Description
Discover the ultimate Chocolate Strawberry Cake recipe. Rich chocolate layers combined with fresh strawberry buttercream create a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients List
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round baking pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add the Boiling Water:
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully pour in the boiling water. Once incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat for about 1 minute to incorporate air into the batter, which helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Bake the Cake Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
Additional Tips and Notes
- Enhancing the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients when making the cake batter. This enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Decorating the Cake: Garnish the top of the cake with whole or halved strawberries dipped in melted chocolate. This adds a professional touch and makes the cake visually stunning.
- Smooth Buttercream Finish: To achieve a smooth finish on the buttercream, chill the cake for 15 minutes after applying the crumb coat. Then, apply the final layer of frosting with a warmed spatula for a sleek look.