Chocolate Strawberry Cake Indulgence (Print-Friendly Format)

Decadent chocolate layers, luscious strawberry filling, and smooth ganache create an unforgettable dessert centerpiece.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Chocolate Cake

01 - 250 g all-purpose flour
02 - 400 g granulated sugar
03 - 75 g unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 240 ml whole milk
08 - 120 ml vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 240 ml boiling water

→ Strawberry Filling

12 - 300 g fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
13 - 100 g granulated sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
15 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Chocolate Ganache

16 - 225 g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
17 - 240 ml heavy cream

→ Decoration

18 - Fresh strawberries
19 - Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and line three 20 cm round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Sift flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
03 - Add whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir until just blended.
04 - Gradually mix in boiling water until a smooth, thin batter forms.
05 - Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
07 - Combine strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until berries release juices.
08 - Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then stir into the saucepan. Cook for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
09 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let stand for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry filling on top. Add the second cake layer and repeat with remaining filling.
11 - Place the final cake layer on top. Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
12 - Garnish with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings as desired for a refined finish.

# Additional Information:

01 - For a smoother batter and consistent texture, use room-temperature eggs and dairy.
02 - Do not overmix to maintain a light crumb structure.
03 - Prepare strawberry filling in advance and chill for optimal assembly.
04 - Refrigerate assembled cake for 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean layers.