Strawberry Chocolate Cake (Printable)
Rich chocolate layers with smooth ganache and sweet fresh strawberries
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
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
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water
→ Chocolate Ganache
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
→ Strawberry Filling & Topping
14 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
15 - 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
16 - Extra whole or halved strawberries for decoration
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
04 - Gradually add boiling water while mixing until the batter becomes smooth (the consistency will be thin).
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Heat cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool until thickened but spreadable.
08 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar if desired. Let sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
09 - Spread a layer of ganache over the first cake layer, top with half the sliced strawberries. Place second cake layer on top, spread remaining ganache evenly, and arrange additional strawberries on top. Decorate with extra whole or halved strawberries.
10 - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean layers.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries hits every perfect note at once
- People assume you spent hours on something that actually comes together beautifully
02 -
- The boiling water step might seem wrong but it actually blooms the cocoa powder for the most intense chocolate flavor
- Room temperature ingredients make such a difference in how evenly everything combines
03 -
- The cake can be made a day ahead and kept wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature
- Leftovers actually taste better the next day as all the flavors meld together