Decadent Strawberry Chocolate Cake (Print)
Moist chocolate layers with fresh strawberries and silky ganache topping
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake Components
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (220 g)
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (65 g)
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water (240 ml)
→ Chocolate Ganache
12 - 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
13 - 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped (225 g)
→ Strawberry Filling & Topping
14 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (300 g)
15 - 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, 15-30 g)
16 - Additional whole or halved strawberries for decoration
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring thorough coverage to prevent sticking.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to aerate and distribute evenly.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until fully incorporated. Gradually pour in boiling water while mixing, continuing until batter achieves smooth consistency (thin texture is expected).
04 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
05 - Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely before assembly.
06 - Heat heavy cream in small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Let stand 2-3 minutes, then stir continuously until mixture becomes glossy and smooth. Set aside to cool until thickened but still spreadable.
07 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar if desired. Allow to stand for 10 minutes to soften and release natural juices.
08 - Spread generous layer of ganache over first cake layer. Arrange half of sliced strawberries over ganache. Position second cake layer on top. Spread remaining ganache evenly across surface and sides. Decorate with additional whole or halved strawberries.
09 - Refrigerate assembled cake for minimum 30 minutes to set layers, ensuring clean slicing when serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of bittersweet chocolate and sweet strawberries feels like something from a fancy bakery
- You can make the cake layers ahead and assemble when you are ready
02 -
- The boiling water step is crucial because it releases the full flavor of the cocoa powder
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from separating or becoming lumpy
03 -
- Use a serrated knife to level any domed tops for even stacking
- Chill the assembled cake briefly if the ganache feels too soft to slice cleanly