Strawberry Chocolate Marble Cake

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk:
   • Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide the Batter:
   • Divide the batter evenly between two bowls. In one bowl, mix in the sifted cocoa powder. In the other, mix in the strawberry puree and optional red food coloring.
7. Marble the Batters:
   • Spoon the chocolate and strawberry batters alternately into the prepared pans. Swirl lightly with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
8. Bake:
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat Cream:
   • Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to boil.
2. Make Ganache:
   • Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Making the Strawberry Glaze:

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and lemon juice until smooth.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Apply Ganache:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on your serving plate. Pour some of the ganache over the first layer, then top with the second layer. Pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
2. Drizzle Strawberry Glaze:
   • Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the ganache for a beautiful color contrast and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Strawberry Chocolate Marble Cake with fresh strawberries on the side for added freshness and a decorative touch. This cake is ideal for serving at room temperature or slightly chilled.

This recipe creates a visually appealing and deliciously layered flavor profile that’s sure to impress at any event. Enjoy the blend of chocolate and strawberry in every slice!