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Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream
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Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream

A rich dark chocolate cake infused with non-alcoholic coffee flavor, layered with silky strawberry buttercream frosting and silken chocolate ganache. Moist, tender, and bursting with cocoa and fruit flavors.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours 45 minutes
Course: Desserts & Sweets
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Author: Samantha Jones

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups special dark cocoa powder
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup warm water
  • ½ cup non-alcoholic Kahlua substitute
  • ½ tsp espresso powder
  • ½ cup canola oil
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup finely diced strawberries (very dry)
  • 5-7 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Large piping bag with star tip
  • Ice cream scoop

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray three 9-inch pans with non-stick spray and flour them.
  • Whisk warm water, non-alcoholic Kahlua substitute, and espresso powder in a bowl.
  • In stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powders, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, canola oil, and vanilla.
  • Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake 25-35 minutes until toothpick comes clean.
  • Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
  • For buttercream: Beat butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, then add strawberries (pat dry again). Blend in whipping cream as needed.
  • For ganache: In microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with heavy cream until silky. Cool slightly.
  • Frost cooled cakes with buttercream. Layer with ganache drizzle. Garnish with strawberries.

Notes

Use halal coffee liqueur substitute if needed
Chill buttercream 30 minutes if too soft
Make ganache ahead and re-warm gently
Use ladyfingers or orbital tubes for extra stability