Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cheesecake)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Equipment Needed
– 9-inch springform pan
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer or whisk
– Rubber spatula
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Oven
– Refrigerator
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, I combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. The smell is already delightful! Then, in another bowl, I mix the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. When I whisk them together, the color is so vibrant it feels like magic! I then fold the wet ingredients into the dry until everything is just combined. Remember, I don’t want to overmix! (See the next page below to continue steps…)