Description
A luscious chocolate cake layered with rich chocolate ganache and topped with fresh strawberries, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh strawberries, for decoration
- Chocolate shavings or curls, for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth and runny.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate and butter. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top. Place the second cake layer over the ganache. Use the remaining ganache to cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate: Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cake. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls around the strawberries for decoration.
Notes
- Ensure the eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Ganache can be slightly warmed if it becomes too thick to spread easily.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
- You can refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes after applying the ganache for a firmer finish before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice