Step 1: Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F. Prepare cake pans with butter and parchment.
Step 2: Make cocoa base: Whisk cocoa powder with hot water or coffee until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Step 4: Combine wet ingredients: Add oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the cocoa mixture. Mix well.
Step 5: Make batter: Pour wet into dry and whisk until smooth. Try not to overthink it.
Step 6: Bake: Divide into pans and bake for about 30 minutes until springy. Cool completely.
Step 7: Make frosting: Beat butter and salt until fluffy, then slowly add sugar and strawberries until smooth.
Step 8: Layer the cake: Place first layer, spread frosting, repeat with second, then top with third layer.
Step 9: Frost outside: Cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 10: Make ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate, let sit, then whisk smooth.
Step 11: Add ganache: Pour over chilled cake and let it drip naturally. Don’t over-control it.
Step 12: Garnish: Add fresh strawberries and chill until set before serving.
