Valentine’s Day landed on a Tuesday this year, which meant traffic reports, case files, and a long meeting that could’ve been an email. By the time I got home, my brain was done, but my heart still wanted to do something sweet for my people.
My husband was helping our son with math at the kitchen table, my daughter had music playing softly while scrolling through dessert ideas, and the house felt full in that quiet, ordinary way that makes you want to pause time for a second. I didn’t want a fussy dessert or anything that required me to pull out half my pantry. I wanted something that looked special, tasted indulgent, and didn’t ask too much of me after a full workday.
I grabbed leftover chocolate cake from the freezer, a box of strawberries I bought on impulse, and a carton of whipped cream. That was the moment this dessert came together. No baking marathon. No stress. Just layering, tasting, adjusting, and smiling as I went. The kids hovered, offering opinions and sneaking strawberries.
My husband pretended not to care, but somehow kept wandering back into the kitchen. By the time we finished, the glasses on the counter looked like they belonged in a bakery window, and the mood in the house had shifted. That’s my favorite kind of cooking. The kind that quietly turns a regular night into something you remember.
Short Description
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a layered Valentine’s Day dessert made with chocolate cake cubes, strawberry mousse, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s rich, fruity, and elegant, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Key Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cake, cubed
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1½ cups strawberry mousse or strawberry flavored cream
- 1½ cups whipped cream
- 4 chocolate covered strawberries for topping
- Valentine sprinkles or mini hearts optional
Tools Needed
- 4 medium dessert glasses or jars
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or small offset spatula
- Piping bag or zip top bag optional
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the base
Cut the chocolate cake into bite sized cubes, about 1 inch each. If the cake is slightly frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so it’s easy to cut without crumbling.
Step 2: Start with love
Place a generous layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of each glass. Gently press them down so they sit flat but don’t compact them too tightly. The cake should still feel soft and airy.
Step 3: Add sweetness
Spoon strawberry mousse over the cake layer, about 2 to 3 tablespoons per glass. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly, reaching the edges of the glass for clean layers.
Step 4: Fresh and fruity
Add a layer of sliced strawberries. Spread them evenly so every spoonful later has a bit of fruit. If your strawberries are very juicy, pat them dry slightly to avoid watering down the layers.
Step 5: Fluffy moment
Spoon or pipe whipped cream over the strawberries, creating a light, cloud like layer. Smooth the top gently without pressing down.
Step 6: Repeat the magic
If your glass is tall enough, repeat another layer of cake cubes, strawberry mousse, and whipped cream. Stop about ½ inch from the top so the dessert doesn’t overflow.
Step 7: Finish with romance
Top each glass with a chocolate covered strawberry. Add Valentine sprinkles or mini hearts if using. Chill the desserts in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the layers set slightly and the flavors meld.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and balanced flavor with chocolate and fresh strawberries working together
No baking required if using leftover cake or brownies
Perfect for portion control since it’s served in individual glasses
Easy to customize for kids or adults
Looks elegant with minimal effort
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using dry cake
If the cake feels dry, lightly brush it with 1 to 2 teaspoons of milk or strawberry juice before layering. This keeps the dessert moist without making it soggy.
Overloading the mousse
Too much mousse can overpower the chocolate. Stick to thin, even layers so every bite stays balanced.
Watery strawberries
Very ripe strawberries release juice quickly. Slice them right before assembling and pat them dry with a paper towel if needed.
Flat whipped cream
If your whipped cream loses volume, chill it for 10 minutes and gently re whip by hand until fluffy again.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve chilled in clear glasses for a layered visual effect
Pair with hot coffee or espresso for adults
Serve alongside a light fruit salad for balance
Ideal for plated desserts at a small dinner or buffet style for gatherings
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
Use plastic wrap or lids to prevent the cream from absorbing fridge odors
This dessert does not reheat well and is best enjoyed cold
Add toppings fresh if making ahead for best texture
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert a day ahead?
Yes. Assemble everything except the chocolate covered strawberries. Add those just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are best. Frozen ones release too much liquid when thawed.
3. What if I don’t have strawberry mousse?
Mix strawberry jam into whipped cream, about 3 tablespoons per cup, for a quick substitute.
4. Can brownies replace chocolate cake?
Absolutely. Brownies give a denser, fudgier texture that works well here.
5. Is this dessert kid friendly?
Very much so. Kids love the layers and the sweetness can be adjusted easily.
Tips & Tricks
Chill the glasses before assembling for cleaner layers
Use a piping bag for neater whipped cream layers
Taste each component before layering and adjust sweetness if needed
Keep layers thin for a more elegant look
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Raspberry Version
Replace strawberries with 1½ cups fresh raspberries and use raspberry mousse. Assemble following the same steps. The flavor is slightly tart and very rich.
Lighter Yogurt Cream Version
Swap strawberry mousse with 1½ cups Greek yogurt mixed with 2 tablespoons honey and strawberry puree. Follow the same layering steps for a lighter dessert.
Extra Chocolate Lovers Version
Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache between layers. Use 2 tablespoons per layer for deeper chocolate flavor.
Final Thoughts
This dessert reminds me why I love cooking after long days, even when I’m tired and tempted to keep things simple. Standing at the counter, layering cake and cream, I felt my shoulders relax and the noise of the day fade out.
The kids laughed about who got the prettiest glass, my husband quietly claimed his favorite, and the kitchen felt warm in a way that had nothing to do with the oven. This isn’t a show off dessert. It’s a real life one. The kind you make because you care, not because you’re trying to impress. And honestly, those are the ones that mean the most.
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling - Valentine’s Day Dessert
Ingredients
- 2 cups chocolate cake cubed
- 1½ cups fresh strawberries sliced
- 1½ cups strawberry mousse or strawberry flavored cream
- 1½ cups whipped cream
- 4 chocolate covered strawberries for topping
- Valentine sprinkles or mini hearts optional
Instructions
- Cut the chocolate cake into bite sized cubes, about 1 inch each. If the cake is slightly frozen, let it rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes so it cuts cleanly without crumbling.
- Place a generous layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of each glass. Lightly press them down so they sit flat while staying soft and airy.
- Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of strawberry mousse over the cake. Spread it evenly, making sure it reaches the sides of the glass for neat layers.
- Add a layer of sliced strawberries, distributing them evenly so each bite gets a bit of fruit. If the strawberries are very juicy, gently pat them dry first.
- Spoon or pipe whipped cream over the strawberries, forming a light, fluffy layer. Smooth the top gently without pressing down.
- If space allows, repeat another layer of cake, strawberry mousse, and whipped cream, stopping about ½ inch from the top.
- Finish by topping each glass with a chocolate covered strawberry and optional Valentine sprinkles. Chill for at least 30 minutes so the layers set and the flavors come together.
