Description
Rich chocolate cake layers cradle luscious strawberry filling in this dark chocolate strawberry layer cake. Silky ganache and fresh strawberries complete this indulgent dessert that will delight chocolate and fruit enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) strong black coffee, hot
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) heavy cream
- ¾ cup (75 g / 2.6 oz) unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) heavy cream
- 2 cups (250 g / 8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tbsps (30 g / 1 oz) unsalted butter
- 2 tsps (10 ml / 0.3 fl oz) vanilla extract
- 2 tsps (8 g / 0.3 oz) baking soda
- 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) baking powder
- 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) salt
- 4 oz (113 g) dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Foundation Preparation: Position the first chocolate cake layer centrally on an elegant serving platter, creating a stable base for the decadent dessert.
- First Cream Layer: Spread a smooth, velvety marshmallow cream across the entire cake surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Initial Fruit Placement: Carefully arrange thinly sliced strawberries in a precise pattern over the marshmallow cream, maximizing flavor distribution and visual appeal.
- Tier Assembly: Gently place the second chocolate cake layer atop the strawberry-adorned marshmallow cream, applying light and even pressure to maintain structural integrity.
- Second Cream Application: Replicate the marshmallow cream layer, creating a consistent and luscious tier across the second cake level.
- Secondary Fruit Arrangement: Strategically position additional delicately sliced strawberries over the marshmallow cream, maintaining flavor balance and aesthetic harmony.
- Final Layer Positioning: Crown the cake with the ultimate chocolate cake layer, ensuring precise alignment and structural stability.
- Chocolate Glaze Finish: Pour rich, glossy chocolate glaze over the cake’s summit, allowing the decadent chocolate to cascade elegantly down the sides, creating mesmerizing drips that enhance the cake’s visual allure.
- Decorative Garnish: Artfully top the cake with whole, pristine strawberries, arranging them in an aesthetically pleasing pattern to elevate the dessert’s presentation and appeal.
Notes
- Slice Strawberries Precisely: Use a sharp knife to cut strawberries uniformly thin, ensuring even layer distribution and preventing cake structural instability.
- Control Cream Spread: Apply marshmallow cream with an offset spatula for smooth, consistent coverage without tearing delicate cake layers.
- Temperature Matters: Allow cake layers to cool completely before assembling to prevent cream melting and maintain structural integrity.
- Glaze Technique: Pour chocolate glaze slowly from the center, tilting the cake to create elegant drips and complete side coverage without pooling.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg