🍓 Chocolate Strawberry Cream Layer Cake

✨ Description

A rich and moist chocolate cake layered with smooth vanilla cream, sweet strawberry filling, and finished with glossy chocolate ganache. Topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent treat.

---

📝 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water

---

For the Cream Filling

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream

• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

---

For the Strawberry Layer

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp lemon juice

---

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup (180 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

---

For Topping

• 1 cup whipped cream

• Fresh strawberries

• Optional: powdered sugar

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.

3. In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

5. Slowly pour in hot coffee or water and mix well (batter will be thin).

6. Pour into the prepared pan.

7. Bake 30–35 minutes.

8. Let the cake cool completely.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Combine chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.

2. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thick.

3. Let cool completely.

---

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

1. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.

2. Add vanilla extract.

3. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

4. Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

---

Step 4: Prepare Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until hot (not boiling).

2. Pour over chocolate chips.

3. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Cut the cake into two or three layers.

2. Spread cream filling on the first layer.

3. Add strawberry filling.

4. Place the next cake layer on top.

5. Repeat if using three layers.

6. Pour chocolate ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

---

Step 6: Decorate

1. Pipe whipped cream on top.

2. Add fresh strawberries.

3. Lightly dust with powdered sugar.

---

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Chill the cake 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner layers.

• Serve with extra strawberries or chocolate sauce.

---

⭐ Flavor profile:
Rich chocolate + creamy vanilla + fresh strawberry sweetness.