Creating a rich and decadent Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is a delightful journey for your taste buds. This cake combines the deep notes of chocolate with a hint of coffee liqueur, only to be brightened by a luscious strawberry frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dessert brings warmth and joy to any table. Plus, it’s a fun project in the kitchen! You’re going to love how easy it is to whip this up while having a great time. Grab your apron, and let’s get started on this delicious journey together!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating a rich and decadent Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s about balancing flavors, textures, and the emotional resonance of dessert. The unique combination of Kahlua and espresso brings out the chocolate’s depth, while the strawberry frosting adds a fresh, tangy finish. These elements come together to create a cake that feels special and memorable, perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply a midweek treat.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
This cake is a true show-stopper for any gathering, satisfying a variety of palates. The moist chocolate layers, infused with coffee liqueur, promise to delight chocolate lovers. Meanwhile, the vibrant strawberry buttercream introduces a beautiful contrast, making every slice simply irresistible. Your friends and family will rave about the flavors and textures, and you’ll love how easy it is to make.
Ingredients
To whip up this Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting, you will need the following:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups special dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup Kahlua
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely diced strawberries
- 5-7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries for topping
- 1 large piping bag fitted with star tip
- Large ice cream scooper
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 large squeeze bottle
Whipping Up This Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Preheating the Oven and Preparing Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab three 9-inch cake pans, and spray them generously with baking spray. This step will help your cake layers release easily later on.
Mixing the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a small bowl, whisk together the espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water until well combined. Next, place your flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a standing mixer. Mix these dry ingredients until they’re well blended. Gradually add the eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. Finally, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.
Baking the Cake Layers
Once your batter is ready, place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. When the baking is done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. This cooling time allows them to set perfectly.
Creating the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
While the cake layers are cooling, it’s the perfect time to make the frosting. In the standing mixer, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, diced strawberries, and heavy whipping cream. Mix until the mixture is smooth and holds stiff peaks. Don’t forget to scoop about 1 cup of frosting into your piping bag for decorative purposes later!
Assembling the Cake Layers
Get your cake board ready, and place the first layer of cake on it. Using your ice cream scooper, scoop 4-6 generous dollops of frosting onto the cake and spread it evenly across the layer. Carefully place the second layer on top and repeat the frosting process. Finish with the final layer, then frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it out for a polished look.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
Next, let’s make the chocolate ganache that will take this cake to a whole new level. In a small pot, heat the heavy whipping cream until steaming. Then, place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let this sit for about a minute before whisking until smooth. Now, carefully pour the ganache into your squeeze bottle for easy decorating later on!
Decorating the Cake
Time for the fun part! Pipe dollops of ganache along the edge of your frosted cake. Then, add dollops of frosting on top for a gorgeous finish. To truly make it shine, garnish with fresh strawberries nestled into the frosting dollops. This adds a beautiful touch and a hint of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
When it’s time to serve this indulgent cake, pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a few fresh strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. This little touch complements the cake perfectly.
Tips for Success
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start, as this helps the batter mix more evenly.
- If you prefer a less sweet frosting, adjust the amount of powdered sugar used to suit your taste.
Variations
For a little extra flair, consider adding chocolate shavings or nuts to your frosting for added flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic version, substitute the Kahlua with a mix of coffee and chocolate syrup for a similar taste.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freshness, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
Pairing Ideas
Serve this delightful cake alongside a cup of coffee or a dessert wine that beautifully complements the chocolate and sweet strawberry flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers and freeze them for up to 2 months before frosting.
2. Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for Kahlua?
You can use a combination of brewed coffee and chocolate syrup to achieve a similar taste.
3. What if I don’t have three cake pans?
If you only have one or two pans, you can bake the cake in batches and let the layers cool before frosting.
4. How can I make the frosting lighter?
Simply add an extra tablespoon of heavy whipping cream to make it lighter and fluffier.
5. Can I use different types of frosting?
Absolutely! You can swap the frosting for cream cheese frosting or ganache for a delicious change.
This Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting will impress your friends and family. Each bite is a delightful blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberry flavors. Enjoy the process of baking as much as the final result, and feel free to make this recipe your own!
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Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
This delightful cake features rich chocolate infused with Kahlua, complemented by a fresh strawberry buttercream, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups special dark chocolate cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup Kahlua
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely diced strawberries
- 5–7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries for topping
- 1 large piping bag fitted with star tip
- Large ice cream scooper
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 large squeeze bottle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water. Blend dry ingredients in a mixer, then add wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25-35 minutes. Cool in pans for 20 minutes.
- Cream butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, diced strawberries, and heavy whipping cream for frosting.
- Layer cake with frosting in between and cover the top and sides.
- Heat heavy cream and pour over chocolate chips to make ganache, then pour into a squeeze bottle.
- Decorate the cake with ganache and additional frosting, then garnish with fresh strawberries.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Adjust powdered sugar in frosting to control sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
