Savor the Delight of Chocolate Strawberry Cake!

Savor the Delight of Chocolate Strawberry Cake! 🍫🍓

Introduction Experience the irresistible charm of this Chocolate Strawberry Cake! With layers of moist chocolate cake, fresh strawberry filling, fluffy buttercream, and a rich chocolate ganache, it’s like enjoying a chocolate-covered strawberry in every bite. Perfect for celebrations, whether it’s a birthday or a romantic occasion, this cake is a dessert masterpiece that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups + 2 tbsp cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 6 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup hot coffee

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 3 cups frozen strawberries
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Sugar and cornstarch for thickening

For the Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Reserved strawberry filling

For the Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

Preparation Method

1. Bake the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add softened butter, sour cream, milk, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in hot coffee until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 18-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, cook strawberries with water and lemon juice over medium heat until softened.
2. Mash the strawberries and thicken with sugar and cornstarch slurry until it reaches a jam-like consistency.
3. Set aside to cool.

3. Make the Strawberry Buttercream:

1. Beat the softened butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously.
3. Mix in the reserved strawberry filling (about 2-3 tablespoons) until the buttercream is smooth and pink.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of strawberry filling on top.
2. Add a layer of strawberry buttercream. Repeat with the remaining layers.
3. Use the remaining buttercream to cover the entire cake in a smooth finish.

5. Add the Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
2. Pour over the chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. Let it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect.
4. Decorate with fresh strawberries if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter, eggs, and milk for a smoother batter and frosting.
• Strawberry Filling Consistency: Ensure the filling is thick to prevent it from sliding out of the cake layers.
• Chill Before Decorating: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes before adding ganache to avoid melting the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use fresh strawberries for the filling? A: Yes, fresh strawberries work well. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh strawberries release less water than frozen ones.

Q: My buttercream is too runny. What should I do? A: Add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. Alternatively, chill the buttercream for 10-15 minutes.

Q: How can I make the cake layers even? A: Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly, or level the baked layers with a serrated knife.

Q: How do I prevent the ganache from hardening too quickly? A: Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it hardens, gently reheat it in a double boiler.

Common Mistakes and Solutions:

• Mistake: Overmixing the batter. Solution: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Mistake: Uneven frosting. Solution: Use an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage.
• Mistake: Ganache clumping. Solution: Ensure the chocolate is finely chopped for smoother melting.

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