Strawberry Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)

Moist chocolate cake with silky ganache and fresh strawberries, ideal for celebrations

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 cups granulated sugar
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1 cup whole milk
09 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
10 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ Chocolate Ganache

12 - 1 cup heavy cream
13 - 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped

→ Strawberry Filling & Topping

14 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
15 - 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
16 - Extra whole or halved strawberries for decoration

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined. Gradually add boiling water, mixing until batter is smooth and thin.
04 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
05 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
06 - Heat cream in small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate in bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool until thickened but spreadable.
07 - Toss sliced strawberries with sugar if desired, let sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
08 - Spread layer of ganache over first cake layer, top with half sliced strawberries. Place second cake layer on top, spread remaining ganache evenly, and arrange more strawberries on top. Decorate with extra whole or halved strawberries.
09 - Chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cake stays incredibly moist thanks to that secret addition of boiling water
  • Fresh strawberries cut through the richness perfectly, making each slice feel balanced rather than overwhelming
  • This cake looks impressive but comes together with straightforward techniques you already know
02 -
  • The thin batter is exactly right, so do not be tempted to add more flour or the cake will become dense
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and prevent curdling when mixing
  • Let the ganache cool until it is spreadable but not firm, or it will tear the cake layers
03 -
  • Brush the cake layers with a simple strawberry syrup before assembly to intensify the fruit flavor throughout
  • Chill your cake pans in the fridge for 15 minutes before greasing them, which helps the batter rise higher and more evenly

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