I made the easiest layered chocolate cake with Chocolate Strawberry Cake. I used a very simple chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries for the mid layer and the topping. It’s the best combination of chocolate and strawberries ever!
How To Make
To begin, create the mixture of wet ingredients. Whisk together eggs and sugar, as is customary in most cake recipes. Then, incorporate oil, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract. You have the option to use coconut oil or olive oil in place of vegetable oil, and buttermilk instead of a combination of yogurt and milk.
Next, assemble the dry mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Blend the dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in two portions. Stir with a hand whisk just until they are combined. Be cautious not to overmix!
Baking: Divide the batter evenly between two 6-inch pans and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before transforming them into a delightful chocolate cake with strawberries.
Alternative Add-Ins
For an extra dose of chocolate flavor in your cake, consider including a handful of chocolate chips in the batter. Another option is to soak raisins in red wine or rum and then incorporate them into the batter, elevating your cake to a new level.
Remember to introduce these enhancements as the final step in preparing the batter, just before pouring it into the pans. It’s important not to over-stir; simply give it a few gentle stirs with a spatula to achieve the best results. Otherwise, the chocolate chips or raisins may sink to the bottom.
What Kind Of A Pan?
To simplify the process, I utilized two 6-inch round cake pans for crafting this delightful chocolate strawberry cake. Personally, I find it challenging to precisely slice a larger cake into equal halves, so my preference is to craft two cakes separately and then merge them to create a two-layered cake. However, if you’re skilled at dividing the cake evenly, you can certainly opt for a larger cake pan. When baking in a single large pan, you might choose to keep it whole and drizzle ganache over the top before garnishing with fresh strawberries. It’s still incredibly delicious!
INGREDIENTS
Cake:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅓ cup oil (vegetable oil or sunflower oil)
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup and 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
Chocolate Ganache:
- 160ml heavy cream
- 160g chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Filling and topping
- 1 and ½ cups fresh strawberries
- Fresh mint leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
- Lightly oil two 6” round spring form cake pans and line their bottoms with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk until the mixture becomes creamy.
- Add the oil, yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture in two or three batches. Stir with a hand whisk just until everything is combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove them from the pans and allow them to cool completely on a cooling rack.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache. (Refer to the video above for guidance.)
- Place chocolate chips in a bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Wait for 2 minutes and then stir until the mixture is smooth. Allow it to reach room temperature.
- Spread ¼ of the chocolate ganache on top of the first cake. Wait for about 10 minutes to allow the ganache to set slightly.
- Thinly slice ½ cup of strawberries lengthwise and arrange them on top of the chocolate ganache on the first cake.
- Carefully place the second cake on top of the strawberries, gently pressing it to help it set.
- Pour the remaining ganache over the assembled cakes. Wait for about 10 minutes, then place the rest of the strawberries on top.
- Finish by adding a sprig of fresh mint on the very top.
Enjoy your delicious chocolate strawberry cake!
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