Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Ingredients

• For the Chocolate Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• For the Strawberry Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• For Garnishing:
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Carefully stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. To prepare the strawberry frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
8. For the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy cream until it simmers, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
9. Assemble the cake by placing one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry frosting over the top.

Nutrition