Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Short description
This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is a decadent fusion of rich chocolate cake, sweet strawberry filling, and smooth chocolate ganache. Perfectly layered and topped with fresh berries and chocolate chunks, it’s an elegant centerpiece for celebrations and indulgent occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic flavor combination: Chocolate and strawberries are timeless together.

Moist and rich cake: The coffee-enhanced cocoa batter ensures a deep chocolate flavor.

Fresh fruit filling: Homemade strawberry compote adds brightness and natural sweetness.

Elegant finish: Ganache and fresh fruit make for a striking presentation.

Party-worthy: A showstopping cake for birthdays, holidays, or Valentine’s Day.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

1½ tsp baking soda

1½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk

½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water

For the Strawberry Filling
2½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

Optional: 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken)

For the Chocolate Ganache
1½ cups (260 g) dark chocolate chips or chunks

¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream

For Assembly
Fresh halved strawberries

Chocolate chunks or shavings

Directions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cakes
Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.

In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.

Slowly pour in hot coffee or water and stir until the batter is smooth and thin.

Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 30–35 minutes.

Let cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, cook sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until soft and syrupy, about 10 minutes.

Optional: Dissolve cornstarch in water and stir in if a thicker filling is desired.

Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

3. Prepare Chocolate Ganache
Heat cream until steaming, not boiling.

Pour over chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes.

Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly to thicken for spreading or pouring.

4. Assemble the Cake
Trim cake layers to level if necessary.

Place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a third of the strawberry filling on top.

Repeat with the next two layers, ending with a plain cake top.

Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

5. Decorate
Top with fresh halved strawberries and chocolate chunks or shavings.

Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the ganache.

Slice and serve.

Servings and timing
Yield: 12–14 servings

Prep time: 30 minutes

Bake time: 30–35 minutes

Cooling/assembly time: 1 hour

Total time: About 2 hours

Variations
Jam shortcut: Use high-quality strawberry preserves instead of cooking fresh fruit.

Extra chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate mousse between the cakes.

Boozy twist: Add 1 tbsp liqueur (e.g., Chambord) to the strawberry filling.

Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Whipped cream topping: Replace ganache with chocolate whipped cream for a lighter finish.

Storage/reheating
Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge.

Serving: Best served at room temperature after slight chilling.

FAQs
1. Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes. Bake them a day ahead, wrap tightly, and refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble.

2. What’s the purpose of hot coffee in the batter?
It intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

3. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw first and drain excess liquid before cooking into filling.

4. How thick should the ganache be?
It should be pourable but not too runny—cooling for 10–15 minutes helps achieve the right consistency.

5. What type of chocolate is best for ganache?
Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.

6. Can I use whipped cream instead of ganache?
Yes, but it should be stabilized if the cake will sit out for long periods.

7. How do I keep the layers even?
Weigh the batter before dividing it into the pans, and trim tops if needed.

8. Is it okay to use chocolate cake mix?
You can, though homemade yields a richer flavor and better texture.

9. Can I make this as a sheet cake?
Yes, but you may need to adjust baking time and layering method.

10. How long can it sit out before serving?
Up to 1–2 hours at room temperature, then store chilled.

Conclusion
This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is the perfect blend of rich, moist chocolate cake and fresh, fruity filling, all wrapped in luscious ganache. It’s as impressive in taste as it is in presentation—ideal for birthdays, romantic dinners, or when you simply want to wow with dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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