Strawberry Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries for decoration (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle

This strawberry cake is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are nothing short of spectacular! Follow these steps to create a moist, flavorful cake with a gorgeous chocolate drizzle.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Extracts: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry extract.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add the Strawberry Puree: Gently fold in the pureed fresh strawberries until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
7. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Drizzle

1. Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate chips and add the heavy cream and butter. Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
2. Set Aside to Cool Slightly: Once the chocolate is melted, let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. You want it to be a pourable consistency but not too runny.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cakes: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer of the cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a layer of whipped cream or frosting on top if desired (this is optional but adds a nice creamy texture).
2. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the first, pressing down gently to ensure it’s stable.
3. Drizzle the Chocolate: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top of the cake. Let the chocolate drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
4. Garnish with Fresh Strawberries: Top the cake with fresh strawberries for a pop of color and extra freshness. You can also add whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for additional flair.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once you’ve drizzled the chocolate and garnished the cake, it’s time to serve! Slice and enjoy this beautiful, flavorful strawberry cake with your friends and family. The combination of strawberry sweetness and rich chocolate will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Tips for the Best Strawberry Layer Cake

• Use Fresh Strawberries: The flavor of fresh strawberries is key to this cake, so use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best taste.
• Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Make Ahead: The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can drizzle the chocolate just before serving to ensure it stays glossy.
• Frosting Option: If you prefer a more traditional frosting, feel free to top the cake with a rich cream cheese frosting or a whipped cream frosting instead of the chocolate drizzle.

Why This Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply a weekend treat, Strawberry Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Its bright, fresh flavor and rich, indulgent chocolate drizzle make it a dessert everyone will remember. The beautiful layers make it look fancy enough for a special event, but it’s easy enough to make for a family gathering.

So, next time you’re in need of a dessert that’s as delicious as it is gorgeous, look no further than this Strawberry Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle. It’s the perfect way to celebrate any occasion or just to indulge in something sweet. Enjoy!