Description
A decadent dessert featuring layers of rich, fudgy chocolate cake interspersed with homemade strawberry jam and fresh strawberries, all enveloped in a luscious strawberry cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced strawberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Add the slurry to the strawberry mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the strawberry jam, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake:
- If necessary, level the tops of the cooled cakes.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of the strawberry filling on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and apply a crumb coat of frosting.
- Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries if desired.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
