Chocolate Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

• 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
• 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• FROSTING:
• 2 cups butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• GARNISHES:
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
• GANACHE:
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

• Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
• Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter, confectioner's sugar and cocoa until light and fluffy. Beat in milk until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake.
• Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs; let stand until set. Arrange strawberries on top of cake.
• For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Top with chocolate garnishes. Yield: 12 servings.