Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Ice Cream

1. Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, and vanilla.
3. Fold in the strawberry puree and churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze until firm.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling).
2. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth, then mix in butter for extra shine.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a thick layer of strawberry ice cream over the cake.
3. Top with the second cake layer and freeze for 1 hour.
4. Pour warm chocolate ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and garnish with fresh strawberries.