Satisfy your sweet cravings with our delightful Strawberry Buttercream Chocolate Cake recipe! This indulgent dessert combines rich chocolate layers with luscious strawberry buttercream frosting and decadent chocolate ganache. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a dose of sweetness in your life.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely diced strawberries
- 5-7 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Strawberries for topping
- 1 large piping bag fitted with star tip
- Large ice cream scooper
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 large squeeze bottle
Directions:
For the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray three 9-inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water until combined.
- Using a standing mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Gradually add in the eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the 3 prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Using a standing mixer, cream together the butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, diced strawberries, and heavy whipping cream until combined and the mixture is creamy and forms stiff peaks.
- Scoop 1 cup of frosting into the piping bag.
To Build the Cake:
- Place one layer of the cake onto a cake board.
- Using the ice cream scooper, scoop out 4-6 scoops of frosting and smooth evenly over the first layer of cake.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and spread more frosting evenly over it.
- Place the final layer of cake on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small pot, heat the heavy whipping cream until steaming.
- While the cream is heating, place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute before whisking until smooth.
- Pour the ganache into the squeeze bottle.
- Pipe dollops of ganache over the edges of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Pipe dollops of frosting onto the top of the cake and place strawberries into the frosting dollops.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 12
Serving and Storage Tips :
1. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve slices of this decadent cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Garnish each slice with a fresh strawberry or a drizzle of additional chocolate ganache for a stunning presentation.
2. Storage Guidelines:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness.
- To prevent the cake from drying out, you can cover the exposed cake edges with additional frosting before storing.
- For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices of cake in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
3. Reheating Instructions:
- If serving leftover cake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and texture.
- To refresh chilled cake slices, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds or until slightly warmed.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
4. Tips for Storing Decorated Cakes:
- If your cake is decorated with fresh strawberries or other perishable toppings, consume it within 1-2 days for the best taste and appearance.
- When storing decorated cakes in the refrigerator, loosely cover them with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from absorbing any odors or drying out.
5. Enjoying Leftover Frosting and Ganache:
- Any extra strawberry buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use it to frost cupcakes, cookies, or as a delicious filling for macarons.
- Leftover chocolate ganache can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop for use in other desserts or as a decadent drizzle over ice cream or fruit.
With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Strawberry Buttercream Chocolate Cake, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious for every delightful bite!
Variations :
- Nutty Crunch:
- Add a layer of chopped toasted nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, between the cake layers for added texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some nuts on top of the frosting for a delightful crunch.
- Berry Bliss:
- Incorporate a variety of berries into the cake batter or between the layers along with the diced strawberries. Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can add a burst of freshness and vibrant color to your cake.
- Citrus Zest:
- Enhance the flavor profile of the cake by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. The citrus zest adds a subtle brightness that complements the richness of the chocolate and sweetness of the strawberries.
- Liqueur Infusion:
- Replace the espresso powder and Kahlua in the cake batter with other liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, Chambord, or Amaretto for a unique flavor twist. Brushing the cake layers with a flavored syrup before frosting can further enhance the taste.
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Substitute the strawberry buttercream frosting with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a deliciously different flavor profile. Simply beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Chocolate Drizzle:
- Instead of the chocolate ganache, drizzle melted chocolate over the frosted cake for a simpler yet equally decadent finishing touch. You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Layered Parfait:
- Turn this cake recipe into a stunning layered parfait by crumbling the cake into individual serving glasses or jars. Alternate layers of cake crumbles, strawberry slices, and whipped cream or frosting for a delightful dessert presentation.
- Alcohol-Free Option:
- Omit the alcohol from both the cake batter and ganache for a family-friendly version of this dessert. You can replace the Kahlua with additional warm water in the cake batter and use milk instead of heavy whipping cream in the ganache.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones in the frosting?
- Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before incorporating them into the frosting to avoid excess moisture.
- Can I make the cake layers in advance and freeze them?
- Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time, allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before assembling the cake.
- Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream in the chocolate ganache?
- Yes, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. However, keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
- Can I omit the espresso powder and Kahlua from the cake batter?
- While the espresso powder and Kahlua add depth of flavor to the chocolate cake, you can omit them if you prefer a non-coffee flavored cake. Simply replace them with an equal amount of warm water for moisture.
- How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pans?
- Make sure to properly grease the cake pans with non-stick baking spray or butter and flour before pouring the batter. Additionally, lining the bottom of the pans with parchment paper can further prevent sticking.
- Can I use a different frosting instead of strawberry buttercream?
- Yes, you can use your favorite frosting such as vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped ganache. Just ensure it complements the chocolate cake well.
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Strawberry Buttercream Chocolate Cake recipe. With its rich chocolate layers, luscious strawberry buttercream frosting, and decadent chocolate ganache, this cake is sure to impress any crowd. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this irresistible treat is bound to delight. Try out this recipe today and treat yourself to a slice of pure bliss!