Description
Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is a decadent layer cake featuring moist chocolate cake, silky homemade strawberry buttercream, and a rich chocolate ganache drip. Fresh strawberries add the perfect finishing touch, making this cake ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cake:
- 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
- For the Strawberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Gradually stir in the hot coffee until the batter is fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry powder, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth.
- If making the ganache, heat the heavy cream until just simmering, pour it over the chocolate chips, let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Spread buttercream between the cake layers and over the top and sides.
- Drizzle the cooled ganache around the edges if desired.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings before serving.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder provides concentrated strawberry flavor without thinning the frosting.
- Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Chill the cake for 20 minutes before adding the ganache for a cleaner drip effect.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the best cake texture.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American