🍓🍫 Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Moist chocolate cake layers filled with fresh strawberry compote and covered in silky chocolate ganache — a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion!

📝 Ingredients

🍫 For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) milk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

🍓 For the Strawberry Filling:

• 1½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, chopped

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

🍫 For the Ganache (or Frosting):

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra shine)

✨ For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries

• Chocolate shavings or drizzle

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.

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

3. Add in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

4. Gradually stir in boiling water — the batter will be thin.

5. Divide evenly between the pans.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

2. Make the Strawberry Filling:

1. In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, until strawberries soften and break down.

3. For a thicker filling, mix cornstarch with water and stir in. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

4. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Make the Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until steaming (not boiling).

2. Pour over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

3. Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

4. Add butter for extra richness and shine (optional).

5. Cool slightly until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

2. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling on top.

3. Add the second cake layer.

4. Pour ganache over the top, gently spreading it to the edges.

5. Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings.

🍰 Serve & Enjoy!

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts — or dive in while it’s gooey and fresh!