Chocolate Covered Strawberry Layer Cake

Chocolate-Covered-Strawberry

Layer Cakevegan, makes 2 cake rounds, frosting and garnish for double layer cake.Ingredients:3 cups flour, unbleached1 1/3 cups vegan sugar6 Tbsp cocoa, vegan1 Tbsp baking powder2 tsp salt2 tsp apple cider vinegar2 tsp vanilla extract4-6 Tbsp canola oil2 cups soy milk3 Tbsp vital wheat gluten + 1 Tbsp water*sub with an egg replacer OR 1 mashed banana1/4 cup chocolate chips*Tools: 2 8 inch round cake pans, frosting tips and tube for decorating, cake stand, frosting spatula.easy option: use boxed chocolate cake mix.*Chocolate chips brands that I like:365 'vegan' Whole foods choco chips, Sunspire, Enjoy Life Foods.OPT'L NOTE: You can also substitute 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of ground almond meal. This adds a nice texture and flavor. (optional)Berry Filling:2 cups strawberries, sliced thin1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, sliced in halves2 Tbsp lemon juice2 Tbsp sugar1/2 tsp salt*leave about 6-8 strawberries whole for chocolate-dipping garnish.Chocolate Frosting:1/3 cup vegan buttery spread, softened2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, unbleached for vegan1/3 cup melted chocolate chips or high quality cocoa2-4 Tbsp soy milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 tsp cinnamon1 tsp saltoptional: cayenne for spicy chocolate

Chocolate-covered strawberries:8 small strawberries, chop off stems (optional)1/3 cup melted chocolate chips3 Tbsp powdered sugar1 Tbsp oilpinch salt

Mix all cake ingredients in large mixing bowl, until smooth. Fold in choco chips. ingredients: chocolate chips and/or chopped berries and/or vwg.

Pour into two 8 inch circle cake pans

Bake at 355 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Until cooked through middle.Allow to fully cool before applying icing.STEP TWO: Berry Filling:Slice strawberries thin.Slice blackberries in halves.In large bowl add berries, lemon juice, salt and sugar.Store in fridge until ready to use.STEP THREE: Frosting:In a small food chopper or processor add all ingredients. Blend until thick enough to spoon out.

Add more sugar for a thicker consistency. STEP FOUR: Choco-Covered Strawberries, garnish

Blend in small chopper of food processor, all ingredients: melted chocolate chips, powdered sugar, oil and salt.

Place first cake layer on cake stand.Frost entire surface.Apply a thin layer of berries to top.

Place second layer on top of berries.Frost entire surface area of top layer. Keep berry layer in middle visible-do not frost crease of cakes.With a pastry frosting bag apply chocolate ribbons around bottom and top layers.Apply additional designs as desired.

Place hardened chocolate-covered strawberries equally spaced on top of cake, and one in the center on a pillow of frosting swirl.Apply additional berries to top, as desired.

Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar before presenting.