Strawberry chocolate devil’s food cake
Pure decadence!
I consider myself to be a positive person… No matter how hard life can sometimes be, I always try and see the bright side of things… It’s been a trying year in that respect with first Tom’s grandma passing and then his mum, just a few months later. Slowly but surely however, we picked up the pieces and moved on.. And just when you think life is looking pretty good again, something else happens. Something that is not major earth shaking, but it still worrying. And I can’t even tell you exactly what the issue is, since you never know who might be reading this, but the way it is looking now; Tom will be out of a job (again) by the end of this year. And that’s shitty to say the least.
It means that a lot of things are uncertain again. The economic situation seemed to have recovered a little bit but predictions are it is gonna get worst before it’s gonna get better. So all in all… not a good time to be out of work. Especially when it is not really something you could have done anything about. For now he still has a job but three months is not a long time to find a new one, considering the current crisis. He’s brilliant in what he does, so let’s all keep our fingers crossed and hope that it will all work out!
Thankfully -whatever else is wrong in our lives – we will always have chocolate! And chocolate in this scrumptious (I just like that word… don’t you??) dessert is just beautiful. I will also have to tell you straight away that I did not bake this beauty. I took the photo but Alex is the one responsible for me salivating right now behind my computer screen!
A cake you will want to eat with chocolate and strawberries
Devil's food cake with strawberries
Yield: 12
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs, 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 185g butter (unsalted at roomtemperature)
- 385g sugar
- 1,5 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 3 eggs
- 125ml buttermilk
- 80ml water
- 300g flour
- 80g cocao powder
- 1,25 teaspoon baking soda
- 250g strawberries (or other red fruits)
Optional
- 0,5 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Ganache
- 150ml cream
- 170g dark chocolate
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 160 C. Grease two baking tins with a diameter of 20 cm (and preferably with high sides) and line them with baking paper.
Mix butter sugar and vanilla until the mixture is light and fluffy and then add the eggs one by one.
In a separate bowl mix buttermilk, water and food color. Fold the flour, cacaopowder and baking soda through the mixture and then fold the buttermilk mixture in as well.
Divide the batter over the two baking tins and bake them for about 50 minutes or until they are cooked. Protect the top of the cakes - if you need to - with aluminium foil if they become too dark.
Bring the cream to the boil and pour over the chocolate. Let the chocolate melt while stirring. Leave to cool down.
Layer the cakes with the strawberries in the middle and divide the ganache over the top of the cake.
Recipe adjusted from Donna Hay
Appetizer
Asian
Bread
Breakfast
Desserts & other sweets
Healthy
Yes, chocolate soothes the soul… That cake is magnificent and looks devilishly chocolaty! I love those atmospheric clicks.
Cheers,
Rosa
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:34
Thanks Rosa! Yes, I always say what would we do without chocolate..
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Sorry to hear about your loss, Simone. I relate to this post on so many levels. Had a horrible last year and one that is very forgettable. Lost a couple of people who were close to me and one of my dogs too. I’m sure there are lovely things in store for you in the near future.
Your chocolate cake looks sinfully delicious. I love strawberries dipped in chocolate. I might have added a kick of rum to that lovely ganache.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:36
O sorry to hear about all your losses too An! For some reason those things always seem to come together. I’m sure we will manage to get through this too, and there will always be another year..
Love the idea of adding rum to the ganache!
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I hope he finds something that is not only rewarding economically but also enjoyable. Chocolate has the strength to transform a dull day into a boisterous one. The devil’s food cake looks divine and just the thing to cheer about.
Take care.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:37
Thanks Anita. I hope so too. Ultimately fun in your job is more important then big bucks I always think..!
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I’m sorry to hear about Tom’s job, Simone. Three months is not that short a time. I’m sure he’ll find something, I hope really soon!
It’s good to hear you’re staying positive.
Your cake looks absolutely beautiful and your photographs are stunning. I love the dark-colored background.
Magda
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:38
I guess you’re right that it’s not that short, but it already feels like time is flying this year! Can’t believe it’s almost October already!
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That is a beautiful photo! Love the lighting and that you decided to go all red.
I am very sorry to hear about your husbands job situation.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:39
Thanks! Yeah the all red was the theme of the photoshoot, where we had a blue version (with lots of blueberries, blackberries etc.) and a purple version with lavender brownies.. I will share those later on as they are pretty good too..!
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That looks great.
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That cake is gorgeous Simone. You are right – a very trying year. So sorry to hear of yours (and Tom’s loss). As for the job crises and search, things will work out. When we moved back to Ireland it took Ron almost a year to find work and in the end he settled for a part time job in order to be able to spend more time at home with me and the kids. It was a huge adjustment to go from 2 full time incomes down to one, and then only a part time job means a part time income. We have made several adjustments to our lifestyle and now, I would not change a thing. You guys will be fine. Something will turn up. I am sure of it.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:41
Thanks Mona. Yes I guess all will work out in the end, but it can sometimes just be hard to look at things on the bright side… But I am positive and I will remain positive about our future…
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Wow, this cake looks sooooooooooo amazing! Love chocolate and strawberries together. This is such a gorgeous cake!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:41
Thanks Sara. It’s pretty good looking isn’t it?
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Oh dear, how on earth did I manage to miss NINE posts on your blog?! I know I’ve been neglecting my online duties, but surely I didn’t stay away more than a week?!
Anyway, I’m sorry to hear things are difficult now. I really hope things look up very, very soon! Sending positive vibes your way!
That photo is simply stunning, and the cake is just begging me to eat it! I’m sure such a cake would make anyone feel better!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:42
O lol… well I don’t know how long you stayed away but it must have been more then a week. Yeah, I’ve been pretty active lately with blogging. I feel it’s a great outlet at the end of a busy workday! (or at the beginning of a busy workday whatever comes first..)
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What an absolutely beautiful cake, i really hope life seems more upbeat for you very soon indeed but until then this looks like it might help the smiles along a little
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:43
I am sure this cake would make anyone smile Sasha.. I know it makes me smile, everytime I look at that gorgeous cake!
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Chocolate makes everything better!! This is one of the most beautiful cakes ever!!! Sounds amazing too. Im pretty sure it would make any bad day better!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:48
Ah yes, it sure does make any day better with this luscious cake… Thanks Beth for visiting! Love your blog too! (which i just discovered now)
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delicious looking colourful cake
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:44
Thanks!
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Sorry to hear of your losses. I really hope things turn around for you soon. You deserve it.
As for your cake, it is absolutely stunning, and is there a better pick me up than chocolate? Yum!!!! And those strawberries look so lush!!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:50
Thanks Jennifer!
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it’s look gorgeous Simone, delicious looking cake with a colorful, make me want to eat… good job
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:50
Thanks so much!
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Oh boy…that really look devilish yet so indulging. The darker it gets, the more enticing it becomes. I love it.
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I salute to your positive outlook, Simone..and three months is surely quite a long time for someone as talented as Tom to get into another job. Love and hugs to you both, and prayers for everything you wish should come true.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 10:50
Thanks so much Sanjeeta!
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This is SO visually appealing! And you used Chocolate Cake! Even better!
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 23:13
Don’t we all love a good chocolate cake!
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This may be the best photo I’ve ever seen on a food blog … not to mention it sounds fabulous.
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Simone (junglefrog) — September 17th, 2011 at 23:14
O thanks Lea Ann! Not sure if it would be the best photo.. but that’s a great compliment!
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Beautiful cake and lovely photo, I’m glad i found your blog.
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Sorry to hear to hear about the job
hoping and praying that he finds one and a fun one soon..we have been thru that a couple of years back, but have tried to keep the spirits high, just the way you are doing now and kept telling ourselves .. as long as its not on the health, we can bear it.:) and we always have chocolate!
LOVE LOVE the light in the photographs and I am awed at the perfect arrangement of the slices in the cake!
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Oh my! i nearly fainted when I saw that first pic! It is truly so droolworthy! I love the red tones and vibe Simone…stunning pics! (sorry to hear about Tom…I’m hoping this works out for both of you soon!)
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Dearest Simone
Firstly, a really big hug to you for all that you’re both going through. I think you’re a very positive person- you are always on the go and motivate others with your enthusiasm and energy. How can I not mention what you did for 500 starving kids recently, and this in spite of all that you’re facing. Thank you.
I hope Tom’s situation will pick up and that you don’t have to worry about this.
As for the cake and styling- wow! This is what you call food pørn.
Ish
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This cake recipe is phenomenal, and actually really easy to make. I used raspberries in place of strawberries as our market was out of strawberries. I also added whipped cream as a middle filling, and white chocolate hearts as a garnish on top with the raspberries. Everyone raved over it! Thanks for sharing!
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What perfection…..Love the pictures and the cake is a stunner… I really want to make this asap !!!
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