Ultimate Chocolate Escape with Hidden Strawberry Delight

This cake is a symphony of textures and tastes! Dense, moist chocolate cake embraces a vibrant strawberry filling, all under a blanket of decadent chocolate ganache.

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 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
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra chocolatey flavor)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Slowly stir in boiling water until fully incorporated.

Bake the Cake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Strawberry Filling:

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes translucent. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Assemble the Cake:

Once the cakes are cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top.

Prepare the Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

Frost the Cake:

Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the ganache set slightly before decorating.

Garnish (Optional):

Decorate your masterpiece with fresh sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.

Enjoy this delightful combination of rich chocolate and surprising bursts of strawberry!