Dark Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350degrees F. Grease three 6-inch round pans with baking spray and line with parchment rounds.
2. Sift together all the dry ingredients into the bowl of an electric mixer or a large bowl.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, coffee, oil, and eggs using a whisk.
4. Mix the dry ingredients on low speed for 1 minute. Stop the mixer and add the wet ingredients. Mix for 2 minutes on medium speed and scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. Mix for an additional minute on medium speed.
5. The batter will be thin. Divide evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out almost clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for at least 10 minutes before turning onto wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, you could start on the frosting.

For the Strawberry Swiss Meringue Frosting

1. Whisk together sugar and egg whites in a heatproof mixing bowl set over (not in) a pan of simmering water. Whisk until warm and sugar is dissolved (mixture should feel completely smooth when rubbed between your fingers), 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. With an electric mixer on medium speed, whisk egg white mixture 5 minutes (using the whisk attachment). Increase speed to medium-high, and whisk until stiff, glossy peaks form and meringue has cooled (test by feeling bottom of the bowl), about 6 minutes.
3. Reduce speed to medium and switch to the paddle attachment. Add butter, one piece at a time, beating well after each addition. Keep beating until the buttercream comes together (IT WILL). Beat in vanilla and strawberry puree until smooth and silky.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

For the glaze:

1. Combine the chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir the mixture until melted and smooth. Let cool for about 10-15 minutes.

Assembly

1. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread about ½ cup of frosting over the top using an offset spatula. Top with another layer of cake and repeat with another layer of frosting. Smooth with an offset spatula. Top with final layer of cake. Frost cake with a crumb coat of buttercream and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Finish frosting cake and chill for at least 10 minutes before using the glaze.