Chocolate Strawberry Drip Cake
A decadent and visually stunning Chocolate Strawberry Drip Cake featuring moist chocolate layers, fresh strawberry frosting, and a glossy dark chocolate ganache drip. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for an elegant, indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate and juicy strawberries.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Strawberry Frosting
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed and strained
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Drip Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (60-70% cocoa recommended)
Decoration
- Fresh whole strawberries or strawberry slices for garnish
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease cake pans. Whisk together dry ingredients – flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Bake and Cool the Cake Layers: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let layers cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents frosting from melting and ensures cake stability.
- Make the Strawberry Frosting: Puree fresh strawberries and strain to remove seeds for a smooth texture. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add strawberry puree, mixing until silky and well incorporated. This frosting combines sweetness with fresh strawberry flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cooled cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with remaining layers, frosting between each and smoothing sides and top for a polished finish. Chill assembled cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare the Chocolate Drip: Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan just until simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for one minute, then whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Allow ganache to cool slightly until thick but still pourable for perfect dripping consistency.
- Drip and Decorate: Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, carefully drip ganache along cake edges so it cascades down the sides. Pour remaining ganache over the top and smooth gently with an offset spatula. Decorate with fresh whole strawberries or strawberry slices arranged artfully on top.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better texture.
- Chill cake layers before frosting to reduce crumbs and achieve a clean finish.
- Strain strawberry puree to remove seeds for a silky frosting.
- Cool ganache slightly before dripping to prevent it from running off too far.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting layers and tidy drip edges.
- To make dairy-free, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream for ganache.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and well drained to prevent runny frosting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, strawberry cake, drip cake, celebration cake, chocolate strawberry dessert, layered cake, ganache drip