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Valentine’s Day Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Buttercream and Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 117 reviews

This Valentine’s Day Cake is a decadent and moist chocolate cake layered with a luscious strawberry-infused buttercream frosting. Perfectly balanced with the richness of cocoa and the freshness of strawberries, this cake makes a beautiful romantic dessert featuring a crumb coating and celebration-ready decoration with chocolate-covered strawberries.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

  • Butter, for greasing
  • 1 3/4 cups (225 grams) all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cups (64 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup fresh vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, cool room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 6 cups (750 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 4 sticks (452 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup seedless strawberry preserves
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Red gel food coloring, optional

Garnish:

  • Chocolate-covered strawberries

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Add in the salt and whisk to combine evenly.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate measuring cup or bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
  4. Incorporate Coffee: Still mixing on low, add the hot coffee gradually and stir until just combined. Scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom with a spatula to ensure a uniform batter. Avoid overmixing; the batter will be thin and runny.
  5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cakes may sink slightly due to moisture. Cool in pans for 30 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Chill the cakes until firm.
  6. Make Buttercream: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the powdered sugar and butter on low until combined, then increase to medium and beat for 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  7. Add Flavorings: Mix in the strawberry preserves, salt, and vanilla extract on medium speed for 1 minute. Add a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) of red gel food coloring if desired and beat until evenly colored. Add more coloring if needed.
  8. Assemble the Cake: Place the first cold cake layer flat side up on a cake pedestal or flat surface. Spread about one-third of the frosting over the top, pushing it slightly over the sides.
  9. Add Second Layer and Crumb Coat: Place the second cake layer on top, flat side up. Apply a very thin layer of frosting over the top and sides to seal in crumbs (crumb coat). Chill until the frosting is firm.
  10. Final Frosting: Once firm, spread the remaining frosting evenly over the cake. Smooth the surface using an offset spatula, removing any excess frosting for a clean finish.
  11. Decorate: Garnish the cake with sprinkles and chocolate-covered strawberries as desired for a romantic presentation.
  12. Storage: The frosted cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and cake texture.
  • The batter will be thin; this is normal and results in a moist cake.
  • Do not skip the crumb coat as it prevents crumbs from spoiling the final frosting finish.
  • Red gel food coloring is optional but adds a festive touch to the buttercream.
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries add elegant garnish and complement the strawberry buttercream.
  • Allow the cake to chill between frosting steps for the best results.

Keywords: Valentine's Day cake, chocolate cake, strawberry buttercream, layered cake, romantic dessert, chocolate-covered strawberries

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/valentines-day-chocolate-cake-with-strawberry-buttercream-and-chocolate-covered-strawberries-recipe/