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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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There's something undeniably captivating about a beautifully layered cake. The visual appeal alone is enough to make mouths water, but when you combine the richness of chocolate with the bright, fruity flavor of strawberries, you've got something truly special. This cake isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. Its perfect for birthday parties, festive events, or an indulgent evening with your loved ones. I still remember when my mom made a similar cake for my 16th birthday. Lets just say, there were no leftovers! My goal with this recipe is to recreate that feeling for you. Maybe even make it better! 😉
Creating this cake might seem daunting at first, but trust me, it's totally achievable! We'll break down each component – the moist chocolate cake, the vibrant strawberry filling, and the silky chocolate ganache – into simple, manageable steps. I'm holding your hand every step of the way! Also, I've included tips and tricks along the way to ensure your cake turns out picture-perfect. I know you can do it!!
Imagine sinking your fork into layers of moist chocolate cake, followed by a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, all enveloped in a blanket of smooth, dark chocolate ganache. Pure bliss, right? I’m already drooling thinking about it! We are making this cake together. Get ready to impress your friends, family, or even just yourself with this show-stopping creation.
Required Equipments
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Wire rack
- Serrated knife
Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake: Frequently Asked Questions
Decadent Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this decadent chocolate strawberry layer cake. Rich chocolate cake layers are perfectly complemented by a luscious strawberry filling and a smooth chocolate ganache, creating a truly unforgettable dessert.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 12 servings
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy release.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. Make sure there are no clumps!
- In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Beat in 2 large eggs at a time, then whisk in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Don't overmix!
- In a measuring cup, combine 1 cup buttermilk and ½ cup vegetable oil. Add this mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with 1 cup of hot coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to splash!
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Letting them cool completely prevents cracking and crumbling when frosting.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling. In a saucepan, combine 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Now, for the chocolate ganache. Place 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
- Gently whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. If the ganache is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level them with a serrated knife if necessary. This ensures even layers.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling over the top.
- Top with the second cake layer and spread with more strawberry filling. Place the third cake layer on top.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries, if desired. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before serving. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips for the ganache.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored, tightly wrapped, at room temperature.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 50 mg
