Easy Strawberry Chocolate Dream Cake 🍓
This delightful Easy Strawberry Chocolate Dream Cake combines layers of moist chocolate cake with a fresh strawberry filling, creamy strawberry frosting, and a silky chocolate ganache for a truly dreamy dessert experience. Perfect for family gatherings or a special treat!
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Servings 12 Slices
Calories 776 kcal
For the Moist Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling hot water
For the Fresh Strawberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
For the Creamy Strawberry Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
For the Silky Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Get Your Cake Ready:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until just combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. Don't worry if the batter seems thin – that's how it should be!
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whip Up the Strawberry Filling:
- In a saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries soften and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the strawberry mixture and continue cooking until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
Make the Dreamy Strawberry Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it's light and creamy, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, about a cup at a time, beating well after each addition until fluffy.
- Stir in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium speed until the frosting is perfectly smooth and has a lovely strawberry flavor.
Prepare the Easy Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute to melt, then stir until it's smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly to thicken a bit.
Assemble Your Masterpiece:
- Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Pipe a border of strawberry frosting around the edge of the cake.
- Carefully spoon the cooled strawberry filling into the center, spreading it evenly within the frosting border.
- Gently place the second cake layer on top.
- Use the remaining strawberry frosting to cover the top and sides of the entire cake. Smooth it out or create pretty swirls.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it elegantly drip down the sides.
- For an extra special touch, you can decorate with fresh strawberries or chocolate-dipped strawberries!
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the frosting set before slicing and enjoying this delicious cake!
Nutrition Information:
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