Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake

Ingredients:

Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

Strawberry Cream Filling:

2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup strawberry puree

1 cup diced fresh strawberries

Chocolate Ganache:

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup dark chocolate, chopped

Topping:

Fresh strawberries

Chocolate chunks

—

Instructions:

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).

Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Cream Filling:

Beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in strawberry puree and diced strawberries. Chill in the refrigerator.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

Heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth. Cool slightly.

4. Assemble the Cake:

Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry cream. Repeat with remaining layers.

Spread chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

5. Decorate:

Top with fresh strawberries and chocolate chunks.

Enjoy this indulgent, fruity dessert!