What’s the secret to making any cake irresistible? A rich chocolate ganache drizzle, of course. This easy homemade dessert features a decadent ganache made with dark chocolate and heavy cream, paired perfectly with fresh strawberries. Save this idea for your next family favorite treat.

the chocolate ganache is being drizzled on top of the cake and served with strawberries

Introduction

Imagine a moist, decadent cake, smothered in a rich, velvety chocolate ganache, and served with a side of fresh, juicy strawberries. This indulgent dessert is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you likely have on hand. The combination of flavors and textures is pure magic, and with a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little creativity and flair to their dessert repertoire.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of moist cake, rich chocolate ganache, and sweet strawberries is a match made in heaven, and the ingredients are easy to find in most grocery stores.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this dessert is relatively simple to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and some straightforward preparation steps.
Impressive results with minimal effort: With its stunning presentation and decadent flavors, this dessert is sure to impress your guests, and it can be made with minimal fuss and effort.

Key Ingredients

The key ingredients in this recipe include a moist and decadent cake, a rich and creamy chocolate ganache, and a selection of fresh and juicy strawberries. For the cake, you can use a store-bought mix or make your own from scratch using flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The chocolate ganache is made with melted chocolate and heavy cream, and can be flavored with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. The strawberries can be sliced and served on the side, or arranged on top of the cake in a decorative pattern. Some practical substitutions for this recipe include using different types of cake, such as pound cake or angel food cake, or substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and preparing your cake mix according to the package instructions. If making from scratch, whisk together the flour, sugar, eggs, and butter in a large bowl until well combined.
Step 2: Pour the cake batter into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
Step 3: To make the chocolate ganache, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: To assemble the dessert, place the cooled cake on a serving plate or cake stand, and drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top. Arrange the sliced strawberries on top of the cake in a decorative pattern, or serve on the side.

Handy Tips

To ensure that your cake is moist and flavorful, be sure to not overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, but not wet or dry.
To make the chocolate ganache ahead of time, simply melt the chocolate and stir in the heavy cream, then refrigerate until ready to use. Allow the ganache to come to room temperature before drizzling over the cake.
To add some extra flavor and texture to your dessert, consider sprinkling some chopped nuts or shaved chocolate over the top of the cake before serving.

Heat Control

When making the chocolate ganache, it’s essential to heat the chocolate gently to avoid burning or seizing. If using a double boiler, be sure to stir the chocolate constantly as it melts, and avoid letting it come to a boil. If using the microwave, heat the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. The ideal temperature for melting chocolate is between 105°F (40°C) and 115°F (46°C), and the ganache should be smooth and creamy, with no lumps or grainy texture.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dessert comes from the fresh strawberries, which add a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich and creamy chocolate ganache. To ensure that your strawberries are at their best, be sure to choose fresh and ripe berries, and slice them just before serving. You can also add some extra crunch to your dessert by sprinkling some chopped nuts or shaved chocolate over the top of the cake.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

To make your cake more stable and easier to serve, consider using a cake stand or turntable to display it. This will also make it easier to drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top.
To add some extra flavor and moisture to your cake, consider brushing it with a simple syrup made from equal parts water and granulated sugar. This will help to keep the cake fresh and add a touch of sweetness.
To make your chocolate ganache more stable and easier to work with, consider adding a teaspoon of corn syrup or honey to the mixture. This will help to prevent the ganache from seizing or becoming too thick.

Storage Tips

To store your cake, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerating for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
To store your chocolate ganache, consider refrigerating it for up to 5 days, or freezing for up to 2 months. Allow the ganache to come to room temperature before using.
To store your strawberries, consider refrigerating them for up to 2 days, or freezing for up to 6 months. Allow the strawberries to come to room temperature before serving.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give this dessert as a gift, consider packaging it in a decorative cake box or tin, and garnishing with fresh flowers or greenery. You could also package the cake and ganache separately, and include a few fresh strawberries on the side. Some other ideas include wrapping the cake in cellophane bags and tying with a ribbon, or placing the cake on a decorative plate or platter and covering with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Flavor Variations

Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a unique and interesting flavor.
Creative toppings: Consider topping the cake with fresh fruit, nuts, or candy pieces for a fun and colorful dessert.
Ingredient swaps: Consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, or using different types of chocolate or nuts for a unique flavor.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If your cake is too dense or dry, consider adding more liquid to the batter or using a different type of flour. If your ganache is too thick or thin, consider adjusting the ratio of chocolate to cream.
Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider substituting with a similar item. For example, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or chopped nuts instead of chocolate chips.
Over/undercooking signs: If your cake is overcooked, it may be dry or crumbly. If it’s undercooked, it may be raw or soggy. Check the cake for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake and ganache for up to 2 months. Simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of wheat flour. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative if needed.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this dessert is a show-stopping combination of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its moist and decadent cake, rich and creamy chocolate ganache, and sweet and tangy strawberries, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients and preparation time. So why not give it a try and see what you think? With a few simple tips and tricks, you can create a truly unforgettable dessert that’s sure to become a favorite.

Chocolate Cake with Strawberries