Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

For Decoration:

• Fresh strawberries
• Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
4. Incorporate boiling water: Gradually add boiling water while mixing, creating a smooth, thin batter.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes: Let the layers cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Cook the strawberries: Combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the berries release their juices.
2. Thicken the mixture: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir into the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
3. Cool: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat the cream: Warm heavy cream in a small saucepan until it simmers.
2. Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Thicken: Allow the ganache to cool slightly for better consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer with filling: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread strawberry filling evenly over the top. Repeat with the second layer.
2. Top with ganache: Place the final cake layer and pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Step 5: Decorate

1. Add toppings: Garnish with fresh strawberries and optional chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.