Strawberries
Indulge in this luxurious three-layer chocolate cake, drenched in glossy ganache and adorned with vibrant, juicy strawberries. Each slice is a symphony of rich cocoa and velvety frosting, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both elegant and irresistible.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee
For the Ganache:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
For Garnish:
• Fresh strawberries, halved
• Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry.
• Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin). Divide batter evenly among the pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Make the Ganache:
• Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly for a thicker consistency. - Assemble the Cake:
• Place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache. Repeat with the second and third layers, ensuring the top and sides are fully coated.
• Drizzle extra ganache over the edges for a dramatic effect. - Garnish and Serve:
• Decorate with fresh strawberries and optional mint leaves. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Pro Tips:
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: Substitute hot coffee with espresso for an extra punch.
• Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked and frozen in advance, ensuring a moist texture.
• Texture Twist: Add a thin layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Recipe Summary
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
This dessert is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, perfectly complemented by the freshness of ripe strawberries. Perfect for celebrations or a lavish treat-yourself moment!