Gluten free Chocolate Strawberry CAKE

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Gluten-Free Chocolate Strawberry Cake recipe that’s rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion—from birthdays to just-because treats. It features a decadent chocolate cake, fresh strawberries, and optional whipped cream or ganache.

🍫 Gluten-Free Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or dairy-free alternative)

  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 cup (120 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum)

  • 1½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ cup (120 ml) hot water or coffee (for extra richness)

For the Strawberry Filling:

  • 1½ cups (250 g) fresh strawberries, chopped

  • 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot (for thickening)

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Optional Whipped Topping or Ganache:

  • Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
    OR

  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or coconut cream) + ¾ cup (130 g) dark chocolate, melted for ganache

  • 🔪 Instructions

    1. Prep the Oven and Pans

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • Grease and line two 8-inch (or one 9-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper.

    2. Make the Chocolate Cake

    1. In a bowl, mix the milk and vinegar. Let sit 5 minutes to curdle (makes buttermilk substitute).

    2. Add oil, vanilla, and sugar. Whisk until smooth.

    3. Sift in cocoa powder, gluten-free flour, baking soda, and salt.

    4. Mix until just combined, then slowly add the hot water/coffee while stirring.

    5. Pour into prepared pans and bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

    3. Make Strawberry Filling

    1. In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

    2. Heat over medium until strawberries release juice.

    3. Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).

    4. Let cool completely.

    4. Make Ganache (Optional)

    • Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.

    • Wait 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let cool to a pourable consistency.

    🎂 Assembly

    1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with strawberry filling.

    2. Add second cake layer.

    3. Top with whipped cream or pour ganache over.

    4. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries.

    📝 Tips

    • Use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. If your blend doesn’t include it, add ½ tsp.

    • Coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but doesn’t add a coffee taste.

    • Can be made 1 day in advance and kept in the fridge.

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