Ingredients

The following ingredients have 11 Servings
  • 2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cup baking cocoa
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 2-1/2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 quart fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
  • FROSTING:
  • 2/3 cup shortening
  • 1 package (32 ounces) confectioners' sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • ICING:
  • 1-1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Chocolate shavings and additional confectioners' sugar, optional

Instruction

  • In a small bowl, combine water and cocoa until blended; set aside. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition. , Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. heart-shaped pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , Slice 10 strawberries; set aside. Dip remaining whole strawberries into melted chocolate, about three-fourths to top; allowing excess to drip off. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet; refrigerate until set. , For frosting, cream shortening and confectioners' sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy; gradually add water, beating until smooth. Spread between layers and over top and sides of cake. Set aside to set, about 30 minutes. , For icing, heat chocolate chips and cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally. Spread over frosted cake until smooth. Refrigerate until set. , Before serving, arrange two rows of sliced strawberries on top of cake in a heart shape. Fill center with chocolate shavings and dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Place dipped strawberries around base. Store in the refrigerator.