Name: Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 cup creamy peanut butter; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup heavy cream; 8 mini Reese's peanut butter cups, halved

Hey y'all! If you're craving a dessert that's a showstopper at birthday parties, potlucks, or just a weekend treat, you've gotta try this Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake. Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious peanut butter frosting, and fresh strawberries, all crowned with crushed Reese's and silky ganache. It's a sweet, dreamy fusion of everyone's favorite candy and classic cake. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Combines the decadent flavor of Reese's peanut butter cups with juicy strawberries for a mind-blowing taste experience.
Perfectly balanced layers deliver a moist, rich, and creamy texture in every bite.
Great for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress your guests.
Can be made ahead for easy party prep.
Customizable with gluten-free or vegan substitutions.

Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
1 cup (250g) creamy peanut butter
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup (175g) mini Reese's peanut butter cups, chopped
½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream (for ganache)

How to Make Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Stir in the boiling water—batter will be thin.
Pour evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Peanut Butter Frosting

In a stand mixer, beat peanut butter and softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
Pour in heavy cream and beat for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Make Ganache

Heat ⅓ cup heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips.
Let sit 2 minutes, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dream Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the peanut butter frosting on top.
Sprinkle half the strawberry slices and half the chopped Reese's.
Top with the second cake layer and repeat with remaining frosting, strawberries, and Reese's.
Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Notes for Perfect Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

For even layers, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter between pans (read more at King Arthur Baking).
To slice cleanly, chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving.
Fresh, ripe strawberries bring the best flavor and color to your dream cake.

3 Irresistible Variations of Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Vegan Dream Cake: Substitute dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and plant-based whipped cream alternatives.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the cake base (learn more).
Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and use nut-free chocolate candies.

Equipment Needed for Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Two 9-inch round cake pans
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Mixing bowls
Whisk & spatula
Measuring cups & spoons
Cooling racks

Storage Instructions for Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best texture, let slices come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. The cake can be tightly wrapped and frozen (without strawberries) for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions for Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee.
Add extra fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Sprinkle more chopped Reese's on top right before serving for added crunch.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Let your cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting—check out more cooling tips at Crafty Baking.
Use room-temperature ingredients for fluffier cake layers and smoother frosting.
For dramatic presentation, garnish with whole mini Reese's and chocolate-dipped strawberries.

FAQ: All About Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake

Can I make this dream cake ahead of time?: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap tightly, and assemble just before serving.
Can I use frozen strawberries?: Yes, but thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
What's the best way to cut neat cake slices?: Chill the cake for 30 minutes, then use a sharp, hot knife for clean cuts.

Ready to impress with your Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake? Happy baking and enjoy every dreamy bite!

Reese's Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake