Introduction to Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake
Welcome to the world of indulgence with my Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get hectic, and sometimes, we need a sweet escape. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to any occasion. Imagine rich chocolate layers, creamy brigadeiro, and fresh strawberries dancing together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cake is your go-to solution. Trust me, it’s a dish that will impress your loved ones and leave them craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake
This Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake is a true crowd-pleaser! It’s not only easy to make, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days. The combination of rich chocolate and sweet strawberries creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, the brigadeiro cream adds a touch of decadence that elevates this cake to a whole new level. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients for Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cake, providing structure and texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: It adds that rich chocolate flavor we all crave.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar gives depth and moisture to the cake.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness.
- Buttermilk: It adds a tangy flavor and helps create a soft crumb. You can substitute with regular milk mixed with lemon juice.
- Hot coffee or water: This intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it even more delicious.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The star of the brigadeiro cream, it brings sweetness and creaminess.
- Unsalted butter: Used in both the brigadeiro and custard, it adds richness.
- Heavy cream: This is essential for the brigadeiro cream and ganache, giving them a luscious texture.
- Whole milk: Used in the custard, it creates a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Sugar: Additional sugar for the custard balances the flavors.
- Egg yolks: They enrich the custard, making it velvety.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the custard, giving it the perfect consistency.
- Dark chocolate: For the ganache, it adds a rich, decadent finish.
- Fresh strawberries: These juicy gems are the perfect topping, adding freshness and color.
- Whipped cream rosettes: Optional, but they add a beautiful touch to your cake.
- Chocolate sprinkles or shavings: These are great for decoration, adding a fun crunch.
- Whole strawberries for topping: They make your cake look stunning and inviting.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making the Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a dessert that will wow everyone. Trust me, the process is just as delightful as the end result!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). While it warms up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them well and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This little trick ensures your cake layers come out easily without sticking. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that delicious cake!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for ensuring your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. It’s like giving your cake a solid foundation! Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until the mixture is fluffy and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and hot coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making it richer. It’s a game-changer, trust me!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until everything is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light texture. This is where the magic starts to happen, and your batter begins to look like cake!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake layers cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Make sure they cool completely before you start assembling!
Step 6: Prepare Brigadeiro Cream
In a saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and unsalted butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it chill slightly; this will help with the texture!
Step 7: Make Custard Cream
For the custard, heat the whole milk in a saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour the warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Return this mixture to the pan and cook over low heat until it thickens. Stir in the vanilla and butter, then let it cool completely.
Step 8: Create Ganache Drip
To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s steaming. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Then, stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This ganache will add a beautiful finish to your cake!
Step 9: Assemble the Cake
Now comes the fun part! Place the first chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of brigadeiro cream on top, followed by a layer of halved strawberries. Gently press them into the cream. Next, spread a layer of custard cream over the strawberries. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process. Finally, cover the top with more custard cream and drizzle the ganache around the edges. Don’t forget to sprinkle chocolate sprinkles or shavings on top for that extra flair!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; a completely cooled cake is easier to assemble.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation.
- Chill the brigadeiro cream before spreading for a smoother texture.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or flavors!
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans: You can use square pans if that’s what you have on hand.
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A hand whisk works great, but an electric mixer saves time.
- Spatula: A rubber spatula is perfect for folding ingredients.
- Cooling rack: If you don’t have one, a plate will do!
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Vegan: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, almond milk in place of buttermilk, and coconut cream for the brigadeiro cream.
- Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate cake mix instead of homemade batter for a quicker option without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness.
- Drizzle with extra ganache for an indulgent touch.
- Accompany with a cup of strong coffee or espresso.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
FAQs about Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake
Can I make the Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and freshness.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Just mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk replacement!
How do I store leftovers of the Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for this cake, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your cake layers.
Is this cake suitable for special dietary needs?
Yes! You can easily adapt the Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake to fit various dietary preferences. Check out the variations section for gluten-free, vegan, and other options to make this cake your own!
Final Thoughts
Creating this Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake is more than just baking; it’s about crafting a moment of joy. Each layer tells a story, from the rich chocolate to the sweet strawberries, all wrapped in creamy brigadeiro. I love how this cake brings people together, whether it’s for a celebration or a cozy family dinner. The smiles it brings are worth every minute spent in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the mess, and enjoy the delightful journey of making this cake. Trust me, the happiness it brings is simply irresistible!
Print
Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake: A Must-Try Delight!
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and decadent Strawberry Chocolate Brigadeiro Cake that combines rich chocolate cake with brigadeiro cream, custard, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 70 g (¾ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar
- 120 ml (½ cup) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 240 ml (1 cup) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 120 ml (½ cup) hot coffee or hot water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cans (790 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream
- 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk
- 100 g (½ cup) sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 40 g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp butter
- 200 g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
- 200 ml (¾ cup) heavy cream
- 400 g (3 cups) fresh strawberries, halved
- Whipped cream rosettes (optional)
- Chocolate sprinkles or shavings
- Whole strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat sugars, oil, and eggs until fluffy.
- Stir in buttermilk, vanilla, and hot coffee.
- Fold in dry ingredients until smooth.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a saucepan, combine condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter for the brigadeiro cream.
- Cook on medium, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy. Remove from heat, stir in heavy cream. Chill slightly.
- For the custard cream, heat milk in a saucepan.
- In a bowl, whisk yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Slowly pour warm milk into egg mix, whisking.
- Return to pan and cook until thickened. Stir in vanilla and butter. Cool completely.
- For the ganache drip, heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Place the first chocolate cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of brigadeiro cream. Add sliced strawberries, pressing gently into cream. Spread custard cream on top.
- Place the second cake layer, repeat with brigadeiro and custard. Cover the top with more custard cream.
- Drip ganache along cake edges. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles or shavings on top. Pipe whipped cream rosettes. Garnish with whole strawberries.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before assembling.
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Chill the brigadeiro cream for a better texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
