Name: Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups flour; 3 cups sugar; 1 1/2 cups special dark chocolate cocoa powder; 1/2 cup regular unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 4 large eggs; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup warm water; 1/2 cup Kahlua; 1/2 tsp espresso powder; 1/2 cup canola oil; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 6 cups powdered sugar; 4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup finely diced strawberries; 5-7 tbsp heavy whipping cream; Strawberries for topping; 1 large piping bag fitted with star tip; Large ice cream scooper; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 large squeeze bottle

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:

3 cups flour
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups special dark chocolate cocoa powder
1/2 cup regular unsweetened cocoa
1 tbsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
4 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup warm water
1/2 cup Kahlua
1/2 tsp espresso powder
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract

Strawberry Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
6 cups powdered sugar
4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely diced strawberries
5-7 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Strawberries for topping
1 large piping bag fitted with star tip
Large ice cream scooper

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 large squeeze bottle

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray three 9-inch cake pans with baking spray.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water until combined.

Step 3: Using a standing mixer, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Gradually add the eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, canola oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool for 20 minutes before removing from pans.

Step 7: For the frosting, pat the diced strawberries very dry with paper towels.

Step 8: Cream the butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, diced strawberries, and heavy whipping cream in a mixer until the frosting is creamy, stiff, and holds peaks. Beat 2–3 minutes longer than you think to create a light, whipped texture.

Step 9: Scoop 1 cup of frosting into the piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Step 10: To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on a board. Using the ice cream scooper, scoop 4–6 scoops of frosting and spread evenly on top.

Step 11: Add the second cake layer and spread more frosting. Repeat with the last layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

Step 12: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small pot until steaming but not boiling. Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl.

Step 13: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.

Step 14: Pour the ganache into the squeeze bottle and pipe dollops over the edges of the cake.

Step 15: Pipe dollops of frosting on top of the cake and place strawberries onto these dollops.

Step 16: Cut, serve, and enjoy your decadent chocolate Kahlua cake with strawberry buttercream!

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure the batter blends smoothly and bakes evenly.

For a more intense coffee flavor, increase espresso powder by 1/4 tsp.

Substitute fresh strawberries in the frosting with freeze-dried strawberry powder for a concentrated flavor and less moisture.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace Kahlua with strong coffee or coffee extract.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help maintain texture.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Make sure the diced strawberries are very dry before adding to the frosting to avoid excess moisture. Also, beat the frosting thoroughly to develop structure and stiffness.