Chocolate Strawberry Layer Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Chocolate Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
06 - 1 teaspoon salt
07 - 1 cup whole milk
08 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup boiling water

→ For the Strawberry Filling

12 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
13 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
14 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
15 - 2 tablespoons water

→ For the Chocolate Ganache

16 - 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
17 - 1 cup heavy cream

→ For Decoration

18 - Fresh strawberries
19 - Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract and stir until combined. Gradually mix in boiling water to create a smooth batter. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
02 - Combine chopped strawberries and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring until juices are released. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add to the saucepan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
03 - Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it simmers. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly for better consistency.
04 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread strawberry filling evenly over the top. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final cake layer and pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
05 - Garnish the cake with fresh strawberries and optional chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.