Description
A deliciously decadent cake featuring rich chocolate layers and fresh strawberries, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (240ml)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120ml)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water (240ml)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (225g), softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480g)
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 3–4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (170g)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate buttercream swirls
- Chocolate stars or piped frosting details
- Chocolate curls or shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, then slowly stir in the hot coffee for a smooth, rich batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
- Layer and frost the cake generously, smoothing the sides with a scraper for that clean bakery-style finish.
- Refrigerate the cake for 15–20 minutes to firm up the frosting before adding the drip.
- For the chocolate drip, heat the heavy cream until steaming, then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes before stirring until glossy and smooth.
- Spoon the ganache around the edges of the cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides, then spread the remaining ganache over the top.
- Pipe elegant chocolate frosting swirls across the center and decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate details.
- Chill slightly before slicing for clean, beautiful layers. Serve with fresh coffee or cold milk.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bit of espresso powder to the chocolate batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, strawberry cake, celebration cake, dessert, birthday cake