how such a tiny plot can offer so much bounty every year and with so little intervention on my part.

Although I only made it to the allotment three times in the past two weeks, I picked kilograms of beautiful strawberries. I stuffed my face until I could not breathe without even washing the sweet, juicy organic beauties (the rain did the job for me!)

Then I still had plenty of fruit to bring home and divide into categories: freezer, jam, more face stuffing because I can’t help it when they call me!

freshly picked strawberries

With the leftovers, I wanted to see how strawberries work in a double chocolate combination. Because I had already made classic chocolate-covered strawberries on a few occasions this summer, I went for something different: a boozy chocolatedipped strawberry cake that was pure chocolate heaven!

The only difference was to add two tablespoons of Baileys to the melted dark chocolate. The result: even more indulgence for the adults (the underage still got their safe share of white and milk chocolate extravaganza!)

Melted chocolate is a bit tricky to work because you have to be quick and precise (needless to mention that the speed will decrease exponentially with every shot you decide to treat yourself to; I only indulged twice, but I observed the difference!)

If you add anything else while melting dark chocolate, especially a liquid ingredient, the chocolate tends to harden even faster. The solution is to reduce heat to a minimum and keep the bowl on the bain-marie a little longer.

Once the fruits are covered in boozy chocolate, decorate as you prefer and place the strawberries on a rack or a piece of baking parchment; refrigerate them for at least half an hour before decorating the cake.

I decided to use extra ripe bananas for sweetness and only added a tablespoon of organic coconut sugar to this cake. According to my taste (bear in mind that I don’t like sickly sweet anything!), the sponge was sweet enough. Still, even if it weren’t, I don’t think anybody would have noticed since the boozy chocolate-dipped strawberries conferred the flavour and were the main attraction!

heart-shaped chocolate cake with Baileys chocolate-dipped strawberries

Perhaps because aside from the booze, I choose a heart-shaped tray for the sponge, the idea that this cake would be perfect for Valentine’s Day was mentioned a few times. Of course, it won’t be the season for picking fresh strawberries from your garden unless you live somewhere where it is summer in February.

For the rest of us, a grocery store would do, as long as they sell organic strawberries! If you wonder why I keep mentioning organic, it is because my cooking/baking is largely organic-based. For your information, you can find more about the health benefits of strawberries here.

Ingredients for Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and Pomegranate Chocolate Cake

For the sponge:

3 overripe bananas

1 tbsp organic coconut sugar

200 g organic white flour

3 tbsp organic cacao powder

5 organic eggs

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp Baileys (or any other chocolate liquor)

A pinch of salt

For decoration:

A handful of fresh strawberries

A handful of pomegranate (optional)

1/2 bar dark chcolate

2 tbsp Baileys

Shredded coconut or a crunchy cover (optional)

slice of chocolate cake with strawberries

Method

Start by washing the strawberries, hull them (cut the green top) and stick a toothpick in each.

Fill a quarter of a pan with water and prepare the bain-marie to melt the chocolate. Break half a bar of dark chocolate in a glass bowl (not plastic!) and place it on the bain-marie. As it melts, add the cream liquor and stir. It might need a minute or two until the consistency is right to start dipping the fruits.

Place the chocolate bowl on a trivet (handle with care, as it will be hot!) and work quickly to deep the strawberries. If you choose to use additional toppings, do so before placing the dipped fruits on the rack or parchment paper.

Place in the fridge and allow to cool for at least half an hour.

Meanwhile, prepare the sponge.

Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line the baking mould with parchment paper. I used a loose base heart-shaped tray, approximately 20 cm wide.

Peel the bananas and mash them using a hand mixer at low speed. Add the eggs, salt and sugar and mix at high speed for 6-7 minutes until the composition becomes lighter in colour and the volume triples.

Add the cacao powder and mix at low speed for 20-30 seconds until the colour becomes uniform.

Sieve the flour and baking powder together, add at once and incorporate slowly, using a large spatula. You should not over-mix during this step to preserve the oxygenation level and the puffiness of the sponge.

Place the batter in the lined tray and decorate with slices of strawberry.

I added a handful of pomegranate, hoping to enhance the taste a little. Because this sponge was a little sticky due to the bananas, I had to bake it a little longer, and some of the pomegranates charred. Next time I will incorporate the tiny fruits into the sponge to avoid this. Or use four tablespoons of coconut sugar instead of overripe bananas.

Bake for 50-60 minutes and do the toothpick test to ensure the sponge is cooked thoroughly. Allow extra baking time if needed.

When the sponge is ready, turn the heat off, leave it in the oven for another ten minutes. When the ten minutes are up, remove the tray from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Next, remove the tin’s sides and base and allow the sponge to cool completely.

Place the sponge on the serving platter, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and stick the chocolate-dipped strawberries into the sponge to finish the cake.

boozy chocolate-dipped strawberries chocolate cake

Chocolate Cake with Baileys Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Indulge in boozy double chocolate and strawberries goodness with this easy to make and impressive looking cake!
5 from 34 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine International
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Medium size baking tray (about 20 cm Ø or 20 cm irregular shape)
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large silicone spatula
  • Pan and glass bowl for bain-marie
  • Electric mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pcs overripe bananas organic, peeled
  • 5 pcs eggs large, organic
  • 2 tbsp Baileys or any chocolate liquor
  • 200 g white flour light, organic
  • 1 tbsp coconut sugar organic
  • 3 tbsp cacao powder organic
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch salt sea/rock, finely ground
  • 5-7 pcs strawberries washed and hulled by cutting the green top off
  • 1 handful pomegranate optional
  • ½ bar dark chocolate minimum 60% cacao
  • 2 tbsp Baileys/other chocolate liquor
  • 1 tsp shredded coconut or ground nuts for extra decoration

Instructions
 

How to make the boozy chocolate-dipped strawberries

  • Wash the strawberries, hull them (cut the green top) and stick a toothpick in each.
    sliced strawberries
  • Fill a quarter of a pan with water and prepare the bain-marie to melt the chocolate.
  • Break half a bar of dark chocolate in a glass bowl (not plastic!) and place it on the bain-marie. As the chocolate melts, add the cream liquor and stir. It might need a minute or two until the consistency is viscous enough to start dipping the fruits.
    bain-marie
  • Place the chocolate bowl on a trivet (handle with care, as it will be hot!) and work quickly to deep the strawberries. Deep in any additional toppings, then place the fruits on a rack or parchment paper.
  • Refrigerate for at least half an hour.

How to make the sponge

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line the baking mould with parchment paper. I used a loose base heart-shaped tray, approximately 20 cm wide.
  • Peel the bananas and mash them using a hand mixer at low speed. Add the eggs, salt and sugar and mix at high speed for 6-7 minutes until the composition becomes lighter in colour and the volume triples.
  • Add the cacao powder and mix at low speed for 20-30 seconds until the colour becomes uniform.
  • Sieve the flour and baking powder together, add at once and incorporate slowly, using a large silicone spatula. If you overdo this step, the sponge might flatten.
  • Preferably, add the pomegranate and incorporate them gently.
  • Place the batter in the lined tray and decorate with slices of strawberry.
    tray
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes and do the toothpick test to ensure the sponge is cooked thoroughly. Allow extra baking time if needed. Reduce heating if necessary to avoid charring the top.
  • When the sponge is ready, turn the heat off, leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes, then remove and place it on a cooling rack. Next, remove the tin's sides and base and allow the sponge to cool completely.
  • Dust with powdered sugar and decorate the cake by sticking the chocolate-dipped strawberries into the sponge.
    decoration
  • Slice and serve as it is or with ice cream/whipped cream/additional fruits.

Notes

This chocolate cake can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, preferably in a plastic container.
It makes a perfect addition to any bubbly drink or coffee. 
Keyword chocolate cake, chocolate-dipped strawberry, strawberry and pomegranate chocolate sponge, summer fruit chocolate cake, Valentine’s treat

If needed, store the chocolate-dipped strawberry cake in the fridge for up to three days. Serve with your preferred coffee, a bubbly or chocolate liquor. Enjoy!

Boozy Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries and Pomegranate Chocolate Cake


The World Is An Oyster

Working as a journalist during university was pretty exciting. But landing a cruise ship job barely a year in my new graduate career was something else! Overnight, I moved from an already exhilarating job to an even better one. One that would allow me to wake up every morning in a different country. What more can a twenty-something wish for? The fact that I was fluent in a few languages helped. It made it easier to obtain the position I was seeking at the Shore Excursions department. Apart from dispatching tours in the morning and selling tickets in the evening, I would spend nearly every day on different trips. I did this a few years, spending half a year onboard and about two months at home. I enjoyed it immensely. I met fascinating people from all over the Globe and collected memories to last me a lifetime. Not to mention that I received a salary for seeing all those magnificent places the Earth has to offer! In an ideal world, everybody should live as they want. For me, that would translate into travel, then travel some more and keep travelling!

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50 Responses

  1. This sounds delicious! I like to have themed desserts when we do theme nights. With Valentine’s Day approaching, this sounds like the perfect dessert! Thank you!

  2. Lyssa says:

    5 stars
    My husband would LOVE the cake! I am going to go to the store to make this tonight.

  3. Riyah Speaks says:

    5 stars
    This looks really yummy!

  4. Audrey says:

    5 stars
    This is so decadent and delightful! I love everything about this (the booze, strawberries, and chocolate)!

  5. 5 stars
    Irresistable! this chocolate cake is AMAZING!

  6. Amanda Scarlati says:

    5 stars
    This cake was so good and def made perfect with those strawberries!

  7. Kayla DiMaggio says:

    5 stars
    What a fun cake! I love the flavor of chocolate and strawberries together!

  8. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    This cake was delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

  9. Sue says:

    5 stars
    Chocolate and strawberries are the perfect pairing!

  10. Luke Ratford says:

    5 stars
    A great chocolate cake recipe, the family loved it 🙂

  11. Nora says:

    5 stars
    This cake turned out perfectly! It was so delicious! Can’t wait to make it again! Thanks for the great recipe!

  12. Sandra Ans says:

    Your photos are stunning and the cake looks so delicious! ♥ Adding Baileys I think is always a great idea! It is one of the most delicious liquors! I really would love to try this cake, so don’t be surprised, if I will come to visit you one day 😀

  13. Josh says:

    5 stars
    “Want some cake? I threw some booze in it!” Haha, this boozy chocolate cake was great!

  14. Julia says:

    What a brilliant idea this is and quite good fun to make. The texture looks awesome too, more gateau like. It would be brilliant at summer BBQ’s too I think. I’m not sure how much of it would make it outside to guests but I’ll try.

  15. Kari says:

    This looks wonderful! At firs, I was a little intimidated, but you broke down how to make so nicely, I think I might give it a go for my husbands birthday, he loves both chocolate and strawberries, so this is perfect!

  16. Subarna says:

    5 stars
    I am a great chocolate lover and the word chocolate drive me to read your post and I must say it looks yummm. Can’t wait to try this out. Thanks for sharing!!

  17. Kay says:

    5 stars
    What a great recipe, I made this for my mum and she loved it 🙂

  18. Kelly says:

    I love how one simple idea transforms the whole cake. This sounds like my favorite kind of cake – decadent chocolate!

  19. This chocolate sponge cake with boozy chocolate dipped strawberries sounds amazing! Nice spin on the traditional chocolate covered strawberries. Also, thanks for the tip on reducing heat when adding liquid ingredient. I many times add coloring to my white chocolate and have trouble with it hardening so much quicker.

  20. Aditi Jain says:

    Love me some chocolate! Amazing way to take this to a new level

  21. This looks amazing! Perfect for this time of year.

  22. Linda Egeler says:

    This cake looks fabulous! I always make chocolate-dipped strawberries when our local strawberries are available. Can’t wait to try them with a little Bailey’s mixed in!

  23. Natalie says:

    5 stars
    Great idea. I love this cake. Can’t wait o give it a try!

  24. Sarah says:

    5 stars
    Chocolate, booze and strawberries, this is my kind of cake! Perfect for date nigh in or having the girls over.

  25. Linda says:

    5 stars
    I love your strawberry studded cake! I’m thinking a scoop of strawberry ice cream would send it over the top…if that’s even possible!

  26. Chef Dennis says:

    5 stars
    Yum! This is really mouthwatering! I am so excited to have a bite.

  27. Anaiah says:

    5 stars
    Boozy chocolate cake!? AND with chocolate covered strawberries!??? What a treat!

  28. Lindsay says:

    5 stars
    This looks so decadent and yummy! Definitely using some local strawberries next time I make it, it’s perfect for a fancy summer dessert!

  29. Pam Greer says:

    5 stars
    Way to take a chocolate cake to a whole new level!

  30. Marita says:

    5 stars
    Wow this cake looks amazing. I cannot wait to try to make it. Chocolate and Strawberries are my favourite combination.

  31. Lara says:

    5 stars
    Such a pretty and healthy recipe! Love the strawberries – I may have smacked on a few!!

  32. Sue says:

    5 stars
    You had me at boozy and chocolate. LOL

  33. anna says:

    5 stars
    Perfect way to use up all of the strawberries that are in season now!

  34. Debra says:

    5 stars
    You were right….a totally special cake!

  35. Kristina says:

    5 stars
    I made this with my kids for Father’s Day and it was well enjoyed.

  36. Jeannie says:

    5 stars
    Really decadent and I like how you can transform it nicely into another sweet chocolatey treat and the addition of bailey’s is nice too.

  37. Gabriela Herrera says:

    5 stars
    This chocolatey goodness is absolutely delicious. I love finding new desserts to try and this one Ive never seen. Great for 4th of July Holiday here in the states.

  38. Kalin says:

    What an amazing cake! This looks incredible and I love all the strawberries and heart shape

  39. 5 stars
    Boozy? Yes please! This looks absolutely delicious!

  40. Audrey says:

    5 stars
    I love the heart shape you used. I love anything with chocolate and bananas!

  41. 5 stars
    This looks so pretty. I also have a love of fresh strawberries. I have so many in the freezer at the moment for more desserts later in the year.

  42. 5 stars
    What a beautiful and decadent cake! Strawberries and chocolate really have to be the best combination in the world. Especially with those sweet in season berries!

  43. Leah says:

    Wow, I didn’t think chocolate cake could get any better and I was wrong! This is amazing! Strawberries and chocolate are the perfect combination.

  44. Emily Flint says:

    5 stars
    This dessert sounds absolutely divine and I’m so glad I have all of the ingredients on hand, including the Baileys! This is the perfect indulgence for strawberry season!

  45. I’m a fan of strawberry and chocolate. I will def have to try this.

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