Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Introduction

Welcome to the world of indulgent desserts! If you’re in the mood for a rich and decadent cake that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the deep, comforting flavor of chocolate, then this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is your new best friend. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Imagine moist chocolate cake layers complemented by a fresh, juicy strawberry filling and a velvety chocolate ganache topping – sounds delicious, right? Well, it’s even better in person. This cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake a masterpiece that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons why this Strawberry Chocolate Cake will quickly become a go-to dessert in your kitchen:

• Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The rich, moist chocolate cake paired with the fresh, fruity strawberry filling creates the ultimate sweet treat.
• Elegant and Impressive: This cake is beautiful and makes a statement on any table, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the sweetness or the amount of chocolate to suit your personal preferences.
• Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: With its deep chocolate flavor, this cake is ideal for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of strawberries and chocolate.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Made with ingredients you likely already have at home, this cake is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners.
• Moist and Light: The cake layers are wonderfully moist, and the strawberry filling adds a delightful burst of freshness.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cake layers and filling ahead of time, making the final assembly quick and easy when it’s time to serve.
• Great for Sharing: This cake is perfect for sharing with friends and family, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings and celebrations.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per slice: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 45g, Fat: 20g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

To bring this Strawberry Chocolate Cake to life, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Ingredient Highlights

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that deep, rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh strawberries brings a burst of flavor and natural sweetness to the filling, making the cake feel light and fresh.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream in the ganache creates a silky, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the texture of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake, filling, and ganache, balancing the richness of the chocolate and the tartness of the strawberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get started? Let’s make this Strawberry Chocolate Cake step by step:

Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix everything until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Add Boiling Water: Slowly add the boiling water to the batter. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay—it helps make the cake moist and tender.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Cook the Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken and the strawberries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let it cool completely before spreading on the cake. This ensures it doesn’t melt the ganache or seep into the cake layers too much.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
2. Combine with Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl, then pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Add Butter: Stir in the butter for extra shine and smoothness. Let the ganache cool for about 10 minutes before pouring it over the cake.

Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving platter. Spread a generous amount of the strawberry filling over the top.
2. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the strawberry filling.
3. Top with Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.

How to Serve

Serve your Strawberry Chocolate Cake in style with these fun ideas:

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the cake into 12 equal pieces, and serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Garnish: Garnish the top with fresh strawberry slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.
3. Pair with Drinks: Pair the cake with a glass of red wine or a rich cup of coffee to enhance the dessert experience.
4. Create a Dessert Bar: Set up a dessert bar with whipped cream, berries, and other toppings so guests can customize their own slice.
5. Serve with Chocolate Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle chocolate sauce over each slice of cake before serving.

Additional Tips

• Cake Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers and prepare the strawberry filling a day in advance. Just assemble and pour the ganache on the day of serving.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter filling, add more sugar to the strawberry mixture or adjust the amount of sugar in the ganache.
• Freshness: Use the freshest strawberries you can find to ensure the filling tastes as vibrant as possible.
• Ganache Tip: If the ganache thickens too much before pouring over the cake, gently reheat it over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few creative ways to put a twist on this Strawberry Chocolate Cake:

• Add a Layer of Whipped Cream: For an extra layer of decadence, add a layer of whipped cream between the cake layers with the strawberry filling.
• Swap the Chocolate Cake for Vanilla: If you prefer, you can make this cake with a vanilla sponge or vanilla-flavored cake mix instead of chocolate for a different flavor profile.
• Chocolate Chips in the Cake: Add chocolate chips to the cake batter for extra bursts of chocolate throughout the cake.
• Strawberry Buttercream Frosting: Use strawberry buttercream frosting instead of the ganache for a lighter, fruitier option.

Freezing and Storage

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unassembled cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Thawing: Allow the frozen cake layers to thaw at room temperature before assembling and adding the filling and ganache.

FAQ Section

Here are some common questions and answers to help you with your Strawberry Chocolate Cake:

• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cake layers and strawberry filling a day in advance. Assemble the cake and pour the ganache on the day you plan to serve it.
• Can I use frozen strawberries for the filling? Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if needed. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid.
• Can I make this cake without the ganache? Absolutely! You can skip the ganache and top the cake with whipped cream or your favorite frosting.

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Conclusion

This Strawberry Chocolate Cake is truly a showstopper—delicious, beautiful, and perfect for any occasion. With its combination of moist chocolate cake, fresh strawberry filling, and silky ganache, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. I hope you give this recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! Feel free to share your photos and tag me on social media—I can’t wait to see your sweet creations!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!