Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

If you’re in the mood for a rich and decadent treat that’s perfect for any celebration or just a sweet indulgence, look no further than Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream. This combination of moist chocolate cake enhanced with Kahlua liqueur and topped with creamy strawberry buttercream is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is an irresistible choice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot brewed coffee
• 1/2 cup Kahlua liqueur

For Strawberry Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from fresh strawberries)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries for decoration (optional)

Directions

for Baking the Chocolate Kahlua Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5. Stir in the hot brewed coffee and Kahlua liqueur, blending the mixture until fully smooth.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them and transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

for Strawberry Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it is creamy and fluffy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing it in until smooth.
3. Add the strawberry puree and vanilla extract, then continue beating until the buttercream is smooth and creamy.
4. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of strawberry buttercream on top of one cake layer.
5. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining strawberry buttercream.
6. For an extra touch, decorate the cake with fresh strawberries.

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Calories per serving: 350 kcal

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• For the best presentation, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. Let the cake sit for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the fridge to bring it to room temperature before slicing.
• Pair it with a cup of coffee or dessert wine, like a sweet dessert wine or even a light rosé, to complement the flavors of the chocolate and Kahlua.
• If desired, add extra decorations like shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, or more fresh strawberries on top for a stunning finish.
• Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, especially if the room is not too hot or humid.
• If you need to store the cake for a longer period, keep it in the fridge. Ensure it’s tightly covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The cake can be refrigerated for up to a week.
• For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep the cake fresh for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
• If the strawberry buttercream starts to soften due to warm temperatures, you can refrigerate the frosted cake to prevent it from melting or becoming too runny.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream for several days, maintaining its fresh and delicious taste!

Variations

If you’re looking to experiment with flavors or ingredients, here are some delicious variations to try with this already indulgent dessert!

1. Mocha Kahlua Cake
For a coffee lover’s twist, replace the Kahlua liqueur with an espresso-flavored liqueur or add an extra shot of espresso to the batter. This will give the cake a deeper, more robust coffee flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and strawberry buttercream.

2. Chocolate Raspberry Cake
Swap the strawberry puree in the buttercream with raspberry puree for a different fruity twist. The tartness of raspberries complements the rich chocolate perfectly. Garnish with fresh raspberries for a beautiful contrast and extra burst of flavor.

3. Red Velvet Kahlua Cake
Turn your chocolate cake into a luxurious red velvet cake by adding a tablespoon of red food coloring and replacing a portion of the cocoa powder with buttermilk. The result is a vibrant, velvety cake that still carries that signature chocolatey flavor.

4. Nutty Chocolate Kahlua Cake
Incorporate chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the cake batter for added texture and flavor. The nuts pair wonderfully with the rich chocolate and coffee notes from the Kahlua, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.

5. White Chocolate Strawberry Buttercream
For a twist on the buttercream, melt some white chocolate and fold it into the frosting. This creates a richer, sweeter version of the strawberry buttercream that balances out the deep chocolate flavor of the cake.

6. Vegan Chocolate Kahlua Cake
Make this dessert vegan by substituting the eggs and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like flax eggs and almond milk. Use a non-dairy butter for the strawberry buttercream, and make sure your Kahlua liqueur is vegan-friendly.

7. Spiced Chocolate Cake
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper to the cake batter to give it a warm, spicy kick. This variation adds an unexpected depth of flavor that enhances the rich chocolate while adding an aromatic element to the cake.

8. Mint Chocolate Kahlua Cake
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing mint-chocolate experience. Top the finished cake with crushed mint chocolates or a dusting of cocoa powder to bring the minty flavor to life.

9. Kahlua Truffle Cake
Create a truffle-inspired version of the cake by adding finely chopped chocolate truffles or chocolate chips to the batter. This will give the cake an extra layer of rich, gooey chocolate pieces throughout, perfect for chocolate enthusiasts.

These variations allow you to tailor the cake to your preferences or make it a fun new flavor experience for any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake without Kahlua?
Yes, you can replace the Kahlua with an equal amount of hot brewed coffee or a non-alcoholic coffee-flavored syrup for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use a flavored liqueur like coffee or hazelnut liqueur if you prefer.

2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you’re serving it for the freshest taste and presentation.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply leave the cakes at room temperature before frosting.

4. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. If it comes out wet with batter, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

5. Can I make the buttercream without fresh strawberries?
Yes, you can use store-bought strawberry puree or even substitute the strawberry puree with another fruit puree like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor. You can also use freeze-dried strawberry powder for an intense strawberry flavor.

6. How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?
Ensure that your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside. Overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too often during baking can also cause the cake to sink, so keep the oven door closed until the end of the baking time.

7. Can I use a different type of flour for this cake?
While all-purpose flour works best, you can try using cake flour for a lighter, fluffier texture. Keep in mind that you might need to adjust the liquid slightly, as cake flour has less protein than all-purpose flour.

8. How can I make the strawberry buttercream thicker?
If your strawberry buttercream is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches the desired thickness. You can also refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before frosting the cake to firm it up.

9. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store it longer, place it in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well covered to avoid drying out.

10. Can I decorate the cake with other fruits?
Yes, feel free to get creative with the decorations! In addition to fresh strawberries, you can add raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of fruit to create a colorful and refreshing topping. Chocolate shavings, edible flowers, or a drizzle of melted chocolate are also excellent additions.

These FAQs should help guide you through the baking process and answer any common concerns when making this indulgent dessert!

This Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is the ultimate dessert for those who love a combination of rich chocolate and refreshing fruit flavors. The addition of Kahlua liqueur enhances the depth of flavor in the cake, while the strawberry buttercream provides a light and creamy contrast. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this cake will definitely impress. Enjoy every bite!

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