Chocolate Whipped Cream Cake with Strawberries

Step 1

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and beat with electric mixer for 2 minutes.

Step 2

Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 or 9 inch cake pans.

Step 3

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 4

Cool in pans for 5 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5

In a small saucepan over low heat, scald 1/2 cup of the whipping cream but do not let it boil.

Step 6

Add the chocolate chips and stir just until they melt. You do not want to overheat the chocolate here. Stir off the heat, returning the pan to the heat only for 20 seconds at time until the chocolate is completely smooth.

Step 7

Whip the remaining 1 1/2 cups whipping cream and the 2 rounded tbsp icing sugar together to firm peaks.

Step 8

Using a whisk, fold the chocolate gently through the whipped cream in about 3 equal portion until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 9

Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the corn syrup. When this mixture just begins to barley simmer remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips.

Step 10

Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy.

Step 11

If need be, return the pan to the heat for a minute to completely melt the chocolate.

Step 12

Clean and hull enough strawberries to cover the surface of the bottom layer of cake. Choose strawberries about the same size or cut the bases down to equalize their height.

Step 13

Place the bottom layer of cake on a cake plate and spread on a thin layer of the chocolate whipped cream filling.

Step 14

Next, add the strawberries, with the tips pointing up. Place them closely together to cover the entire bottom layer of cake.

Step 15

Next, add the remaining whipped chocolate cream to cover the top and sides of the strawberries completely. Push it between the strawberries to fill any gaps.

Step 16

Refrigerate the cake for a couple of hours to let the filling set completely.

Step 17

Add the top layer of cake and pour the ganache on, using a decorating spatula or the back of a tablespoon to spread it evenly and let it drip down over the sides.

Step 18

Garnish with additional fresh strawberries if you like before serving.