Introduction
This decadent Chocolate Kahlua Cake is a true indulgence, offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and the unique kick of Kahlua. The moist layers of chocolate cake are beautifully complemented by a light and fluffy strawberry buttercream frosting, creating a restaurant-worthy dessert that's perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion. With its gorgeous appearance and delightful taste, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g granulated sugar
- 75g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 240ml buttermilk
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 120ml Kahlua
- 240ml hot coffee
For the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting:
- 226g unsalted butter (softened)
- 500g powdered sugar
- 60ml heavy cream
- 100g fresh strawberries (pureed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings
To create this delightful dessert, start by preheating your oven to 175°C and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the wet ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and vegetable oil, mixing until well combined. Gradually stir in Kahlua and hot coffee, resulting in a thin batter.
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Once baked, cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Meanwhile, to prepare the strawberry buttercream frosting, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar and heavy cream. Finally, mix in pureed strawberries, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to achieve a smooth frosting.
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on one cake layer, place the second on top, and frost the entire cake. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh strawberries if desired. This Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a delightful explosion of flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for any dessert table. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 200g of all-purpose flour, 200g of granulated sugar, 75g of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoon of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 3:
Add 2 large eggs, 240ml of buttermilk, 120ml of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix these ingredients together until well combined.
Step 4:
Carefully stir in 120ml of Kahlua and 240ml of hot coffee. Note that the batter will be thin, which is normal for this recipe.
Step 5:
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans.
Step 6:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7:
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8:
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the strawberry buttercream frosting. Begin by beating 226g of softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until creamy.
Step 9:
Gradually add 500g of powdered sugar to the butter, alternating with 60ml of heavy cream. Mix while beating until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
Step 10:
Incorporate 100g of pureed fresh strawberries, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into the frosting, mixing until smooth.
Step 11:
Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top, then add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
Step 12:
If desired, garnish the cake with fresh strawberries for an added touch.
Notes
Tip 1:
Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Tip 2:
You can customize the frosting by adding more or less strawberry puree to achieve your preferred flavor and color.
Tip 3:
For easier frosting application, let the cake layers cool completely before frosting.
Tip 4:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
Tip 5:
This cake can be made a day in advance; just store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
If you plan to consume the cake within a day, it can be stored at room temperature. Cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Refrigerator
For longer storage, place the cake in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. The cake can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to store the cake for an extended period, it can be frozen. Wrap individual cake layers tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chocolate Kahlua Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. You can pair it with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Garnish with fresh strawberries or chocolate shavings to enhance presentation. This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (approx. 100g) of Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting contains:
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 65g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 5g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, although it may change the texture slightly. You can use almond flour as a gluten-free alternative, but note that the cake may be denser.
For a dairy-free version, replace the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Use a plant-based butter alternative for the frosting.
If Kahlua is unavailable, you can substitute it with coffee liqueur or omit it altogether, adding an extra splash of coffee for flavor. Instead of fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry preserves to make the frosting if fresh fruit is not available.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Ensure that the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—are well combined by whisking them together. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents, resulting in a uniformly risen cake.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
When adding wet ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture.
Adding Kahlua and Coffee
Stir in Kahlua and hot coffee gradually. The heat from the coffee helps dissolve the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor while creating a smooth batter.
Baking the Cake
Bake the cake layers until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pay attention to the baking time, as overbaking can dry out the cake.
Cooling the Cake
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set properly and prevents breakage.
Making the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting
Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar. Alternating with heavy cream ensures a light and fluffy frosting.
Combining Ingredients for Frosting
After achieving the desired texture in the frosting, gently mix in pureed strawberries to add flavor and color. Make sure to beat until smooth for an appealing finish.
Layering the Cake
Spread an even layer of frosting between the cake layers and on the exterior. This not only tastes great but also enhances the visual appeal of the cake.
FAQ
Can I use a different alcohol instead of Kahlua?
Yes, you can substitute Kahlua with other coffee liqueurs or even rum, depending on your taste preference.
Is it possible to make this cake without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
How should I store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance. Allow them to cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, and store in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to frost and serve.
What can I use instead of fresh strawberries in the frosting?
If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use strawberry puree from frozen strawberries or even strawberry jam for a similar flavor.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Strawberry Buttercream Frosting is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and fruity sweetness. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also impresses with its elegant presentation and exquisite flavor profile. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering, this dessert offers a memorable indulgence that will leave your guests wanting more.
More recipes suggestions and combinations
Chocolate Kahlua Cupcakes
Transform the cake into individual cupcakes while retaining the rich flavor of Kahlua. Top with the same strawberry buttercream frosting for a delightful bite-sized treat.
Kahlua Mocha Tiramisu
Create a twist on the classic tiramisu by incorporating Kahlua into coffee-soaked layers and topping with a light layer of whipped cream. Garnish with cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.
Chocolate Strawberry Trifle
Layer chocolate cake pieces with strawberry cream and fresh strawberries for a beautiful and delicious trifle. Add in some Kahlua between the layers for an extra kick.
Kahlua Chocolate Cheesecake
Make a silky chocolate cheesecake infused with Kahlua, set on a chocolate cookie crust. Top with a fresh strawberry sauce for an exquisite dessert.
Chocolate Strawberry Parfait
Layer chocolate mousse with strawberry puree and whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for summer parties or gatherings.
Kahlua Brownies with Strawberry Swirl
Bake rich chocolate brownies infused with Kahlua, then swirl in a homemade strawberry sauce before baking for a delightful flavor combination.
Kahlua and Strawberry Milkshake
Blend Kahlua with vanilla ice cream, milk, and fresh strawberries for a decadent milkshake experience. This adult treat is perfect for any summer day.
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