🧺 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

• ½ cup (120ml) hot water or hot brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy whipping cream

• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 2 cups (about 300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 200g (7 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped

• 200ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for shine)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, beat eggs with both sugars until light. Add oil, vanilla, and buttermilk.

4. Gradually mix wet and dry ingredients. Stir in hot water or coffee at the end. Batter will be thin.

5. Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool completely and slice each cake into 2 thin layers if you want 4 layers total.

2. Make the Whipped Cream:

• Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form. Chill until ready.

3. Prepare the Ganache:

1. Heat cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.

3. Stir until smooth, then add butter. Let cool slightly until thick but pourable.

4. Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream.

2. Arrange halved strawberries along the edge and across the top.

3. Add another cake layer and repeat (2–3 layers total with cream and strawberries).

4. Place the final layer on top.

5. Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip slightly down the sides.

6. Chill until ganache sets. Serve at room temp for best texture.

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🍓 Tips:

• Use strawberries with stems for a decorative top layer, or halve them for a more rustic look.

• For a glossy finish, add corn syrup to the ganache (1 tbsp).

• Best enjoyed fresh (within 2 days) due to whipped cream and strawberries.