Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with sweet strawberries. This delicious cake is perfect for any special occasion or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. With its layers of moist chocolate cake, fresh strawberry filling, and creamy buttercream, it’s a dessert that will impress anyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a great idea for many reasons. First, the combination of chocolate and strawberries creates a wonderful flavor that is hard to resist. Second, baking this cake is fun and rewarding, and it can be a wonderful activity to share with family and friends. Finally, this cake is visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups + 2 tbsp cake flour
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
3⁄4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
6 1⁄2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sour cream
1⁄2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 cup hot coffee
3 cups frozen strawberries
4 tbsp water
2 tsp lemon juice
Sugar and cornstarch (for thickening)
1 1⁄2 cups unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream
Dark chocolate

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: cake flour, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Add the softened butter, sour cream, whole milk, and eggs. Mix everything until combined. Gradually stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth. Divide the batter evenly into three greased and floured cake pans. Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
In a saucepan, cook the frozen strawberries with water and lemon juice over medium heat. Add sugar and cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Cook until it reaches a jam-like consistency, then set aside to cool.
Beat unsalted butter with powdered sugar until it is light and fluffy. Mix in the cooled strawberry filling to taste.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling, then a layer of buttercream. Layer the remaining cake layers the same way. Cover the entire cake with the remaining strawberry buttercream.
Heat the heavy cream and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Decorate with fresh strawberries.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Serve the Chocolate Strawberry Cake at room temperature. You can cut slices and garnish with extra strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired. It pairs well with coffee or a glass of milk for a delightful treat.

How to Store Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cake if you want to keep it longer. Just make sure to wrap it well before placing it in the freezer.

Tips to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Make sure to beat the buttercream well for a fluffy texture.
Feel free to adjust the amount of strawberry filling to suit your taste.

Variation

You can try different fruits instead of strawberries, like raspberries or cherries, for a unique twist on this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries can also be used. Just make sure to cook them lightly to create a similar filling.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and assemble it the day you plan to serve it.

3. Is there a dairy-free option for this cake?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and dairy-free butter.

Chocolate Strawberry Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience that can bring joy to any gathering. Happy baking!