Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

For the Strawberry Cream Filling:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup fresh strawberry puree

Fresh sliced strawberries

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup dark chocolate chunks

1/2 cup heavy cream

—

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line 2 round cake pans with parchment paper.

In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

Divide the batter between the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Cream:

Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

Gently fold in the strawberry puree.

3. Make the Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.

Pour over the chocolate chunks and stir until smooth and glossy.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Slice the cooled cakes into layers.

Spread strawberry cream and sliced strawberries between each layer.

Top with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, and more strawberries.

Drizzle ganache over the edges for a decadent finish.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Decorate with chocolate chunks and fresh strawberries.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.