🌟 Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling 🍫🍓
This Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a match made in dessert heaven! Rich, moist chocolate cake layers are paired with a sweet and tangy strawberry filling, creating a flavor combination that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to impress.
🛒 What You’ll Need:
For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour 🥣
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar 🍬
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 🍫
2 tsp baking soda 🍞
1 tsp baking powder 🧁
½ tsp salt 🧂
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 mins) 🥛
½ cup vegetable oil 🛢️
2 large eggs 🥚
1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for enhanced chocolate flavor) ☕
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries 🍓
¼ cup granulated sugar 🍬
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken)
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
3-4 cups powdered sugar 🍚
½ cup heavy cream 🥛
1 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
Pinch of salt 🧂
Optional Garnish:
Fresh strawberry slices 🍓
Chocolate shavings 🍫
👩🍳 How to Make It:
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and combined.
Gradually stir in the hot water (or hot coffee). The batter will be thin—this ensures a moist, tender crumb.
3️⃣ Bake the Cake Layers:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay).
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes , then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4️⃣ Make the Strawberry Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries and sugar. Cook until the strawberries soften and release their juices (about 8-10 minutes).
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
5️⃣ Prepare the Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until light, fluffy, and fully combined. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar (for thickness) or a splash of cream (for thinness), if needed.
6️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the buttercream frosting. Smooth the frosting with a spatula for a clean finish.
7️⃣ Decorate and Serve:
Garnish the cake with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
Slice and serve this Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling—a guaranteed showstopper that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
🍴 Serve & Enjoy!