Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cupsall-purpose flour
- 2 cupsgranulated sugar
- 3/4 cupunsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tspbaking powder
- 1 1/2 tspbaking soda
- 1 tspsalt
- 1 cupwhole milk
- 1/2 cupvegetable oil
- 2large eggs
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 1 cupboiling water
- 2 cupsfresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cupgranulated sugar (for the filling)
- 2 tbspcornstarch
- 2 tbspwater
- 8 ozsemi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cupheavy cream
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the wet ingredients: milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Incorporate boiling water.
- Once mixed, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Combine chopped strawberries and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Stir until strawberries release their juices and soften. Mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until filling thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small saucepan, gently warm the heavy cream until it simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let ganache cool slightly.
- Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a serving plate, spread strawberry filling, add another layer, and repeat. Top with ganache.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings if desired.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients, don’t overmix, prepare strawberry filling ahead, and chill the cake before slicing.
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 6 g