If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and visually stunning, look no further than this Chocolate Strawberry Cake. Rich, velvety chocolate cake layers are complemented by a fluffy strawberry frosting, making each bite an irresistible combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache and garnished with fresh strawberries, this cake is perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any moment when you want to impress your guests.
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Decorating Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients :
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups special dark cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely diced fresh strawberries
- 5-7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries for topping
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions :
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick baking spray. This will ensure that your cake layers come out smoothly.
In a small bowl, combine the warm water and espresso powder, stirring until fully dissolved. Set aside.
In the bowl of your standing mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is evenly mixed. This dry mixture forms the foundation of your cake and gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Gradually add the wet ingredients: eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat everything on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
Evenly divide the batter between the three prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently to remove any air bubbles and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake layer comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Strawberry Frosting
In your mixer, beat together the softened butter and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until smooth after each addition.
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the finely diced strawberries. The strawberries will not only add flavor but also a slight pink tint to the frosting. Continue mixing until the frosting is creamy and stiff enough to hold its shape. If the frosting seems too thick, add heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect spreadable consistency.
Transfer about one cup of the frosting into a piping bag, which will be used for decorative piping later. Set aside the remaining frosting for the cake layers.
3. Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of cake on a cake board or serving platter. Using an ice cream scooper or spoon, scoop 4-6 generous scoops of strawberry frosting onto the cake. Spread it evenly over the top with a spatula to cover the layer completely. Repeat this process for the second layer of cake, adding frosting in the same way.
Top the cake with the final layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining strawberry frosting. Use a spatula to smooth the frosting, ensuring the cake is covered in a thick, even layer.
4. Make the Chocolate Ganache
For the ganache, heat the heavy whipping cream in a small pot over medium heat until it starts to steam. While the cream is heating, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips into a heatproof bowl. Once the cream is steaming, pour it over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture sit for 1 minute to allow the chocolate to melt.
After a minute, whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy. If the ganache is too thick, add a bit more cream to reach the desired consistency. Transfer the ganache into a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.
5. Decorate the Cake
With the ganache ready, pipe it over the edge of the cake in a decorative pattern, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect. For extra flair, pipe small dollops of frosting around the top of the cake. Garnish each dollop with a fresh strawberry, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Allow the cake to sit for a few minutes to set the ganache and frosting. Slice the cake into 12 pieces and serve!
Conclusion :
This Chocolate Strawberry Cake is an unforgettable dessert that combines the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate and sweet, fruity strawberries. Its rich layers, velvety frosting, and glossy ganache make it a showstopper for any occasion, especially when celebrating love and sweetness, like on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or simply indulging in a homemade treat, this cake will never disappoint.
Every bite offers a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake and creamy strawberry goodness, with the addition of fresh strawberries and a drizzle of chocolate ganache for the ultimate finish. Don’t forget to share this masterpiece with loved ones, and get ready to be showered with compliments on this stunning, delicious creation.
