Ever spotted those gorgeous alphabet cakes all over Instagram and thought, “Yeah, right, like I could ever make that”? Well, guess what—you totally can! Letter cakes are basically the mullet of desserts: business on the outside (looking all fancy and impressive) and party on the inside (super easy to make). Today we’re making one topped with chocolate-covered strawberries because why choose between fruit and chocolate when you can have both?
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let me count the ways this letter cake is about to change your life. First, it’s completely customizable—make any letter or number you want! Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just spelling out “EAT ME” because you’re feeling sassy. Second, it looks like you spent hours making it when really you were just watching Netflix while the chocolate set. And third, chocolate-covered strawberries on anything automatically makes you look like you have your life together. It’s science.
Bonus: This recipe is basically fool-proof. If you can trace a letter and spread frosting, you’ve got this in the bag. Even my cousin who once burned cereal (don’t ask) nailed this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 2 boxes of your favorite cake mix (I use vanilla, but you do you)
• Ingredients called for on cake mix boxes (usually eggs, oil, water)
• 2 containers (16 oz each) of vanilla frosting (store-bought is fine—we’re not judging)
• 1 lb fresh strawberries (the prettier, the better)
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate if you’re fancy like that)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
• Sprinkles, edible flowers, or other decorations (go wild!)
• Parchment paper (for tracing and lining pans)
• A printer or steady hand to draw your letter/number
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your template. Print out your chosen letter/number in a font you like, sized to fit on a baking sheet. If you’re artsy, you can freehand it. For the rest of us mere mortals, printing is safer.
2. Bake your cakes. Prepare the cake mix according to package directions. Pour into two rectangular sheet pans lined with parchment paper. Bake according to package directions until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely—I mean it, COMPLETELY. Warm cake + frosting = disaster movie.
3. Cut your shape. Place your template on top of the cooled cakes and cut around it with a sharp knife. You’ll need to do this twice (one for each cake layer). Don’t throw away the scraps—that’s chef’s tax, baby! Snack time!
4. Layer and frost. Place one cake layer on your serving board. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Don’t frost the sides—the exposed layers are what make it look like a letter cake!
5. Make chocolate-covered strawberries. Wash and thoroughly dry your strawberries (moisture is chocolate’s enemy). Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Dip strawberries, place on parchment paper, and refrigerate until set.
6. Decorate like a boss. Put remaining frosting in a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe dollops around the top edges of your letter. Arrange chocolate-covered strawberries on top, alternating with sprinkles or other decorations. The more random it looks, the more intentional it seems. Trust me.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being impatient with cooling time. I know you want to frost that cake NOW, but unless you want a melty, slidey mess, give it time. Go scroll through TikTok or something.
Trying to cut the cake while it’s warm. This is like trying to perform surgery on Jell-O. Just don’t do it.
Getting water in your chocolate. Even a tiny drop will make your chocolate seize up faster than your muscles during a surprise ice bucket challenge. Dry those strawberries!
Overthinking the decorating. The beauty of letter cakes is they look best when they’re a bit “undone.” If your frosting isn’t perfect or your strawberries aren’t all the same size, congrats—you’ve nailed the aesthetic!
Alternatives & Substitutions
Not a strawberry fan? Use raspberries, blueberries, or even fancy cookies instead. Oreos dipped in white chocolate? Yes please!
Chocolate allergy in the house? Dip those strawberries in colored white chocolate (which isn’t actually chocolate) or just use fresh berries and dust them with powdered sugar for a snow-capped look.
Want to go healthier? LOL just kidding, this is cake. But you can use a lighter cream cheese frosting if you want to pretend.
Different cake flavors? Try funfetti for birthdays, red velvet for Valentine’s Day, or chocolate for… well, any day ending in “y” is a good day for chocolate cake IMO.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How far in advance can I make this?
The cake layers can be made a day ahead, but I’d recommend assembling no more than 4-6 hours before serving. Those chocolate-covered strawberries start weeping if they sit too long (don’t we all).
Can I use homemade cake instead of boxed mix?
Are you trying to make the rest of us look bad? Of course you can. A denser cake like pound cake actually works better for cutting shapes.
What if my letter falls apart while cutting?
No biggie! Just push it back together and cover the crime scene with frosting. Frosting is basically edible glue.
Do I need special tools for this?
Nope! Just a knife, some parchment paper, and maybe a piping bag with tips if you’re feeling fancy. No piping bag? A zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works in a pinch.
Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers, but once you add those strawberries, you’re on a countdown. Frozen strawberries turn into sad, mushy shadows of their former selves.
Will people think I’m a professional baker after making this?
Absolutely. Practice saying “Oh, this old thing? I just threw it together” with a casual hair flip.
Final Thoughts
See? That wasn’t so hard! You’ve just created a dessert that’s practically begging to be photographed from every angle. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or just because it’s Tuesday, your letter cake is bound to impress. The best part? Only you know how easy it actually was to make!
Now go forth and create edible alphabet art! Tag me in those Instagram posts (just kidding, this isn’t a real cooking blog). But seriously, enjoy your cake—you’ve earned every bite just for reading this far. And remember, calories consumed while standing over the sink or eating cake scraps definitely don’t count!
