Decadent Chocolate and Strawberry Layered Cake

This Chocolate and Strawberry Layered Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich, velvety texture of chocolate cream with the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. Set upon a crunchy butter cookie base, this cake offers an array of textures and flavors that are sure to delight. Each component—from the biscuit crust to the chocolate cream and fresh strawberries—is layered meticulously to create a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Rich Flavor Combination: The intense flavor of dark chocolate paired with the natural sweetness of strawberries creates a perfect balance.
• Elegant Presentation: The layered structure, with its striking contrast between the dark chocolate and vibrant strawberries, makes this cake a showstopper at any gathering.
• Texture Delight: From the crunchy biscuit base to the creamy chocolate and the fresh bite of strawberries, every forkful offers a delightful textural experience.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion that calls for a decadent dessert. It’s also perfect for dinner parties or as a luxurious weekend treat.

Decoration Tips:

1. Cocoa Dusting: A fine dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.
2. Strawberry Garnish: Decorate the top with halved strawberries or a strawberry fan for an elegant finish.
3. Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top for added chocolate intensity and a gourmet touch.
4. Mint Accents: A few fresh mint leaves can add a splash of color and a refreshing note to complement the rich flavors.

Ingredients:

• Cookie Base:
  • 130g butter cookies, crushed
  • 70g butter, melted
• Filling:
  • 800g milk
  • 200g heavy cream
  • 200g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 80g brown sugar
  • 55g cornstarch
  • 10g unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1 kg strawberries, some sliced, others whole
• Decoration:
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Base Preparation:
   • Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter.
   • Press into the bottom of a lined 18-20 cm cake mold to form an even layer.
2. Strawberry Arrangement:
   • Place sliced strawberries around the edge of the mold and whole strawberries inside. Chill in the refrigerator.
3. Chocolate Cream:
   • Whisk together cornstarch, brown sugar, and cocoa powder in a bowl.
   • Stir in milk, cream, and eggs until smooth.
   • Cook this mixture in a saucepan over medium heat until it boils and thickens (about 3 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Combine Chocolate:
   • Stir in the dark chocolate until melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Pour the chocolate cream over the strawberries and cookie base in the mold.
   • Cover with plastic wrap touching the cream’s surface and refrigerate overnight.
6. Finishing Touches:
   • Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and carefully remove from the mold.
7. Presentation:
   • Slice and serve the cake, showcasing the beautiful layers of strawberries and creamy chocolate.

This Chocolate and Strawberry Layered Cake is not just a dessert, it’s a celebration of flavors and textures, ready to impress and satisfy your guests with its delightful composition and elegant appearance.