Step 1: Make the Strawberry Jam

In a small saucepan, combine 500 g strawberries, 50 g granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon water.

Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture boils and thickens into a jam-like consistency.

The jam is ready when you can drag a spatula through it and it slowly comes back together.

Transfer to a bowl and chill in the fridge until fully cooled.

Make the Chocolate Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.

Add the eggs and whisk until fully combined.

Alternate adding half of the dry ingredients and half of the milk, whisking until just combined after each addition.

Divide the batter evenly between the pans (approx. 540g per pan).

Smooth the tops with a spatula or tap gently to level.

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then release with an offset spatula and cool completely on wire racks.

Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with a hand mixer until creamy.

Add cream cheese and continue beating until smooth.

Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until incorporated.

Mix in strawberry jam and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl as needed.

Transfer a small portion of the frosting to a piping bag and snip the tip.

Assemble the Cake

Use a serrated knife to level any domed tops and then slice each cake layer in half horizontally for four thin layers.

Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or turntable.

Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge to form a border.

Spread about 4 tablespoons of jam inside the ring and top with a layer of finely diced strawberries.

Repeat with remaining layers: cake → frosting ring → jam → diced strawberries.

Apply a crumb coat—a thin layer of frosting all over—and chill for 15 minutes.

Finish with a final layer of frosting. Smooth with a spatula or cake scraper.

Press halved strawberries into the top for decoration. Add swirls if desired.