Dark Chocolate Cake with Fresh Strawberry Buttercream Recipe - (4.3/5)

Ingredients

• STRAWBERRY BUTTERCREAM:
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten and room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, room temperature
• 3/4 cup canola oil or olive oil
• 8 egg whites, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 sticks (1 1/2 pounds) unsalted butter, cut into 1-tablespoon-size pieces and room temperature
• 1 vanilla bean, split and beans scraped
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, halved