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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Elara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

This Valentine’s Day Cake is a moist and rich chocolate cake layered with a luscious strawberry buttercream frosting. The recipe features a blend of cocoa and hot coffee in the batter for deep chocolate flavor, complemented by a sweet and creamy strawberry buttercream made with seedless preserves and a hint of vanilla. Perfectly decorated with chocolate-covered strawberries, this elegant cake is ideal for romantic occasions or any celebration requiring a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

  • Butter, for greasing
  • 1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cups (64 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup fresh vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, at cool room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

For the Buttercream Frosting

  • 6 cups (750 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 sticks (452 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup seedless strawberry preserves
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Red gel food coloring, if desired

For Decoration

  • Chocolate-covered strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add the salt and whisk to blend everything uniformly.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large measuring cup or small bowl, mix the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Then add the freshly brewed hot coffee, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter will be thin and runny.
  5. Bake the Cake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 30 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Chill in the fridge or freeze to firm up before frosting.
  6. Make the Buttercream: In a stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, mix powdered sugar and butter on low speed until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 3 more minutes until light and fluffy. Add in strawberry preserves, salt, and vanilla extract, then beat for another minute. If desired, add red gel food coloring and mix until the frosting is evenly tinted.
  7. Assemble the Cake – First Layer: Place one cake layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or flat surface. Spread about one-third of the frosting evenly over the top, extending the frosting slightly beyond the edges.
  8. Apply Crumb Coat: Place the second cake layer on top, also flat side up. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill the cake until this layer is firm before final frosting.
  9. Final Frosting: Once the crumb coat is set, spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth out the surface and scrape off any excess frosting for a clean finish.
  10. Decorate: Garnish the cake with chocolate-covered strawberries and sprinkles as desired to enhance its festive Valentine’s Day appearance.
  11. Storage: Store the frosted cake at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and frosting consistency before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better batter consistency and rising.
  • Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but don’t overmix after adding it.
  • Chilling the cake layers before frosting helps achieve a neater assembly and frosting application.
  • Red gel food coloring is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred shade.
  • Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting application and clean edges.
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries add elegance and complement the strawberry buttercream perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Valentine's Day Cake, Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Buttercream, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Romantic Dessert, Holiday Cake

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Find it online: https://kitchenflavorspot.com/valentines-day-chocolate-strawberry-layer-cake-recipe/