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Indulgent Strawberry Chocolate Shell Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This Indulgent Strawberry Chocolate Shell Cake combines rich, moist chocolate layers with fresh, macerated strawberries and a glossy dark chocolate shell. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this dessert is ideal for celebrations or a decadent treat. The cake is baked to perfection and finished with a luscious chocolate coating that sets beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar (brown sugar optional)
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch-process optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (omit if using self-rising flour)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (sea salt optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Buttermilk (or yogurt/milk + vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • 2 large Eggs (flaxseed meal + water for vegan option)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (almond extract optional)
  • 1 cup Boiling Water

Strawberry Layer

  • 2 cups Fresh Strawberries (or any berries)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (or lime juice)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (optional, for maceration)

Chocolate Shell

  • 8 ounces Dark Chocolate (semi-sweet optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly to ensure the cake layers can be removed easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined for a uniform base.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Slowly add the boiling water while mixing to create a smooth, thin batter.
  5. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Prepare Strawberries: While that bakes, slice the fresh strawberries and combine them with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Allow them to macerate for 15 to 20 minutes to release their juices and develop flavor.
  7. Cool and Layer: Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread the macerated strawberries and their syrup evenly over the surface. Top with the second cake layer and chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes to set.
  8. Melt Chocolate Shell: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly to thicken but remain pourable.
  9. Coat the Cake: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cake evenly, creating a smooth, glossy coating. Allow the chocolate shell to set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve: Slice the cake and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for a rich and refreshing dessert experience.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free cake, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Brown sugar adds richness if substituted for granulated sugar.
  • Use Dutch-process cocoa powder for a smoother cocoa flavor.
  • To make it vegan, replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
  • Macerating the strawberries helps them release juice, which enhances flavor and moistness.
  • Allow the chocolate shell to fully set before slicing for clean cuts.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Strawberry Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Shell Cake, Indulgent Cake Recipe, Berry Dessert, Layer Cake

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/indulgent-strawberry-chocolate-shell-cake-recipe/