Description
Indulge in this rich and moist Chocolate Kahlua Cake, layered with a luscious Strawberry Buttercream Frosting and finished with decadent chocolate ganache drizzles. Perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy a hint of coffee and coffee liqueur, this cake combines deep chocolate flavors with fresh strawberry sweetness for an impressive dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake 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
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray three 9-inch cake pans with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Espresso-Liqueur Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a standing mixer bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, both cocoa powders, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Mix: Gradually add eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, the espresso-Kahlua mixture, canola oil, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth and well combined. Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake the Cakes: Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool for 20 minutes before frosting.
- Prepare the Strawberry Buttercream: Pat the diced strawberries very dry using paper towels to prevent excess moisture. In a standing mixer, cream together softened butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, diced strawberries, and heavy whipping cream. Beat until the frosting is creamy and stiff with peaks. Continue beating on medium-high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes to incorporate air and achieve a fluffy, whipped texture.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on the cake board. Using a large ice cream scooper, scoop 4-6 scoops of frosting and spread evenly over the layer. Repeat with the second cake layer and more frosting. Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small pot until steaming (not boiling). Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl, then pour the hot cream over them. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Transfer the ganache into a large squeeze bottle.
- Decorate the Cake: Pipe dollops of ganache around the edge of the cake, allowing some to drip slightly down the sides. Pipe dollops of frosting onto the top of the cake and place strawberries into each frosting dollop to garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich combination of chocolate, Kahlua, and fresh strawberry frosting.
Notes
- Ensure the diced strawberries are very dry before adding to the frosting to avoid a runny consistency.
- Baking times may vary based on oven calibration; check doneness with a toothpick.
- The frosting achieves best texture by beating longer than expected to trap air.
- Use a warm but not boiling water to dissolve espresso powder for balanced flavor without bitterness.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Kahlua Cake, Strawberry Buttercream, Chocolate Ganache, Layer Cake, Dessert, Coffee Liqueur Cake
