Introduction
Transform humble ingredients into a masterpiece of culinary artistry with this elegant chocolate cake, infused with the vibrant tang of homemade strawberry jam. This recipe elevates the classic chocolate cake, offering a sophisticated dessert experience perfect for the most discerning palate. Prepare to be captivated by its rich, decadent texture and the delightful interplay of sweet chocolate and tangy strawberry.
Why This Works
This recipe’s brilliance lies in its simplicity and the unexpected harmony of its components. The deep, dark chocolate cake provides a luxuriously moist and intensely chocolatey base, perfectly complemented by the bright, slightly tart notes of homemade strawberry jam. The contrast in textures—the soft, yielding cake against the slightly more structured jam—creates a truly memorable culinary experience. It’s a recipe that effortlessly balances ease of execution with extraordinary results.
Key Ingredients
🍫 2 cups all-purpose flour
🥚 2 large eggs
🥛 1 cup buttermilk
☕ 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
🧈 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
🍯 1 cup granulated sugar
🍫 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
🧂 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 1 teaspoon baking powder
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍓 1 cup homemade strawberry jam (recipe below)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb.
3️⃣ Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4️⃣ Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and coffee, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6️⃣ Divide & Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool & Frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with your favorite chocolate buttercream frosting and a generous layer of strawberry jam between the layers.
Handy Tips
- Use good quality cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Heat Control
Maintaining the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C) is crucial for even baking. A slightly lower temperature might result in a denser cake, while a higher temperature could lead to dry edges. Using an oven thermometer ensures accuracy.
Crunch Factor
While the cake itself offers a tender crumb, the contrast with the slightly thicker texture of the strawberry jam provides a delightful textural interplay. The jam offers a subtle “crunch” from any seeds present in the strawberries.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra intense chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
- Use a piping bag to create elegant swirls of frosting on the cake.
- For a visually stunning presentation, garnish with fresh strawberries.
Storage Tips
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Present this exquisite cake in an elegant cake box, adorned with a ribbon and a small card detailing the ingredients. A simple yet sophisticated presentation will make it a truly memorable gift.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Raspberry Swirl: Incorporate raspberry jam alongside the strawberry jam for a double berry delight.
🌟 Salted Caramel: Add a layer of homemade salted caramel sauce between the cake layers for a luxurious twist.
🌟 Chocolate Ganache: Top the cake with a rich chocolate ganache for an extra decadent finish.
🌟 Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a subtle citrusy note.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: This could be due to overbaking. Next time, check for doneness earlier, and reduce the baking time slightly.
- Cake is gummy: This might indicate underbaking. Ensure the cake is baked until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Frosting is too soft: Chill the frosting before using it to ensure it holds its shape.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought jam? Yes, but homemade strawberry jam will offer a superior flavor and texture.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, bake the cakes a day or two ahead, and frost them just before serving.
- What type of frosting should I use? A rich chocolate buttercream frosting complements the cake beautifully.
- Can I freeze this cake? It’s best to enjoy the cake fresh, but you can freeze the unfrosted cakes for up to 3 months.
- What kind of coffee should I use? A strong, dark roast coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
This exquisite chocolate cake with strawberry jam is a testament to the magic that can be created with simple ingredients and a touch of culinary finesse. Share this recipe with your loved ones and savor every delightful bite. Enjoy the journey of creating this culinary masterpiece!
Decadent Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Jam: A Taste of Elegance
Indulge in this rich chocolate cake layered with luxurious strawberry jam, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175u00b0C. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth; it will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of strawberry jam on top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the buttercream frosting.
- Decorate with fresh strawberries and serve.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.