Savor the irresistible blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries in this Chocolate Strawberry Cake. Perfect for any celebration, it's a delightful treat that combines moist chocolate sponge with juicy strawberries and luscious whipped cream. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
Start by whisking together one egg, curd, oil, vanilla essence, and brewed coffee in a bowl. Ensure these ingredients are thoroughly combined for a consistent flavor.
Gradually add in sieved all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar to the wet mixture. Gently fold them together to avoid forming any lumps, aiming for a smooth, velvety batter.
Baking the Chocolate Mixture
Pour the prepared batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it's perfectly baked.
Carefully remove the cake from the oven. It's crucial to let it cool down completely in the pan. This cooling process helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Preparing Whipping Cream
In a large bowl, pour in the whipping cream. Add powdered sugar and a dash of vanilla essence for a hint of sweetness and flavor.
Use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture. Continue until it forms stiff peaks, which indicates it's ready. Set this whipped cream aside, keeping it chilled.
Preparing Chocolate Glaze
Gently melt chocolate in a double boiler setup to ensure even and smooth melting. As it melts, stir in butter, which adds a rich, glossy finish to the glaze.
Continuously whisk the chocolate mixture until it achieves a creamy consistency. Allow it to cool down to room temperature for optimal spreading. If the glaze appears too thick, gently incorporate few tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to reach the desired consistency, ensuring it's smooth and pourable.
Making Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Carefully invert the cooled cake onto a flat surface and slice it horizontally into two equal layers. This step requires a steady hand and a sharp knife for clean cuts.
Take the bottom layer and generously spread the prepared whipping cream over it. Scatter chopped strawberries evenly over the cream, creating a juicy, fruity layer.
Gently place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries, aligning it well with the base.
For the grand finale, pour the creamy chocolate glaze over the cake, ensuring it covers the top and drips down the sides for a decadent finish. Allow the cake to rest, letting the chocolate set slightly for a stunning presentation and easier slicing. Your Chocolate Stawberry cake is now ready to be enjoyed.
Serving
Serve this delicious Chocolate Strawberry Cake as a standalone treat or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For more creative serving ideas and pairings, refer to our Serving Suggestions section.
Notes
Unlock the secret to a perfect Chocolate Strawberry Cake with these essential tips.
Select Premium Cocoa and Strawberries: Opt for the highest quality cocoa powder you can find; its depth of flavor is the heart of your cake. Pair it with the freshest strawberries for a vibrant, natural sweetness. The interplay between the luxurious cocoa and the bright, fresh berries is what sets your cake apart.
Room Temperature for Smooth Batter: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature to blend seamlessly into your batter. This small step makes a significant difference, leading to a smoother, more uniform batter that bakes evenly, resulting in a perfectly textured cake.
Folding Technique for Lightness: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ones. This technique traps air in the batter, translating to a lighter, fluffier cake. Imagine you're giving the batter room to breathe, ensuring it rises beautifully in the oven.
Avoid Overmixing to Retain Texture: Mix the batter just enough to combine ingredients, as overmixing can develop the gluten excessively, leading to a dense, heavy cake. Think of it as blending flavors while respecting their individuality.
Timely Baking for Optimal Rise: As soon as the batter is ready, get it into the oven. This preserves the action of the leavening agents, ensuring your cake rises to its full, glorious potential.
Cooling for Perfect Frosting: Patience is key – let the cake cool completely before frosting. This waiting period prevents the frosting from melting upon contact, ensuring a smooth, professional finish.
Uniform Strawberry Slices for Consistency: Slice strawberries evenly to ensure each bite has an equal share of their juicy sweetness. This consistency in size not only looks appealing but also distributes the flavor uniformly.
Chilled Whipped Cream for Stability: Keep your whipped cream chilled until the moment of use. This ensures it holds its shape and texture as you spread or pipe it, adding a luxurious creaminess to each layer.
Balanced Layering for Harmonious Flavor: When assembling the cake, aim for uniform layers. This careful distribution results in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors – creamy whipped cream, juicy strawberries, and rich chocolate cake in every bite.