Introduction to Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Why Strawberry Chocolate Cake is the Ultimate Dessert
If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances rich and indulgent flavors, look no further than strawberry chocolate cake. Imagine a moist, decadent chocolate cake layered with fresh strawberries and silky chocolate ganache—each bite is a delightful experience. This cake isn't just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the eyes too! The vibrant red strawberries contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.
Not only does this cake taste divine, but it also boasts a surprising health benefit: strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. According to the American Heart Association, incorporating fruits like strawberries into your diet can promote heart health. That means you can indulge a bit more guilt-free!
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply treating yourself, a strawberry chocolate cake is bound to impress. Its combination of flavors invites everyone to take a slice—or two! So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that promises to enchant your guests and satisfy your dessert cravings.
Ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Creating a delectable strawberry chocolate cake is all about choosing the right ingredients. Let’s break down what you need to whip up this delightful dessert!
Essential Ingredients for the Cake
To start, gather the following for the cake batter:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
These ingredients create a moist, rich, and chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients for the Frosting
Next up is the luscious frosting that makes this cake extra special:
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled to room temperature
This frosting is smooth and creamy, perfect for layering between the cakes.
Ingredients for the Ganache
For that irresistible chocolate finish, you’ll need:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¾ cup heavy cream
This ganache will give your strawberry chocolate cake an elegant sheen.
Garnishing with Fresh Strawberries
To add a pop of color and freshness, don’t forget:
- 24 ounces of fresh strawberries
These berries not only enhance the flavor but also provide a beautiful presentation. When assembling, consider slicing some strawberries to tuck between cake layers for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Now that we've laid out the necessary ingredients, you're well on your way to baking a stunning strawberry chocolate cake! For tips on the baking process, check out resources like King Arthur Baking for expert advice.
Step-by-Step Preparation of Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Creating your strawberry chocolate cake can be a delightful experience that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the fresh zest of strawberries. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the process!
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. If you prefer an easier cleanup, you can line the bottoms with parchment paper and then grease the sides. This extra step ensures the cake slides right out after baking!
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. The cocoa powder should be fully integrated to prevent clumping.
Combine Wet Ingredients and Mix
Next, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to the dry mix. To the same bowl, add:
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Beat this mixture on medium speed for about two minutes. Don’t be alarmed when you add the 1 cup of boiling water at the end; the batter will be quite thin, which is perfectly normal!
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once that’s done, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about ten minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, whip up your frosting! Beat 1 cup of unsalted butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy (around 2-3 minutes). Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Finally, mix in 1 cup of melted and cooled semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Make sure to beat it until creamy—your frosting should be absolutely irresistible!
Prepare the Ganache
For that luxurious finishing touch, make the ganache. In a medium bowl, place ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat ¾ cup of heavy cream in a saucepan until it bubbles around the edges. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, let it sit for half a minute, then stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Cake
To assemble your strawberry chocolate cake, place one cooled cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Slice 1 cup of strawberries lengthwise and arrange them atop the frosting. Carefully place the second cake on top and gently press down.
Garnish and Serve
Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with whole strawberries, positioning them as desired. After about 15 minutes to let the ganache set, your cake is ready! Cut it into slices, serve, and watch everyone enjoy this delightful strawberry chocolate cake!
Variations on Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Adding Nuts for Crunch
Looking to elevate your strawberry chocolate cake? Consider adding nuts! Chopped walnuts or pecans can introduce a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake and creamy frosting. Simply fold in about a cup of your favorite nuts into the batter before pouring it into the pans. This subtle addition can create a symphony of textures and flavors, making your cake even more delightful. For those who adore chocolate and nut pairings, this twist is a must-try!
Using Alternative Fruits
Switching up the fruits can also reinvent your strawberry chocolate cake. While strawberries are a classic, try raspberries or blueberries for a tart twist that pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate. You could even experiment with banana slices for a sweeter flavor. Just ensure to balance out the sweetness by adjusting the sugar slightly, or by using unsweetened cocoa. This versatility not only keeps the cake exciting but also opens the door to seasonal fruit inspirations!
For more variants on cakes, consider checking out seasonal recipes on Bon Appétit's blog or The Kitchn.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Tips for the Perfect Frosting
To achieve a smooth and creamy frosting for your strawberry chocolate cake, make sure your butter is at room temperature, as this helps it whip up light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined—this technique ensures a velvety texture. For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality chocolate, and don’t skip the step of cooling it before adding it to the frosting. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk can help adjust the consistency.
Tricks for a Moist Cake
Keeping your strawberry chocolate cake moist is essential for that perfect bite. Use room temperature ingredients—eggs, milk, and oil—to create a more homogenous batter. Incorporating boiling water, as instructed in the recipe, adds moisture and richness. Additionally, avoid over-baking the cake; check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. If you're looking to elevate moisture, consider adding a simple syrup of equal parts water and sugar brushed over the layers before frosting.
For more baking tips, check out resources like King Arthur Baking and America's Test Kitchen. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Pairing with Fresh Cream
A slice of strawberry chocolate cake tastes divine when accompanied by a dollop of fresh cream. Whipping cream until it forms soft peaks adds a lightness and balance to the rich, chocolatey goodness of the cake. For an elevated experience, consider sweetening the cream slightly with vanilla or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Adding a Side of Vanilla Ice Cream
Who can resist the combination of warm and cold? Serving your strawberry chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms each bite into an indulgent treat. The creamy vanilla perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor, while the cold temperature adds a refreshing twist.
Want to impress? Try drizzling a bit of chocolate sauce or fresh strawberry puree over the ice cream for an extra pop of flavor!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Preparation Time
Get your baking game on! The preparation time for this strawberry chocolate cake is approximately 20 minutes. This is when you'll gather your ingredients, mix up that luscious batter, and whip up the frosting while dreaming of chocolatey goodness.
Baking Time
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake. The baking time is about 30 to 35 minutes. You'll want to keep an eye on it, though, because you want that perfect rise and moist crumb.
Total Time
All in all, from start to finish, the total time for making this strawberry chocolate cake is around 55 minutes. Just enough time to make your kitchen smell divine and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
For more tips on baking, check out Baking 101 or visit The Kitchn for kitchen hacks!
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Calories
A slice of strawberry chocolate cake typically contains around 350 calories. While it’s a delightful treat, it's also essential to enjoy it in moderation.
Sugar Content
With about 30 grams of sugar per slice, this cake is certainly sweet! Consider pairing it with fresh strawberries for a refreshing balance.
Fat Content
Each slice has approximately 20 grams of fat, primarily from the delicious frosting and ganache. Opt for lighter alternatives if you want to cut back without compromising on flavor!
For more details on nutrition, you can explore resources such as USDA Food Data or NutritionData.
FAQ about Strawberry Chocolate Cake
How can I make my cake more chocolatey?
If you’re a serious chocolate lover, consider adding an extra ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cake batter. You can also swap in dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet in the frosting and ganache for a richer flavor. Experimenting with different chocolate brands can bring out unique notes too—try using high-quality chocolate for a gourmet twist!
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
To keep your delicious strawberry chocolate cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out. It's best to store the cake at room temperature for up to two days, but if you need longer, you may refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit out a bit before enjoying!
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! If you want to save your cake for later, you can freeze it. Just make sure it's completely cooled, then wrap it well in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bring it to room temperature before serving.
For more tips on storing various cakes, you might find this article on cake preservation useful!
Conclusion on Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Creating a delightful strawberry chocolate cake at home is a rewarding experience that tantalizes the taste buds and brings people together. Homemade desserts evoke happiness, creating cherished memories with loved ones. So grab your ingredients and bake a masterpiece—your dessert-loving friends will thank you! Discover more delightful dessert recipes for inspiration!
Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Equipment
- stand mixer
- 9-inch round baking pans
- saucepan
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted and cooled to room temperature
For the Ganache
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- 24 ounces strawberries
Instructions
Cake Preparation
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In the bowl of stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the frosting is smooth, about 3-4 minutes. Mix in the vanilla. Drizzle in the cooled melted chocolate and beat on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Ganache Preparation
- To make the chocolate ganache, add the chocolate to a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat just until it bubbles around the edges or you can heat it in the microwave. Pour cream over the chocolate chips. Let the mixture stand for 30 seconds, then stir until the chocolate melts and a smooth ganache comes together, about 1-2 minutes. Let the ganache cool for about 5 minutes. Stir again.
Assembling the Cake
- To assemble the cake, place one cake on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread frosting over the bottom layer of the cake. You want a thick layer of frosting. Next, slice 1 cup of strawberries lengthwise and place them on top of the frosting.
- Carefully place the second cake on top of the strawberries and gently press down to help set the cake.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides of the cake. Wait for the ganache to set, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the stems from 10 pretty strawberries and place them stem side down on the top of the cake. Gently pressing them into the ganache so they will stand up. Cut into slices and serve!
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