Ingredients🍫🍓
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 ¼ cups whole milk, room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot water
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, chopped
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
1 ½ cups heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (Optional):
Fresh strawberries
Shaved chocolate
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir in the hot water until fully combined (the batter will be thin).
Gently fold in the fresh strawberries. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the strawberry filling, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Mash the strawberries and bring to a simmer. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add to the saucepan. Stir until the mixture thickens. Allow to cool completely.
For the chocolate ganache frosting, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir in butter and vanilla extract until the ganache is smooth. Let it cool to room temperature until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache frosting, followed by a spoonful of strawberry filling. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the chocolate ganache.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and shaved chocolate. Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 510 kcal | Servings: 12 servings