Strawberry Chocolate Layered Cake (Printable View)
Rich chocolate cake with creamy ganache and fresh strawberries serves 10-12 guests
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water
→ Chocolate Ganache
12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
→ Strawberry Filling & Topping
14 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
15 - 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
16 - Extra whole or halved strawberries for decoration
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - Sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add boiling water, mixing until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
04 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
05 - Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
06 - Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool until thickened but spreadable.
07 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar, if desired, and let sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
08 - Spread a layer of ganache over the first cake layer, top with half the sliced strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top, spread remaining ganache evenly, and arrange more strawberries on top. Decorate with extra whole or halved strawberries.
09 - Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The ganache sets up beautifully while still staying creamy enough to slice cleanly
- Fresh strawberries cut through the richness like a bright surprise in every bite
02 -
- The batter will be worryingly thin after adding boiling water, but this is exactly how it should be
- Ganache can seize if even a drop of water gets into it, so use completely dry bowls and utensils
03 -
- Brush each cake layer with simple syrup before assembly if making ahead
- Let the ganache cool until it is the consistency of peanut butter for easier spreading