Looking for a cake that combines indulgent flavors and festive flair? Look no further than the Reese’s Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake. This dessert masterfully marries the richness of chocolate and strawberries with the irresistible crunch of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish (Optional):
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Directions:
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
Incorporate Boiling Water: Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Strawberry Filling:
Cook Strawberries: In a medium saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices and the sugar dissolves.
Thicken Filling: Stir in cornstarch and cook until the mixture thickens. Let it cool before using.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer.
Add Chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before using.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer the Cake: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving platter. Spread the strawberry filling evenly over the top.
Top with Second Layer: Place the second chocolate cake layer on top of the strawberry filling.
Frost with Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Garnish (Optional): Decorate with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Serving Tips:
Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This helps the ganache soften slightly and the flavors meld together.
Use a Sharp Knife: To get clean slices, use a sharp, serrated knife. Wipe the knife between cuts to keep the slices looking neat and tidy.
Pair with Fresh Berries: Enhance the flavor with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries. They complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freeze for Later: If you want to keep the cake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To thaw, move the cake from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for a few hours if you need it sooner.
Store Garnishes Separately: If you have garnished the cake with fresh strawberries or chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, store these separately to avoid sogginess and keep the texture fresh.
Avoid Direct Light: Store the cake in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain the quality of the frosting and filling.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, you can use different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness of the ganache will vary based on the type of chocolate you use.
Can I make this Reese’s Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers and prepare the strawberry filling and chocolate ganache up to 2 days in advance. Store the cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and keep the filling and ganache in the fridge. Assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.
How can I make the strawberry filling ahead of time?
You can make the strawberry filling up to a week in advance. Simply prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using if it has thickened too much.
Can I use a different type of filling in place of the strawberry filling?
Yes, you can customize the cake with different fillings. Consider using raspberry preserves, lemon curd, or a layer of your favorite jam or fruit compote. Just be sure the filling is thick enough to stay in place between the cake layers.
Conclusion:
The Reese’s Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopper that combines the best of chocolate, strawberries, and peanut butter in one unforgettable cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to delight with its rich flavors and stunning presentation.
📖 Recipe:
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Reese’s Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Reese’s Chocolate Strawberry Dream Cake. This decadent cake layers rich chocolate cake with a sweet strawberry filling and creamy chocolate ganache, topped with crunchy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion, this cake combines the luscious flavors of chocolate and strawberries with the irresistible crunch of peanut butter for a showstopping treat.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Strawberry Filling:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish (Optional):
Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Gradually mix in boiling water until smooth (the batter will be thin).
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat until strawberries release juices and sugar dissolves.
- Stir in cornstarch and cook until thickened. Cool before using.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread strawberry filling over it.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, and chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups if desired.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
The cake can be made ahead of time; store layers and fillings separately in the refrigerator and assemble on the day of serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
