👩‍🍳 Directions:

1️⃣ Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) 🔥. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans 🧁. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt 🧂. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy 🧈🍬. Beat in the eggs 🥚, then stir in vanilla 🍦. Gradually mix in dry ingredients and milk, alternating, starting and ending with dry ingredients 🥛. Fold in sour cream and boiling water 💧. Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes ⏰, or until a toothpick comes out clean ✅. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely ❄️.

2️⃣ Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
Toss sliced strawberries 🍓 with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla 🍋🍦. Let sit for 15–20 minutes to release juices 🍶.

3️⃣ Make the Chocolate Ganache:
Place chopped dark chocolate 🍫 in a bowl. Heat heavy cream 🥛 until it simmers, then pour over the chocolate 🍫. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes ⏳, then stir until smooth 🥄. Add butter 🧈 if you desire a glossy finish ✨.

4️⃣ Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a platter 🍰. Spoon half of the strawberry filling 🍓 on top, followed by a drizzle of ganache 🍫. Add the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining filling and ganache 🍰🍓🍫. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set ❄️.

5️⃣ Serve:
Garnish with fresh strawberries 🍓 and mint leaves 🌿. Slice and enjoy this decadent treat! ❤️