Easy Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

• 1½ cups cake/pastry flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 pinch salt (if you use unsalted butter then use ¼ teaspoon of salt)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (dutch processed)
• 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• ½-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk (2% or whole milk room temperature)
• ½ pound strawberries (hulled & cut in half)
• 1-1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 5-6 strawberries for garnishing (optional)
• 1 cup cream heavy/ whole / whipping cream with at least 30% fat content
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar sifted

Steps

1. 1

   Pre-heat oven to 350°F (180°C), grease and flour or spray an 8 inch regulare or springform cake pan.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cocoa.

3. 3

   In a medium bowl beat until light and fluffy the butter and sugar, approximately 5 minutes, reduce speed to medium low and add the egg, milk and vanilla beat to combine.

4. 4

   Gradually add the dry ingredients and beat to combine.

5. 5

   Spoon into prepared cake pan.  Place cut strawberries on top and sprinkle with the sugar.

6. 6

   Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325°F (160°C) and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes.  If cake starts to brown too much tent the cake with foil and continue baking. Test with a toothpick for doneness or has a few crumbs attached it is done.

7. 7

   Let cool 20 minutes in pan then move to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve with Chantilly Cream and fresh strawberries if desired. Enjoy!

8. 8

   In a medium bowl beat cream until soft peaks appear, then add the vanilla and sifted sugar, beat until stiff.