07/01/2025
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY LAYER CAKE 🍓🍫
INGREDIENTS
For the Chocolate Cake
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1½ tsp baking soda
1½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or hot water
For the Strawberry Filling
2½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
Optional: 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Chocolate Ganache
1½ cups (260g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream
To Assemble
Fresh halved strawberries
Chocolate chunks or shavings
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INSTRUCTIONS
1. Bake the Chocolate Cakes
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add hot coffee/water and stir to combine (batter will be thin).
Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
2. Make the Strawberry Filling
In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until soft and syrupy.
(If using cornstarch, dissolve in water and stir in to thicken). Let cool.
3. Prepare Chocolate Ganache
Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cake
Trim cake layers flat if needed.
Layer chocolate cake, spread strawberry filling, and repeat until stacked.
Drizzle ganache over the top and sides.
5. Decorate
Top with halved strawberries and chocolate chunks. Chill until set, then serve.