Victorian Strawberry Chocolate Cake

Name: Victorian Strawberry Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 10-12 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups boiling water; 1 cup baking cocoa; 1 cup butter, softened; 2-1/2 cups sugar; 4 eggs; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 quart fresh strawberries; 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted; FROSTING:; 2/3 cup shortening; 1 package (32 ounces) confectioners' sugar; 1/2 cup water; ICING:; 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; Chocolate shavings and additional confectioners' sugar, optional

With it's alternating light and dark layers, rich chocolate frosting and fresh strawberry garnishes, Amy Parker's heart-shaped cake will be a hit for any occasion. "It's a family, church and work favorite," pens Amy from Ponca City, Oklahoma. "Friends and neighbors all ask for the recipe, particularly after they find out how simple it is to make."

Ingredients

2 cups boiling water
1 cup baking cocoa
1 cup butter, softened
2-1/2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 quart fresh strawberries
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips, melted
FROSTING:
2/3 cup shortening
1 package (32 ounces) confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup water
ICING:
1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
Chocolate shavings and additional confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

In a small bowl, combine water and cocoa until blended; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition.
Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. heart-shaped pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
Slice 10 strawberries; set aside. Dip remaining whole strawberries into melted chocolate, about three-fourths to top; allowing excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; refrigerate until set.
For frosting, cream shortening and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy; gradually add water, beating until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Set aside to set, about 30 minutes.
For icing, heat chocolate chips and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally. Spread over frosted cake until smooth. Refrigerate until set.
Before serving, arrange two rows of sliced strawberries on top of cake in a heart shape. Fill center with chocolate shavings and dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Place dipped strawberries around base. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 1043 calories, 42g fat (20g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 169g carbohydrate (134g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.

Originally published as Victorian Strawberry Chocolate Cake in Crafting Traditions January/February 1998

Reviews

My Review

Click stars to rate

Average Rating:

Mary26778788

Feb 25, 2013

I would make this recipe again because its a creative Victorian Cake. I made this with my friends and family. Its Wonderful. :):):):):):):)
red_savage1

Oct 27, 2012

I have not made this cake per the recipe. Have used the idea of it, for the sake of expediency, and used a box mix and canned frosting for a church bake sale. Turned out great. Looked fabulous and sold for $30.00. I recommend trying to get strawberries that are not super large.
CEQ

Feb 5, 2010

I have made this cake on special occassions numerous times and it tastes as wonderful as it looks! I've had many rave reviews on it and there's never any left. Beautiful cake!! Thank you for sharing. Carrie Quinn