Description
This classic chocolate covered strawberry layer cake blends rich chocolate layers with luscious strawberry filling. Creamy frosting and fresh strawberries crown this elegant dessert for indulgent celebrations you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (420 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream (or milk)
- ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
- 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cake Preparation: Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring a thorough and lump-free blend, then gently fold in liquid components to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Baking Process: Pour the mixture into prepared cake pans, distributing evenly, and bake in a preheated oven at the specified temperature until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, then allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Strawberry Compote Creation: Simmer fresh strawberries with sugar, gradually thickening with cornstarch until the mixture reaches a rich, spreadable consistency that intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Buttercream Crafting: Whip chocolate buttercream to a light, airy texture by meticulously blending cocoa, butter, and cream until achieving a silky-smooth finish.
- Ganache Preparation: Generate a glossy chocolate sauce by pouring heated cream over premium chocolate, stirring until a seamless, luxurious mixture forms.
- Cake Assembly: Strategically layer the cooled cake rounds, generously spreading strawberry compote between each tier, then carefully cover the entire cake with the whipped chocolate buttercream to create a flawless exterior.
- Final Decoration: Cascade warm ganache over the cake’s surface, allowing it to flow elegantly down the sides, and artfully garnish with fresh strawberries and delicate chocolate shavings to complete this decadent dessert masterpiece.
Notes
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
- Prevent Cake Sticking: Line cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease sides to guarantee easy cake removal without breaking.
- Cornstarch Consistency Check: Slowly add cornstarch to strawberry reduction, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and achieve perfect spreadable compote.
- Ganache Cooling Technique: Allow ganache to cool slightly before drizzling, preventing it from becoming too runny or too thick for optimal cake coverage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg