Imagine a cake so rich, so decadent, and so delightful that it becomes the star of any celebration. This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is precisely that dessert. Combining the deep, intense flavors of chocolate with the fresh, juicy sweetness of strawberries, this cake is a true masterpiece. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into creating the most amazing Chocolate Strawberry Cake ever!
Ingredients for Chocolate Strawberry Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, for enhanced chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder (if using).
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but this is expected.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and begin to soften (about 5 minutes).
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this to the strawberry mixture and continue cooking until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Place the chopped chocolate in a medium heat-proof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the ganache cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the strawberry filling over the cake.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Dollop the whipped cream on top of the ganache and spread it out evenly.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Chocolate
The quality of the chocolate can make a significant difference in the flavor of this cake. Using high-quality cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate ensures a rich, deep chocolate flavor. The addition of espresso powder, while optional, can enhance the chocolate taste without adding a coffee flavor.
Strawberries
Fresh, ripe strawberries are key to the filling and decoration of this cake. Their natural sweetness and juiciness complement the rich chocolate beautifully. When choosing strawberries, look for ones that are bright red and free of blemishes for the best flavor and presentation.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk adds a slight tanginess to the cake and helps keep it moist. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Heavy Cream
Used in both the ganache and whipped cream topping, heavy cream provides a luxurious, creamy texture. Make sure to use heavy cream with at least 36% milk fat for the best results.
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the chocolate and strawberries. Using pure vanilla extract, rather than imitation, will give your cake a richer, more natural flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Cake, perfect for any occasion!
