Sift the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Mix the wet ingredients together in a medium bowl.
Add the wet to the dry and mix until just combined.
Divide the mixture into 3 bowls.
Add the cocoa powder to one bowl and mix.
Add the strawberry reduction to a separate bowl and mix.
Transfer the three batters into three 6″ cake pans, which have been buttered and floured.
Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes or until the centers are springy to the touch.
For the Italian Buttercream:
Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
In a medium saucepan add the sugar and 1/4 cup of water then place on low heat.
Stir constantly until sugar melts and becomes clear.
Increase to medium high heat stirring until temperature reads 235F.
Drizzle the sugar into the mixer.
Run mixer until meringue is body temperature.
Add room temperature butter into running mixer one piece at a time.
Beat until butter is combined and mixture has reached a silky consistency.
Divide Buttercream into 5-6 equal batches. Create a gradient by adding food coloring to various amount to each batch. Leave 1 batch white for the dollops, piped with an 869 tip.
For the Filling:
In a stand mixer, beat the butter for approximately 5 minutes on high.
Reduce speed to medium/low and slowly add in confection sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
Divide mixture in half. Beat in cocoa powder into one-half.
For the Ganache:
Mix cream into the melted and cooled chocolate. Transfer into the piping bag right before use.
Video
Notes
Each layer will bake for a different amount of time with the strawberry layer taking the most.
You can substitute whole milk yogurt for the sour cream if desired, I do it all the time and can’t really tell the difference.
To get FLAT layers that are moist inside and out try using cake strips! You can buy a set online or make your own from foil and paper towels at home. I made a wholeblog post on it so check it out if you’re interested!
Test the consistency of your ganache by adding a drip onto a vertical surface like a plate held upright. It it's too thick add a bit of cream and heat the mixture.