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Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

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This Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake features rich, fudgy chocolate layers, a sweet strawberry compote filling, cloud-like cream cheese frosting, and glossy chocolate ganache. It’s an easy, showstopping dessert perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch salt (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
  • Extra fresh strawberries, halved or whole (optional garnish)
  • Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
  • Edible flowers (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour in milk and mix gently.
  4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Slowly pour in boiling water, stirring gently until batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely. Level tops with a serrated knife if needed.
  7. In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring often, until strawberries release juices and soften. Mash lightly with a fork and cool completely.
  8. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy and light.
  9. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool to room temperature.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half the cream cheese frosting over the top, then spoon half the strawberry filling over that. Add the second cake layer and repeat with remaining frosting and strawberries. Chill for 15 minutes if needed.
  11. Pour cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Decorate with extra strawberries, chocolate shavings, or edible flowers.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Sift dry ingredients to prevent clumps. Do not overmix the batter. Cool cake layers completely before frosting. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute flour and dairy products as needed. Cake layers can be baked ahead and stored tightly wrapped. Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, strawberry cake, layer cake, birthday cake, special occasion dessert, easy chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, ganache, homemade cake, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/chocolate-strawberry-layer-cake-recipe-easy-steps-for-special-occasions/