Birthday cake for Larissa

Birthday cake with chocolate, whipped cream, and sour cherries

Today we celebrate a special occasion - my princess Larissa's birthday! There is no better way to show her love and appreciation than with a delicious birthday cake that combines rich chocolate, fluffy whipped cream, and her favorite sour cherries. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true declaration of love, created with passion and attention to detail.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Here are the steps to create this wonderful cake:

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of salt
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder

For cream 1:
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 3 teaspoons blueberry jam

For cream 2:
- 200 ml cream
- 200 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 packet gelatin

For soaking:
- 200 ml water
- 4 tablespoons sugar

For decoration:
- 200 ml cream
- Sugar paste flowers
- Fresh strawberries

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to use fresh eggs for a fluffy sponge.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat with a mixer until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy mixture.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the oil and water, then the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and, using a spatula, fold it into the mixture with gentle up-and-down motions to keep the air in the egg whites.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pour the mixture into a round baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

6. Cooling: Once cooled, cut the sponge into 3 horizontal layers.

Step 2: Preparing the creams

Cream 1:

1. Heating the cream: In a saucepan, pour 200 ml of liquid cream and heat it over low heat.

2. Melting the chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and add it to the warm cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely. Turn off the heat and let the cream cool.

3. Finishing the cream: Once cooled, mix the cream until fluffy. Add the blueberry jam and mix well.

Cream 2:

1. Preparing the cherries: Wash the cherries and remove the pits. Add 3 teaspoons of sugar and let them sit for 30 minutes to release their juice.

2. Draining the cherries: Place the cherries in a strainer and let them drain.

3. Beating the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 200 ml of cream until firm.

4. Preparing the gelatin: Soak the gelatin in cold water according to the package instructions. Heat the juice released by the cherries slightly, then add the gelatin and stir until completely dissolved.

Step 3: Soaking the sponges

1. Preparing the syrup: Boil 200 ml of water with 4 tablespoons of sugar until completely dissolved. Let it cool.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. First layer: Place the first sponge layer on a serving plate. Soak it with the prepared syrup, then spread it with the chocolate cream.

2. Second layer: Place the second sponge layer, soak it, then cover it with whipped cream. Add the drained cherries and pour the melted gelatin over them.

3. Last layer: Place the third sponge layer, soak it well, and proceed to decoration.

Step 5: Decorating the cake

1. Decoration: Use the remaining cream to cover the cake evenly. Give it an elegant look with sugar paste flowers and some fresh strawberries.

Practical tips

- Alternative for cherries: If cherries are out of season, you can use cherries, peaches, or raspberries to give the cake a different flavor.
- Oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil so it doesn't affect the sponge's taste. Sunflower oil is an excellent option.
- Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or white chocolate for a sweeter taste.

Variations

- Berry cake: Instead of cherries, you can add a mix of berries for a more aromatic flavor.
- Caramel cake: Add a layer of caramel sauce between the sponges for a sweet and decadent touch.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a source of energy due to its sugar and fat content, as well as protein from the eggs. Cherries provide antioxidants and important vitamins for the body.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace gelatin with another thickening agent? Yes, you can use agar-agar or tapioca powder, but make sure to follow the specific preparation instructions for each ingredient.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake can last up to 3 days, but for optimal taste, it is recommended to consume it within the first 24 hours.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake? A glass of sweet wine or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the flavors of this cake.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create an unforgettable cake for your loved ones! Happy birthday, Larissa!

 Ingredients: For the base: 7 eggs, 7 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons oil, a pinch of salt, 10 tablespoons flour, 1 packet baking powder. For cream 1: 100g milk chocolate, 200ml liquid cream, 3 teaspoons blueberry jam. For cream 2: 200ml cream, 200g cherries, 3 teaspoons sugar, 1/4 packet gelatin. For syrup: 200ml water, 4 tablespoons sugar. For decoration: 200ml cream, sugar paste flowers, strawberries.

 Tags:  chocolate cake