Directions

Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.  Grease 2 x rectangle baking trays or tins and line the bottoms with baking (parchment) paper.

2. Place all the cake ingredients into a food processor or bowl of electric mixer and mix until well combined.  Pour into the 2 prepared cake pans.

3. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cakes have risen and spring back with gently touched.

4. Allow the cakes to cool completely before refrigerating in the cake tins.  Ensure the cakes are very cold before attempting to cut them into shape.

5. Carefully remove your cakes from the pans.  Using your cookie cake template (I used my Easter Bunny Face Stencil), place the template on top of the cake and carefully cut around the shape using a sharp, serrated knife.  Place the cut shapes back into the fridge while you make the buttercream filling.

Strawberry Buttercream

1. Wash and hull your strawberries and blend them to make a puree. Strain the mixture to remove the seeds if you wish. I prefer it strained for a smoother buttercream.

2. Combine the egg whites and sugar in a clean heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. The bowl should fit snugly.

3. Constantly whisk the sugar and egg mixture with a whisk until the mixture reaches about 65°C. If you don't have a thermometer you can rub some mixture between your fingers and if the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot to touch, it's ready.

4. Remove the bowl from the heat and beat until white, fluffy and cool with an electric mixer. This step will take between 10 - 15 minutes usually. We are looking for stiff peaks.

5. When the bowl feels cool to the touch (you can chill it if you wish to make sure it's cool, you do not want the butter to melt). start adding the butter a piece at a time and beat well between each addition. Don't worry if the mixture looks split or soupy, just keep beating and it will eventually become smooth.

6. Add the strawberry puree and vanilla (if using) and beat until completely smooth. The mixture again might look lumpy after first adding the strawberries in but keep beating and it will come together.

Assembly

1. Place one cake cutout on a board or platter and pipe the buttercream on top using your choice of nozzle. I've used a 13mm fine star nozzle.

2. Place the second layer of cake on the first layer and pipe buttercream on top.

3. Top with your choice of toppings and serve or chill until your ready to serve.