Description
This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake is a rich and decadent dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, a fresh strawberry compote filling, and smooth dark chocolate ganache. Topped with juicy strawberries and chocolate shavings, it’s the perfect centerpiece for celebrations, birthdays, or romantic dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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1 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup (240ml) hot coffee or hot water
For the Strawberry Filling:
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2 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tsp lemon juice
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Optional: 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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1 1/2 cups (260g) dark chocolate chips or chunks
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3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
To Assemble:
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Fresh halved strawberries
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Chocolate chunks or shavings
Instructions
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Bake the Chocolate Cakes:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans.
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
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Slowly add hot coffee or water. Batter will be thin.
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Divide batter evenly among pans.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
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Make the Strawberry Filling:
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In a saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until they break down and become syrupy (about 8–10 minutes).
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For a thicker filling, stir in cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
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Let cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the Ganache:
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Heat cream until just steaming.
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Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Let cool slightly before using.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Level cake layers if needed.
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Place the first layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling.
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Add second cake layer, more strawberry filling, then top with third layer.
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Pour ganache over the top and let it drip down the sides.
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Decorate:
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Garnish with halved strawberries and chocolate chunks or shavings.
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Chill until set. Bring to room temperature before serving.
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Notes
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Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be replaced with hot water.
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For extra richness, add a layer of whipped cream or chocolate mousse between cake layers.
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Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.