Tasty Tuesday - Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake

We had dinner at my Aunt's recently and she made this awesome Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake - OMG & To-Die-For!!!! All I can say is: thank goodness for the Internet, and simple, easy-to-navigate sites like the Taste of Home site - I was able to find it in no time! And believe me - you want need to try this cake....

Enjoy!

Chocolate-Strawberry Celebration Cake Recipe From Taste of Home

Ingredients:

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix

1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted


FROSTING:
2 cups butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup 2% milk


GARNISHES: 
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled


GANACHE: 
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream 

Directions:

• Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. 
• Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Beat the butter, confectioner's sugar and cocoa until blended; add milk and beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. 
• Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs; let stand until set. Arrange strawberries on top of cake. For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Top with chocolate garnishes. Yield: 12 servings. 

Photo: Taste of Home

PS: My Aunt had hers covered in strawberries all over - not just on top. Definitely added to the decadence! Make this when you have company - impressive, and it will reduce the possibility you'll eat the whole thing yourself!

How the Kids can Help: measure & pour ingredients; drizzle melted chocolate on wax paper to make designs, clean, cut & arrange strawberries

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