Description
Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Strawberry Cake featuring a unique basil-infused buttercream. This elegant dessert combines rich chocolate, sweet strawberries, and a surprising herbaceous note for an unforgettable treat.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour (200g / 1.5 cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (60g / 0.5 cup): Delivers rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the cake rise.
- Baking Soda (0.5 tsp): Reacts with cocoa for lift.
- Salt (0.25 tsp): Enhances flavors.
- Granulated Sugar (200g / 1 cup): Sweetens and tenderizes.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened (115g / 0.5 cup): Adds tenderness and flavor.
- Large Eggs (2 pcs): Binds ingredients and adds richness.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Whole Milk (120ml / 0.5 cup): Adds moisture.
- Dark Chocolate, Melted (100g / 3.5 oz): Provides intense chocolate flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries, Hulled (150g / 5 oz / 1 cup): Adds fresh, fruity flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves, Finely Chopped (1 tbsp): Adds a unique herbaceous note.
- Powdered Sugar, Sifted (200g / 1.5 cups): Creates smooth buttercream.
- Heavy Cream (140ml / 0.5 cup + 2 tbsp): Adds moisture and richness.
- Dark Chocolate, Finely Chopped (150g / 5 oz): Provides a glossy ganache finish.
- Sliced Almonds, Toasted (30g / 1 oz): Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Layers: Level cooled cake tops for stability.
- First Buttercream Layer: Spread a thin layer of buttercream on the first cake layer.
- Stack Layers: Place the second cake layer on top.
- Crumb Coat: Apply a thin buttercream layer to seal crumbs.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm the buttercream.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat cream until simmering.
- Melt Chocolate: Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit.
- Smooth Ganache: Whisk until smooth and glossy, add butter.
- Cool Ganache: Cool to 30°C (86°F) for pouring.
- Drizzle Ganache: Drizzle over chilled cake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with almonds and add a basil leaf.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality chocolate and fresh strawberries. Cooling the ganache to the right consistency is key for a beautiful drip effect.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, strawberry, basil, buttercream, ganache, dessert, baking, cake