Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chopped strawberries
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• For Garnish (optional):
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
10. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache.
12. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
13. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips.
14. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
15. Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
16. If desired, garnish the cake with sliced strawberries and chocolate shavings.
17. Slice and serve the strawberry chocolate cake, and enjoy!

Tips:

Make sure the cake is completely cool before pouring the ganache over it to prevent it from melting too quickly.
You can refrigerate the cake to firm up the ganache before serving, especially if the weather is warm.