Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe

Here’s a recipe for Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling  a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the fresh sweetness of strawberries. This cake is perfect for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings!

Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup hot coffee (optional, for deepening the chocolate flavor)

For the Fresh Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1/4 cup water

For the Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for whipping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
• Stir in the boiling water (and hot coffee if using) until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Fresh Strawberry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer.
• If you want a thicker filling, dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add it to the strawberry mixture. Stir and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
• Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before using.

3. Make the Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
• Remove the cream from the heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
• Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until incorporated.
• Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
• Once chilled, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the ganache for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.

4. Assemble the Cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving platter or cake stand.
• Spread a generous amount of fresh strawberry filling over the first cake layer.
• Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently.
• Frost the entire cake with the whipped chocolate ganache frosting using an offset spatula or piping bag.
• Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or additional strawberry filling if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and enjoy your Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling as a delicious, indulgent treat!

Tips:

• If you prefer a smoother strawberry filling, you can blend the cooked strawberries until smooth before using them as a filling.
• For an extra touch, you can drizzle the whipped ganache over the cake slices just before serving.
• If you want to prepare the cake in advance, the chocolate cake layers and strawberry filling can be made a day ahead. Just assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

This Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling is rich, moist, and the perfect combination of chocolate and fresh fruit  a delightful dessert for any occasion!