Chocolate Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease two 9-inch cake pans. Beat sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk, and oil. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then combine with wet ingredients. Stir in boiling water. Divide into pans and bake 30-35 mins until set. Cool.
Strawberry Filling: In a saucepan, heat strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and water over medium heat, stirring until thickened (5-10 mins). Cool.
Assemble: Once cooled, level cakes if needed. Spread strawberry filling on one layer, then top with the second layer.
Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla until fluffy. Frost cake and garnish with extra strawberries if desired.
