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Strawberry Chocolate Shell Cake

A decadent cross-section view of a strawberry chocolate shell cake showing layers of dark chocolate cake, cream, and fresh strawberries.
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Make this impressive strawberry chocolate shell cake featuring a rich cake base, fresh strawberry filling, and a crisp, hard chocolate coating.

Ingredients

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  • 1 recipe Chocolate Cake Layers (your favorite 8-inch recipe)
  • 2 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup Strawberry Jam or Preserves
  • 2 cups Buttercream Frosting (for filling and crumb coat)
  • 12 oz High-quality Dark Chocolate, chopped (for shell)
  • 4 oz Cocoa Butter (optional, for tempering)
  • 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil (for shell)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and bake your two chocolate cake layers according to your chosen recipe. Let them cool completely.
  2. Prepare your buttercream frosting. Slice the fresh strawberries.
  3. Level the cake layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, followed by half of the sliced strawberries and a layer of strawberry jam.
  4. Place the second cake layer on top. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream to the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes until firm.
  5. Prepare the chocolate shell mixture: Gently melt the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil (and cocoa butter, if using) in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth. If tempering, follow standard tempering procedures to ensure a crisp shell. The mixture must be fluid but not overly hot (around 90°F/32°C).
  6. Place the chilled cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to catch drips.
  7. Pour the melted chocolate mixture quickly and evenly over the top center of the cake, allowing it to flow down the sides to create a complete coating or ‘shell’. Work fast, as the cold cake will cause the chocolate to set quickly.
  8. Allow the chocolate shell to set completely at room temperature or briefly in the refrigerator (about 15-20 minutes). Do not over-chill, as this can cause cracking.
  9. Decorate the top of the shell with remaining fresh strawberries or piped buttercream accents before serving.

Notes

  • For a perfect, crack-free shell, ensure your cake is very cold and your melted chocolate is tempered correctly.
  • If you desire an intentionally cracked, ‘crunch’ effect, use slightly warmer chocolate or allow the cake to warm slightly before coating.
  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and snap in your hard shell dessert.
  • This hard shell chocolate cake recipe works best with a stable buttercream filling rather than whipped cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/strawberry-chocolate-shell-cake-recipe/