Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is an impressive and beautiful cake that is Kahlua soaked, moist and topped with a heavenly strawberry buttercream, then finished off with drizzled ganache! So if you love rich chocolate desserts with a little something extra, this Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is about to become your new favorite showstopper. It’s deeply chocolatey, incredibly moist, subtly infused with coffee-kissed Kahlua, and layered with a light, fruity strawberry buttercream that balances everything perfectly. Finished with a silky chocolate ganache drip and fresh strawberries, this cake is equal parts indulgent and elegant.

This is the kind of cake you make when you want people to stop mid-bite and say “wow.” It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you want a bakery-style dessert that feels extra special but is still completely doable at home.

What Is Chocolate Kahlua Cake?

Chocolate Kahlua Cake is a rich chocolate layer cake made with cocoa powder, espresso, and Kahlua to deepen and enhance the chocolate flavor. The alcohol doesn’t overpower the cake at all — instead, it adds warmth and complexity that makes the chocolate taste richer and more intense.

In this version, the cake layers are paired with a homemade strawberry buttercream frosting, made with real diced strawberries for natural flavor and color, then finished with a smooth chocolate ganache drip and fresh strawberries on top.

When to Serve This Cake

This cake is perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day desserts
• Birthday celebrations
• Dinner parties
• Holidays and special occasions
• Chocolate lovers who want something elevated
• Any time you want a dessert that looks bakery-made but tastes homemade

It’s one of those cakes that photographs beautifully, slices cleanly, and tastes even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe – Impressive but totally doable

Ultra-moist chocolate cake with deep, rich flavor

Kahlua and espresso enhance the chocolate without overpowering it

Strawberry buttercream adds a light, fruity contrast

Chocolate ganache drip makes it look professional

Perfect balance of chocolate, coffee, and strawberry

Great make-ahead dessert

Ingredient Breakdown

Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake layers
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens and keeps the cake moist
• Special dark cocoa powder – Gives the cake a deep, rich chocolate flavor
• Baking powder & baking soda – Helps the cake rise evenly
• Kosher salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Eggs – Bind the batter and add richness
• Sour cream – Adds moisture and tenderness
• Buttermilk – Keeps the crumb soft and flavorful
• Warm water – Helps bloom the cocoa powder
• Kahlua – Adds depth and subtle coffee flavor
• Espresso powder – Intensifies the chocolate taste
• Canola oil – Keeps the cake moist
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavors

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted butter – The base of the frosting
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes
• Vanilla extract – Adds warmth
• Finely diced strawberries – Fresh flavor and natural color
• Heavy whipping cream – Creates a light, fluffy texture

Chocolate Ganache

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Rich but not overly sweet
• Heavy whipping cream – Creates a smooth, glossy ganache

Tools You’ll Need

• Three 9-inch round cake pans
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Ice cream scooper
• Piping bag fitted with a star tip
• Squeeze bottle for ganache
• Offset spatula
• Cooling rack

Tips for the Best Chocolate Kahlua Cake

• Use special dark cocoa powder for the deepest chocolate flavor
• Don’t skip the espresso powder — it won’t taste like coffee
• Make sure your butter is fully softened for smooth frosting
• Dice strawberries very finely so they don’t break the frosting
• Let cakes cool completely before frosting
• Chill the cake slightly before adding ganache for cleaner drips

How to Build the Cake (Assembly Tips)

• Use an ice cream scooper for even frosting layers
• Apply a thin crumb coat if needed, then frost fully
• Let ganache cool slightly before dripping
• Pipe frosting dollops before adding strawberries for stability

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture
• Cake layers can be baked and wrapped tightly 1–2 days ahead
• Buttercream can be made a day ahead and re-whipped before using
• Ganache is best made fresh but can be reheated gently if needed

(FAQ)

Can I taste the Kahlua in this chocolate cake?

The cake has a deep, rich flavor, but it does not taste boozy. The Kahlua enhances the chocolate the same way coffee does — it deepens the cocoa flavor without overpowering it. During baking, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a smooth, slightly mocha-like undertone that pairs perfectly with strawberry buttercream.

Can I make this Chocolate Kahlua Cake without alcohol?

Yes, absolutely. To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the Kahlua with:

• Additional warm water, or
• Strong brewed coffee, or
• Milk or buttermilk

The cake will still be moist and chocolatey, though the flavor will be slightly less complex without the Kahlua.

What does espresso powder do in chocolate cake?

Espresso powder does not make the cake taste like coffee. Instead, it intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes it taste richer and more bakery-style. This is a common professional baking trick. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute instant coffee granules or simply omit it.

Why is my chocolate cake dense instead of fluffy?

A dense cake is usually caused by:

• Overmixing the batter
• Too much cocoa powder
• Overbaking
• Incorrect flour measurement

For best results:

• Spoon and level your flour
• Mix just until combined
• Bake until a toothpick has a few moist crumbs (not dry)

This recipe is designed to be moist and tender, not heavy.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa powder?

Yes. In fact, special dark cocoa powder is a blend of natural and Dutch-process cocoa, which works well here. For the best texture:

• Use 1 cup special dark cocoa
• Use ½ cup regular unsweetened cocoa

This balance creates a dark chocolate flavor while keeping the crumb soft.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is excellent for making ahead.

You can:

• Bake the cake layers 1–2 days in advance
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
• Store at room temperature or refrigerate

Frost the cake the day you plan to serve for the freshest look.

Can I freeze Chocolate Kahlua Cake?

Yes, this cake freezes beautifully.

How to freeze:

• Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap
• Then wrap in foil
• Freeze for up to 2 months

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Can I freeze strawberry buttercream frosting?

You can, but fresh is best. If freezing:

• Store frosting in an airtight container
• Freeze up to 1 month
• Thaw in the refrigerator and rewhip before using

Because this frosting contains fresh strawberries, texture may slightly change after freezing.

How do I keep strawberry buttercream from becoming runny?

The key is dry strawberries.

Tips:

• Finely dice strawberries
• Pat them dry with paper towels
• Add cream gradually, only as needed

Too much moisture will thin the frosting, especially in warm kitchens.

Can I use strawberry extract instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, but the flavor will be different.

If using extract:

• Use 1–2 teaspoons strawberry extract
• Skip fresh strawberries
• Tint with a small amount of pink food coloring if desired

Fresh strawberries give a more natural flavor and color.

Why did my cake layers dome?

Doming happens when the oven temperature is too high or the batter is too thick.

To prevent doming:

• Bake at a true 350°F (use an oven thermometer)
• Tap pans gently on the counter before baking
• Use cake strips if you have them

You can also level the layers after baking for a professional finish.

Can I make this cake in different pan sizes?

Yes. This recipe is versatile.

Options:

• Two 8-inch pans (taller layers)
• One 9×13 sheet cake
• Cupcakes (bake 18–22 minutes)

Always adjust baking time and check doneness early.

Can I make this cake without sour cream?

Yes. You can substitute:

• Full-fat Greek yogurt
• Plain yogurt
• Additional buttermilk (texture may be slightly lighter)

Sour cream adds moisture and richness, so full-fat substitutes work best.

Why is my ganache too thick or too thin?

Ganache consistency depends on temperature and ratios.

If too thick:

• Microwave for 5–10 seconds
• Stir until smooth

If too thin:

• Let it cool for a few minutes
• It will thicken naturally as it sets

For drip cakes, ganache should be pourable but not hot.

How do I get clean slices like the photos?

For picture-perfect slices:

• Chill the cake for 30 minutes before cutting
• Use a sharp knife
• Wipe the blade clean between cuts

This keeps the buttercream layers crisp and defined.

Is this cake good for Valentine’s Day or special occasions?

Yes — this is a showstopper dessert. The chocolate, strawberry, and ganache combination makes it perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Anniversaries
• Birthdays
• Dinner parties
• Holiday desserts

It looks bakery-made but is completely homemade.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers:

• Covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Let slices sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving

The flavor and texture improve slightly after the first day.

This Chocolate Cake will forever change the way you think about regular ole layered cakes!  Its so ultra rich and decadent, yet melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Budget Breakdown

• All-purpose flour: $1.25
• Granulated sugar: $1.75
• Cocoa powder (special dark + regular): $4.50
• Baking powder, baking soda, salt: $0.50
• Eggs: $2.50
• Sour cream: $1.25
• Buttermilk: $1.50
• Kahlua: $3.50
• Espresso powder: $0.75
• Canola oil: $1.25
• Vanilla extract: $1.50
• Unsalted butter: $5.00
• Powdered sugar: $2.25
• Fresh strawberries: $4.00
• Heavy whipping cream: $3.00
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: $2.75

Estimated Total Cost: $37.50
Estimated Cost Per Slice (12 slices): about $3.10 per slice

This cake costs significantly less than a bakery-made specialty layer cake, which often runs $6 to $8 per slice.

Nutrition Information

Estimated per slice, based on 12 servings

• Calories: approximately 680
• Total fat: 38g
• Saturated fat: 22g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Sodium: 420mg
• Total carbohydrates: 82g
• Sugar: 63g
• Protein: 7g

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands, portion size, and frosting thickness.

Personal Kitchen Notes

This is one of those cakes that instantly feels like a celebration the moment it comes together, from the rich chocolate layers to the soft pink strawberry buttercream that makes it look straight out of a bakery case. My husband always comments on how deep and bold the chocolate flavor is, especially with the subtle warmth from the Kahlua and espresso, while the strawberry buttercream adds a fresh slightly fruity balance that keeps every bite from feeling overly heavy. I love how sturdy yet tender the cake layers are, making it easy to stack and frost without stress, and how beautifully the frosting spreads and pipes once the strawberries are finely diced and blended in. It is the kind of cake that looks impressive on the table but still feels approachable to make at home, perfect for birthdays holidays or anytime you want something that feels a little extra without being overly complicated.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a dessert that truly stands out both visually and in flavor this Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting delivers on every level. The combination of moist rich chocolate cake layers with creamy lightly sweet strawberry frosting creates a contrast that feels indulgent yet balanced, while the glossy chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries on top turn it into a true showstopper. This is the kind of cake people remember long after the plates are cleared, the kind that gets asked about and requested again and again. Whether you are serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself and your family to something memorable this cake is absolutely worth the time and effort and every single bite feels just as special as it looks.