Description

Decadent layers of moist chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and fresh strawberries stacked into elegant shortcake towers. Drizzled with rich chocolate ganache and topped with whole strawberries, this dessert is a stunning twist on the classic shortcake.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup hot water
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Whole strawberries, for topping
1/2 cup chocolate ganache (melted chocolate + cream)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 9-inch round cake pans or prepare a sheet cake.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
Stir in hot water until the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
Use a round cutter to cut circles from the cake if using a sheet cake or use layers from round cakes.
Place one cake round on a serving plate, pipe or spoon whipped cream on top, and add a layer of sliced strawberries.
Top with another cake round and a swirl of whipped cream.
Drizzle with chocolate ganache and place a whole strawberry on top.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Make sure cake layers are fully cooled before assembling to prevent melting the cream.
Ganache can be made by melting equal parts chocolate and heavy cream together.
Assemble shortly before serving for best texture and presentation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tower
Calories: 480
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 190mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg