Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Introduction

If you love chocolate-covered strawberries, this Strawberry Chocolate Cake is about to be your new obsession! 🍓🍫 This moist, rich chocolate cake is layered with sweet strawberry filling and topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache.

Perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or when you just need a chocolate fix, this cake is easy to make, ultra-decadent, and looks stunning!

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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Directions

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
4. Stir in hot coffee—batter will be thin, but that’s normal!
5. Pour into prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
3. Let cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until steaming (don’t boil).
2. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread strawberry filling evenly on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and pour chocolate ganache over the cake.
3. Let set for 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh strawberries.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Slice and devour this chocolate-strawberry dream! 🍓🍫

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Servings & Timing

• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~1.5 hours

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Variations

1. White Chocolate Ganache 🍫

• Swap dark chocolate chips for white chocolate for a creamy twist.

2. Chocolate Strawberry Cupcakes 🧁

• Make cupcakes instead of cake—bake for 18 minutes at 350°F.

3. Gluten-Free Version 🌾

• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour.

4. Extra Moist Cake 🥛

• Add ½ cup sour cream to the batter for extra richness.

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Storage & Reheating

How to Store

• Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered.

How to Freeze

• Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Thaw

• Let thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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FAQs About Strawberry Chocolate Cake

1. Can I use store-bought strawberry jam?

Yes! It won’t be as fresh, but it works.

2. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! Bake the cake layers a day ahead and assemble later.

3. What if my ganache is too thick?

Add 1-2 tablespoons warm cream to thin it out.

4. How do I make the cake extra rich?

Use dark cocoa powder and buttermilk instead of regular milk.

5. Can I skip the coffee?

Yes! Use hot water instead—it just enhances the chocolate flavor.