Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

1. Chocolate Cake: Chocolate cake, as we know it today, is a product of various culinary traditions and innovations. Chocolate itself originates from Mesoamerica, where the Mayans and Aztecs consumed cocoa in various forms. However, chocolate cakes, as we understand them today, began to emerge in the 18th and 19th centuries as cocoa powder became more readily available in Europe. The first chocolate cakes were typically dense and somewhat bitter compared to modern recipes.
2. Strawberries: Strawberries have a long history of cultivation, dating back to ancient Rome. They have been enjoyed for their sweet and juicy flavor for centuries. The modern strawberry, as we know it, is the result of centuries of selective breeding and cultivation.

The combination of chocolate cake and strawberries likely evolved as a natural pairing of two delicious ingredients. Chocolate’s rich, slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness and tartness of fresh strawberries, creating a harmonious and indulgent dessert.

While there isn’t a single origin story for chocolate cake with strawberries, it has become a classic dessert enjoyed in various forms around the world. Many pastry chefs and home bakers have created their own unique recipes for this delightful treat, incorporating chocolate cake with fresh strawberries, strawberry sauce, or chocolate ganache. It’s a versatile dessert that can be found on menus and in home kitchens across the globe.

Chocolate Cake with Strawberries Ingredients

To make a chocolate cake with strawberries, you will need ingredients for both the chocolate cake and the strawberry topping. Here’s a basic recipe with the ingredients for each component:

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake:

For the cake:

1. 1 and 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
2. 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
3. 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
4. 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
5. 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. 2 large eggs
8. 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
9. 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
10. 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
11. 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

Ingredients for Strawberry Topping:

For the strawberry topping:

1. 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2. 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, or to taste
3. 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance flavor)
4. Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Strawberries

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Strawberries Instructions:

For the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined, about 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Strawberry Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Toss the strawberries gently to coat them in the sugar. Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
2. Let the strawberry mixture sit for about 15-30 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out the juices and create a sweet syrup.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the chocolate cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spoon a generous portion of the strawberry topping onto the first cake layer.
3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the strawberries.
4. Spoon the remaining strawberry topping over the top of the cake.
5. Optionally, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate cake with strawberries!