Go Back
+ servings

Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

Please rate us
This rich and moist chocolate cake is elevated with Kahlua and topped with a vibrant strawberry buttercream, perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1.5 cups special dark chocolate cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.5 cups sour cream can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup buttermilk can substitute with non-dairy milk
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 0.5 cups Kahlua can substitute with strong coffee or espresso
  • 0.5 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 0.5 cups canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
  • 2 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cups finely diced strawberries
  • 5-7 tablespoons heavy whipping cream adjust for spreadable consistency
Toppings
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 0.5 cups heavy whipping cream for ganache
  • strawberries for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by spraying them with baking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together espresso powder, Kahlua, and warm water until combined.
  3. In your stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  4. Gradually add in the eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, espresso mixture, canola oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined and fluffy.
  2. Gently fold in diced strawberries and add heavy whipping cream until a spreadable consistency is achieved.
Assembly
  1. Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top before adding the second layer. Repeat with the third layer.
  2. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
Chocolate Ganache Preparation
  1. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream and pour over 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  2. Drizzle the ganache over the top of the frosted cake for a beautiful finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 40g

Notes

Pair this cake with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!