Print

Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe

Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 19 reviews

A rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a fresh strawberry filling and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache frosting. This delightful dessert combines the deep flavors of cocoa with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, perfect for any chocolate lover looking for a fresh fruity twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup hot water or brewed coffee (for deeper flavor)

Fresh Strawberry Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra shine)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh whole strawberries
  • Chocolate curls or shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar until fully combined and smooth.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well blended.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Then slowly pour in the hot water or coffee and stir carefully until the batter is smooth. The batter will be slightly thin, which results in a moist cake.
  5. Bake: Pour and evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool completely on wire racks.
  6. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, then stir this mixture into the strawberries. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  7. Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Whisk in butter if using for extra shine. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before spreading.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and press gently to set.
  9. Decorate: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides. Garnish with fresh whole strawberries and chocolate curls or shavings for an elegant finish.
  10. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set, making it easier to slice and serve clean pieces.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use brewed coffee instead of hot water in the cake batter.
  • If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
  • Ensure the strawberry filling is completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the ganache.
  • Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
  • Allow the ganache to cool but remain pourable for a smooth glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Filling, Chocolate Ganache, Homemade Dessert, Baking, Chocolate Lovers, Fresh Fruit Cake

Find it online: https://maicook.com/chocolate-cake-with-fresh-strawberry-filling-recipe/