Chocolate Strawberry Cake is a sumptuous dessert that combines the rich intensity of chocolate with the bright, sweet notes of fresh strawberries. This cake features layers of moist chocolate sponge, filled and topped with a strawberry-infused cream. The combination of chocolate and strawberries not only makes this cake visually stunning but also delightfully flavorful, striking the perfect balance between the two. Ideal for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or Valentine’s Day, this cake is sure to impress with its elegant appearance and decadent taste.
Ingredients:
- For the chocolate cake:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the strawberry cream filling and topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Optional: chocolate shavings for garnish
Directions:
- Prepare the chocolate cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the strawberry cream:
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in strawberry jam until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the cake:
- If cakes are domed on top, trim with a serrated knife to level them. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry cream over the first layer. Top with the second cake layer and spread the remaining cream on top.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and optional chocolate shavings.
- Chill and serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to set the cream and make it easier to slice.
This Chocolate Strawberry Cake offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures, with each component bringing out the best in the others. It’s a visually appealing and mouthwateringly tasty dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat to brighten a regular day.
