Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling! 

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Filling

1. Cook Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries start to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
2. Thicken Filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add this mixture to the strawberries and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting

1. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well until combined.
3. Incorporate Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cakes: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry filling over the top.
2. Add Second Layer: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the first, pressing gently.
3. Frost the Cake: Use the chocolate frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Be as generous as you like!
4. Decorate: For an added touch, garnish the top with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Whipped Cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve slices of cake with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside a slice of cake makes for a delightful dessert experience.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
• Prevent Cracks: To avoid cracks in your cake, be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid opening the oven door during baking.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Filling is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that is sure to be a hit at any occasion. With its rich chocolate layers and sweet strawberry filling, this cake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself, this cake will leave everyone wanting more. So gather your ingredients, unleash your inner baker, and enjoy this delightful creation!