Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake

by Sarah
from Virtuous Daughters, November 2011~Volume 11, Number 8

A fancy, blue ribbon cake that is as delicious as it is pretty. This cake is great for graduation receptions, wedding rehearsal dinners, or even a groom’s cake!

Cake:

• 1 pkg. (18-1/4 oz.) chocolate cake mix
• 1 pkg. (3.9 oz.) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 4 eggs                    
• 1 c. (8 ounces) sour cream
• 3/4 c. water          
• 1/4 c. canola oil    
• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted

Frosting:

• 2 c. butter, softened          
• 3 c. confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 c. Hershey’s Cocoa     
• 1/2 cup 2% milk

Garnishes:

• 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted  
• 1 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled

Ganache:

• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate chips      
• 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

 
Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. square baking pans. Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Place cake on square cake plate or pedestal. Beat the butter, confectioner's sugar and cocoa until blended; add milk and beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs. Freeze for 30 minutes; then, transfer to the refrigerator. For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream in a double broiler just to a boil; stir continuously. Pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Arrange strawberries on top of cake. Just before serving, top with chocolate garnishes.

Yields: 15-20 Servings