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Chocolate Strawberry Vanilla Layer Cake

This stunning cake combines rich chocolate, refreshing strawberries, and creamy vanilla layers, creating a delightful dessert perfect for celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the structure of the cake, providing a soft base.
  • 2 cups sugar Adds sweetness and helps to enhance the cake's moisture.
  • 3/4 cups natural unsweetened cocoa powder Infuses that rich chocolate flavor.
  • 1 tsp baking soda Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
  • 2 large egg Binds the ingredients for a cohesive texture.
  • 1 cup buttermilk Contributes to the cake's moistness and tender crumb.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Ensures a soft and moist cake texture.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract Enhances the flavor profile with a warm touch.
  • 1 cup boiling water Activates the cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor.
For the Fillings
  • 8 oz cream cheese Provides creaminess and a tangy flavor for the filling.
  • 1 cup sugar Used in the filling to sweeten the cream cheese layer.
  • 1/2 cup milk Helps achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.
  • 1 tsp strawberry extract Infuses a fresh and fruity essence into the layers.
  • 8 oz Cool Whip Offers a light and airy texture for the creamy layers.
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring Adds a vibrant hue to the strawberry layer.
  • 8 oz additional cream cheese Ensures the vanilla layer is equally creamy.
  • 1 cup sugar Sweetens the vanilla filling for a delightful taste.
  • 1/2 cup milk Used for smoothness in the vanilla layer.
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste Provides robust vanilla flavor with speckles.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract Further enhances the sweet vanilla flavor.
For the Whipped Topping
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream Creates a luxurious and fluffy whipped topping.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sweetens and stabilizes homemade whipped cream.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Enriches the whipped cream with its wonderful flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda.
  3. Add the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
  4. Mix until smooth and pour in the boiling water to achieve a thin batter.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  6. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean; let them cool.
Filling Preparation
  1. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry filling by blending cream cheese, sugar, milk, and strawberry extract together.
  2. In another bowl, gently fold in Cool Whip and red food coloring until the color is consistent.
  3. Repeat the process for the vanilla filling using cream cheese, sugar, milk, vanilla bean paste, and vanilla extract.
Assembly
  1. Once the cakes have cooled, level them with a knife.
  2. Begin assembling the cake by layering the chocolate cake, followed by the strawberry mixture, and another layer of cake.
  3. Spread the vanilla filling on the next cake layer and top with a final chocolate cake layer.
  4. Frost the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream.
  5. Chill for a few hours to allow flavors to meld and set properly.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Grease pans well to ensure the cakes come out easily.