Welcome, dessert lovers! If you’re craving a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this Chocolate Strawberry Cake is just the treat you need. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent afternoons, this cake is as delightful to make as it is to eat. With layers of moist chocolate cake, a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache, every bite promises a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert recipe that promises to be the star of any table!
This stunning cake is not just a visual delight; it embodies the perfect marriage of chocolate’s richness with the vibrant freshness of strawberries, making it an ideal dessert for various occasions. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy your sweet tooth on a lazy afternoon, it guarantees smiles and satisfaction with each slice. Plus, it’s simpler to make than you might think! Prepare yourself for a baking adventure that starts with basic ingredients but results in an awe-inspiring creation.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Strawberry Cake
This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is not just another dessert; it is a celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries creates a flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply making your day better, this cake fits the bill perfectly.
- Simple to Make: Despite its stunning looks, the recipe is straightforward with easy-to-follow steps.
- Versatile Presentation: You can customize the toppings to suit your taste or the occasion.
- Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing real strawberries ensures freshness and enhances the cake’s natural sweetness.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you begin this delicious journey, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients and checking that you have the necessary tools on hand:
– **Oven:** Ensure that it is preheated to 350°F (175°C) to give your cakes the perfect rise.
– **Cake Pans:** You’ll need three 8-inch round cake pans. Grease them generously and line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
– **Mixing Bowls:** A large mixing bowl for the cake batter and a medium saucepan for cooking the strawberry filling will be crucial.
– **Whisk or Mixer:** For mixing, a whisk will do the job, but an electric mixer makes the process quicker and ensures a well-blended batter.
– **Saucepan:** Use a small saucepan for heating the heavy cream to make your ganache.
Organizing your workspace can make the cooking experience more enjoyable. Once you have everything set up, you can start whipping up this incredible cake.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Chocolate Strawberry Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is optimal for baking and ensures your cake comes out fluffy. While the oven warms up, grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This process helps remove lumps and blends the ingredients thoroughly. Next, add the wet ingredients: milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until combined. The final step for the batter is incorporating boiling water. This may seem unusual, but the hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor. Mix just until smooth; the batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine!
Once mixed, divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Bake them for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
Turn your attention to the delicious strawberry filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture occasionally until the strawberries release their juices and become slightly softened. To thicken the mixture, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, and then stir this mixture into the saucepan. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until the filling thickens nicely. Once done, remove from heat and let the filling cool completely before using.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
Making the chocolate ganache is simple yet requires attention. In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove it from heat and immediately pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes to let the chocolate melt. After that, stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. You can let the ganache cool slightly to achieve a thicker consistency for smoother pouring.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Now, it’s time for the fun part—assembling the cake! Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the strawberry filling over the top, followed by another layer of cake. Repeat the process until all layers are stacked. Top the final layer of cake with ganache, allowing it to drip down the sides artistically. The cake is now beautifully layered and ready for decoration.
Step 5: Decorate
To elevate the presentation, garnish the top with fresh strawberries, and if desired, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or curls for that elegant finishing touch. Now, your Chocolate Strawberry Cake is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight!
Variations
Feel free to experiment with your Chocolate Strawberry Cake! Here are some fun variations:
- Protein: Add a layer of whipped cream or a light mascarpone between the layers for extra decadence. You can also integrate protein powder into the cake batter for a nutritious boost.
- Vegetables: Sneak in some pureed zucchini or carrot into the cake batter for additional moistness and a nutrient boost without compromising taste.
- Spices: Include a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the chocolate batter to enhance the chocolate flavor and add depth.
Cooking Notes
Here are some crucial tips for ensuring your cake turns out perfectly:
- Use room-temperature ingredients: This allows for a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
- Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until incorporated to prevent a dense cake.
- Prepare ahead: The strawberry filling can be made a day in advance, which makes assembly easier.
- Chill for stability: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to maintain clean layers during serving.
Serving Suggestions
For the best experience, slice and serve your Chocolate Strawberry Cake with delicate precision. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
- Garnish each slice with additional fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a colorful display.
Tips
To help you achieve the best results, here are some essential tips:
- Always measure your ingredients accurately to ensure the right texture and flavor.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as every oven can vary significantly, which may affect baking times.
- Let your cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the ganache.
- Use a serrated knife to slice through the cake layers cleanly.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per slice
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.
How long can I store this cake?
Your Chocolate Strawberry Cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days when covered properly.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake and freeze the cake layers in advance; just ensure they are wrapped tightly. Assemble the cake after thawing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Chocolate Strawberry Cake is the ultimate dessert that brings together the rich, comforting taste of chocolate and the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries. It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a fancy celebration or a cozy afternoon treat. We encourage you to try this recipe, enjoy the process of baking, and share the finished product with your loved ones. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts on the cake, or share any variations you tried! Happy baking!
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Chocolate Strawberry Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake 1x
Description
If you’re craving a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries, this Chocolate Strawberry Cake is just the treat you need.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the wet ingredients: milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Incorporate boiling water.
- Once mixed, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine chopped strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir until strawberries release their juices and soften. Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let ganache cool slightly.
- Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a serving plate, spread strawberry filling, add another layer, and repeat. Top with ganache.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients, don’t overmix, prepare strawberry filling ahead, and chill the cake before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 6 g