๐ฉโ๐ณ Directions:
1๏ธโฃ Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) ๐ฅ. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans ๐ง. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ๐ง. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy ๐ง๐ฌ. Beat in the eggs ๐ฅ, then stir in vanilla ๐ฆ. Gradually mix in dry ingredients and milk, alternating, starting and ending with dry ingredients ๐ฅ. Fold in sour cream and boiling water ๐ง. Divide the batter between pans and bake for 30โ35 minutes โฐ, or until a toothpick comes out clean โ
. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely โ๏ธ.
2๏ธโฃ Prepare the Strawberry Filling:
Toss sliced strawberries ๐ with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla ๐๐ฆ. Let sit for 15โ20 minutes to release juices ๐ถ.
3๏ธโฃ Make the Chocolate Ganache:
Place chopped dark chocolate ๐ซ in a bowl. Heat heavy cream ๐ฅ until it simmers, then pour over the chocolate ๐ซ. Let it sit for 2โ3 minutes โณ, then stir until smooth ๐ฅ. Add butter ๐ง if you desire a glossy finish โจ.
4๏ธโฃ Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a platter ๐ฐ. Spoon half of the strawberry filling ๐ on top, followed by a drizzle of ganache ๐ซ. Add the second cake layer and repeat with the remaining filling and ganache ๐ฐ๐๐ซ. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set โ๏ธ.
5๏ธโฃ Serve:
Garnish with fresh strawberries ๐ and mint leaves ๐ฟ. Slice and enjoy this decadent treat! โค๏ธ
