Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake
Highlighted under: Festive Flavor Collection
I absolutely love baking, especially when it comes to celebrating friendships with delicious treats like this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake. The delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries not only pleases the eyes but also brings a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for sharing with my best friends or indulging in a self-care day at home. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Baking this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake has become a cherished ritual of mine. After experimenting with various methods, I've found that using a blend of dark and milk chocolate provides a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the strawberries. This added layer of complexity transforms the cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
One tip I’ve learned is to drizzle extra chocolate over the strawberries just before serving. This not only looks stunning but also enhances the chocolate flavor, making each slice even more indulgent. Trust me, your friends will be fighting over the last piece!
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Decadent chocolate paired with sweet, juicy strawberries
- Beautiful presentation that’s perfect for celebrating friendships
- Easy to make yet impressive enough for any occasion
Key Techniques for Success
The secret to achieving a moist and flavorful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake lies in the mixing method. When combining the dry and wet ingredients, ensure that you mix the batter just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so only beat for the recommended time—two minutes is ideal for achieving a light texture without incorporating excess air.
Another important step is using fresh ingredients — particularly the eggs and milk. Make sure they are at room temperature before adding them to the dry ingredients. This will help the ingredients emulsify better, contributing to a smoother batter and evenly risen cake. A quick way to bring eggs to room temperature is to place them in a bowl of warm water for about 10 minutes.
Ingredient Insights
The use of unsweetened cocoa powder not only provides the rich chocolate flavor but also contributes to the cake's moisture. If you're looking to reduce sugar, consider using a sweeter cocoa powder, although it may alter the overall taste. On the other hand, you can switch out regular flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour to cater to gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing texture.
When preparing the frosting, ensure the butter is softened adequately; this means it should be soft enough to create a creamy texture but not melted. If you accidentally over-soften the butter, refrigerate it for a few minutes before mixing in the powdered sugar to avoid a runny consistency. Achieving a glossy finish in the frosting is essential—it indicates that it’s well-aerated, which will enhance both the taste and mouthfeel.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful cake.
For the cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1 cup milk chocolate, melted
Make sure to have everything measured and ready before you start your baking process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your perfect Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread frosting over the top, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Add Toppings
Dip each strawberry in melted dark chocolate and place on top of the cake. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate for an extra touch.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake, serve it up, and enjoy your celebration with friends!
This cake is best enjoyed on the same day it's made for maximum freshness.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, consider infusing the batter with a splash of orange liqueur or adding chocolate shavings as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions
While this cake is stunning on its own, serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the dessert experience even more. Consider garnishing the plate with additional strawberries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a festive flair. This not only boosts the visual appeal but adds layers of flavor that will complement the cake beautifully.
Another fun idea is to serve the cake with a side of chocolate sauce for drizzling. It gives guests the option to add as much chocolate as they desire, creating a personalized touch that everyone will enjoy. Pairing each slice with fresh strawberries on the side enhances the overall flavor balance, making every bite a delightful mix of chocolate and fruit.
Make-Ahead Tips
This cake can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy occasions. The layers can be baked a day in advance and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frosting can also be made ahead and refrigerated; just remember to let it come back to room temperature before using, as it will thicken in the fridge. A quick re-whip can restore its fluffy texture.
If you're planning to decorate the cake with strawberries, consider preparing them shortly before serving to maintain their freshness. However, if you're short on time, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw them and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture. This way, you can enjoy the same flavor without compromising on presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries as an alternative.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them until you're ready to frost and serve.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water or store-bought egg replacer as an egg substitute.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake
I absolutely love baking, especially when it comes to celebrating friendships with delicious treats like this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Galentine's Cake. The delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries not only pleases the eyes but also brings a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for sharing with my best friends or indulging in a self-care day at home. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Created by: Noah
Recipe Type: Festive Flavor Collection
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1 cup milk chocolate, melted
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water until fully combined.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and let cool completely on a wire rack.
In a mixing bowl, blend softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate, spread frosting over the top, and place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
Dip each strawberry in melted dark chocolate and place on top of the cake. Drizzle with melted milk chocolate for an extra touch.
Slice the cake, serve it up, and enjoy your celebration with friends!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, consider infusing the batter with a splash of orange liqueur or adding chocolate shavings as a garnish.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g