🍫🍓 Decadent Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Filling 🍓🍫

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 ½ tsp baking powder

1 ½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup boiling water

For the Strawberry Filling:

2 cups fresh strawberries

⅓ cup sugar

2 tbsp cornstarch

2 tbsp water

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

3 cups powdered sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2-3 tbsp heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake :

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans .

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt .

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth .

Slowly add the boiling water, stirring gently to combine (batter will be thin) .

Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick — it should come out clean!

Let cakes cool completely in the pans before removing.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Filling :

In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and water .

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down . Let cool.

3. Make the Frosting :

Beat butter until creamy . Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency .

Continue mixing until smooth and fluffy!

4. Assemble the Cake :

Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of strawberry filling on top .

Place the second cake layer on top of the filling .

Frost the entire cake with the chocolate frosting .

5. Decorate and Serve :

Garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch!

Slice and enjoy this heavenly treat!