Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this decadent layer cake is the perfect way to spoil someone special. Layers of homemade chocolate cake and cheesecake frosting are topped with fresh strawberries and a rich chocolate ganache drizzle.
This time of year I always crave strawberries like crazy. When I was a kid, I used to go strawberry picking with my cousins and then my mom and I would make strawberry jam and all sorts of strawberry desserts.
It’s also getting close to Strawberry Festival season here in Florida. Andrew and I have been going the past couple of years, and our absolute favorite thing to get is a donut from the Amish Baking Company covered in strawberries. It’s the main reason we go!
Anyway, let’s talk about this cake. It’s really a bummer that my site doesn’t have a feature to let you taste this cake!
When people find out I’m a food blogger, one of the first questions they ask is “what’s the best thing you’ve ever made?” It’s no competition, this cake has just stolen that spot!
If you are looking for a way to really impress and spoil your Valentine this year, this is it! Not only is this cake over-the-top fancy with it’s bright red strawberries and rich chocolate ganache drizzles, it’s taste is to die for, too.
How to Make This Strawberry Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake
You start by making two moist chocolate cakes from scratch (don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think!). Stack them up with layers of cheesecake frosting and pile the top with fresh strawberries. The chocolate ganache is made with just two ingredients and then drizzled all over the cake for a beautiful finishing touch.
Don’t let this cake intimidate you! Even though it’s completely made from scratch, it’s really not that hard to make. It’s a little time consuming, but I think you’ll agree it was well worth it.
Tips for Success with This Recipe
This cake recipe has become a favorite among my friends and family, and is often requested for birthdays or parties. Here are some of my tips for making this cake turn out perfectly!
- Use parchment paper at the bottom of your pans to make sure the cake releases neatly. There are many ways to prepare a cake pan, but for this recipe I’ve found that spraying with cooking spray, adding a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of each pan and spraying again works best.
- Use a high quality chocolate and cocoa powder. The better your ingredients, the better your cake will turn out!
- Make sure your strawberries are completely dry before adding them to the cake. Pat strawberries with a paper towel before topping the cake if needed.
- If you want to prep some of this cake ahead of time, you can make the cake layers a day in advance and store in the refrigerator. You can also make the frosting ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Take it out to soften for 30-60 minutes before assembling your cake. I recommend waiting to make the ganache until it’s almost time to assemble the cake.
Whether you have plans to visit a nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day or stay at home and cook a special meal, this cake is the perfect thing for dessert!
Strawberry Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake
Just in time for Valentine's Day, this decadent layer cake is the perfect way to spoil someone special. Layers of homemade chocolate cake and cheesecake frosting are topped with fresh strawberries and a rich chocolate ganache drizzle.
Ingredients
For the chocolate cakes
- 2 cups white sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the cheesecake frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the chocolate ganache and strawberry topping
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- About 1/2 cup strawberries, with the tops removed and sliced in half
Instructions
For the chocolate cakes
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray cooking spray on two 8" or 9" round baking pans, add a circle of parchment paper at the bottom of each pan and spray again.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredient mixture and add in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Beat for 2 minutes at medium speed, then stir in the boiling water.
- Divide the cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then flip them out onto a wire rack and let cool completely before continuing with assembling the cake.
For the cheesecake frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese for 3 minutes until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, powdered sugar and milk and beat for another 3-5 minutes.
For the chocolate ganache
- Pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- While the cream is heating up, put the dark chocolate chips in a small glass bowl.
- Once the cream is simmering, pour it over the chocolate chips. Mix until smooth and let cool and thicken until about room temperature.
Assembling the layer cake
- Place one of the chocolate cakes on a cake stand or serving dish. Spread about half of the frosting over the top of the cake.
- Place the second cake on top of your frosting layer and spread the remaining frosting over the top.
- Arrange the strawberries in the center of the top of the cake.
- Use a spoon to drizzle the ganache over the strawberries and down the sides of the cake.
- Keep the cake in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Notes
Be sure to check out my Tips for Success in the recipe post for more helpful tips and tricks!
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 507Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 342mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 2gSugar: 62gProtein: 5g
The nutritional information provided on A Savory Feast recipes is an estimation, the exact values may change depending on the type and brand of ingredients you choose.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?
Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet says
This looks incredibly sinful…and delicious!!! Perfect treat for Vday 🙂
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
It’s worth every calorie, I promise!
Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says
Oh ganache, yes! I love the chocolate and strawberry pairing, and your cake looks decadent. I also love the “dark and moody” photo!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thanks Joanna! I had so much fun making this cake and taking the pictures. And of course, eating it!
Erin says
Oh my word, YESSSSS! I’ve got a major sweet tooth, and when you combine chocolate and strawberries in any dessert, I’m SO in! Pinning this to my Valentine’s board for inspiration. You know, since we’ll definitely be spending our Valentine’s Day in this year! Thanks for sharing this, lady!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
You HAVE to make this cake! I I promise, it’s soooo worth it.
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
This is so so so beautiful!! I love ganache cakes– saving this recipe for sure!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
You won’t believe how easy it is to make the ganache drizzle from scratch! You definitely need to make this cake.
Laura Jean Gilleland says
Oh my word — I am so impressed with how this turned out! My mouth is watering just looking at it. I hope you enjoyed it after all the photos were taken!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thank you! It was soooo good. Andrew and I keep talking about it! I’m already planning to make another one later this week.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
This cake is stunning Jenna!! I am drooling over here, just beautiful!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thank you, Annie! I was so happy with how it turned out.
Chandra Lane Sirois says
Oh I wish that you did have a taste feature!! This cake looks divine!!!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
It was incredible! I’m already going to make more tomorrow.
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
YUM! I”m getting ready to work on something similar today. Gorgeous!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I hope yours turned out wonderfully! I have dreams about this cake…
Anna @ The Beauty Section says
If this tastes as good as it looks its gotta be delish!! It photographs so beautifully! 🙂
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Believe me, it tastes even better than it looks! I’ve already gotten requests to make more this weekend. I’m so excited to eat it again!
Kati says
This definitely looks decadent! Perfect for Valentine’s Day. Thank you for the recipe.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thanks Kati! I’ve already had so many requests for it, I’m making another one as I type this.
Joy Love Food says
Chocolate and strawberries is such a wonderful combination, this cake looks amazing! We have to wait until June for strawberry season here in New England so I will try not to be jealous that yours is just around the corner 🙂 Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This Weekend?!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I just LOVE chocolate and strawberries together. They were the perfect combination for this cake!
Forgetful Momma says
These looks amazing! Thank you for liking up to this week’s Tasty Tuesday linky! I have pinned your recipes to the Creative K Tasty Tusday Pinterest board. I hope that you come back again on Tuesday.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thanks for hosting the party and for stopping by!
Cristina says
Oh. My. Gosh. This looks INCREDIBLE! Sooooo decadent and delicious, all that dripping chocolate, yum! Pinninggggg
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
It was SO SO SO good! I already had to make another one this past weekend because everyone wanted to try it. I’m sure it will be a regular for me!
Miz Helen says
Hi Jenna,
This cake is just beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing with us for our 5th Anniversary of Full Plate Thursday! Hope you have a fantastic week and hope to see you again real soon!
Miz Helen
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thank you for stopping by, Miz Helen! Have a great week.
Samantha@Elah Tree says
Oh my gracious! This looks amazing! I have been wanting to make a layer cake like this. I’ve never made one and everyone I see I want to try. 🙂
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I had been wanting to make a layer cake for the longest time! It was so much fun and SO delicious!
Kelsie Kleinmeyer says
This literally looks AMAZING! Thanks so much for linking up with The Alder Collective! I’m choosing this for my feature this week!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Aww thank you, Kelsie! This cake was so much fun to make and even more fun to eat. I’m excited it’s being featured this week!
Miz Helen says
Congratulations Jenna!
Your recipe for Strawberry Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a great Valentine Weekend and come back to see us real soon!
Miz Helen
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Thank you, Miz Helen! I’m so excited to be featured this week.
Dell Chubzz says
can i substitute Buttermilk instead of plain milk to make this cake super moist
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I haven’t tried that personally, but I’m sure it would work great!
fatima says
It absolutely works, if you are using very thick Greek yogurt, you may want to thin it out a little bit with a bit of milk first, or not… I’ve found by choosing to keep the yogurt thicker, it makes for a fudgier, moister cake… which is a win-win in my book! I almost always have plain Greek yogurt in the home, whereas having buttermilk, usually requires a special purchase and a container going to waste once opened.
Carlee @Cooking With Carlee says
Oh heavens, that looks amazing! Just give me a fork, a pot of coffe and leave me alone for the day and I’d be in heaven 😉 Thanks for sharing at Throwback Thursday!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
That sounds like the perfect day! Thanks for stopping by.
Linda @ The Wild Rumor says
This looks SO unbelievably good!! My best friend and I made a similar cake once, but it had three layers and huge chunks of strawberries in the middle of each layer. Needless to say… that was one leaning tower that did not survive haha. It was for a birthday party and we had to transport it there and I was sitting in the passenger seat literally holding the cake upright… to no avail! We were laughing so hard I honestly thought I might pee myself, and thinking of it now still makes me giggle. Anyway, your version looks 10x safer and just as delicious. I’m traveling full time at the moment and still have about four months of my trip. But it’s posts like these that make me so excited to get back in a kitchen!!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
That story is hilarious! This version is definitely much easier to transport and serve. I had contemplated adding strawberries between the layers as well, but now I’m glad I didn’t!
Chloe Somerfield says
Wow! This looks so decadent, definitely will have to try this at home… x
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Decadent is the right word, that is for sure! This cake is so rich and delicious. You will love it!
marlayoung says
This recipe is perfect for strawberry season.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
Definitely! I’m wanting to make another one soon. I just need a good excuse!
Adriana Renee says
My mouth is watering! This looks SO delicious!
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
This cake is just wonderful! You’ve got to try making it soon.
Zan Turner says
Seriously, this looks so good and it does not help that we love chocolate and strawberries.
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
This sounds like the cake for you! Enjoy.
Nisha says
Which brand and type of cream cheese did you use
Jenna Owens (@aSavoryFeast) says
I always use regular (not low fat) cream cheese. I’ve made this with both Philadelphia brand as well as Winn-Dixie store brand and it turns out great both ways.
Lynette says
This looks sooo great! I’m in the UK are you provide measurements of ingredients in grams please