Berry Cake

Chocolate Cake with Berry Cream

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delicious recipe for a chocolate cake, enriched with a smooth berry cream. This refined dessert not only looks stunning but also has a taste that will delight all your senses. It’s perfect for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 ml of oil
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 10 g of baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 g of mixed berries (you can use blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, red currants, black currants, cherries)
- 1 liter of plain yogurt
- 300 ml of heavy cream
- 180 g of sugar
- 25 g of gelatin
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

For decoration:
- 300 ml of whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the syrup:
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 vial of vanilla extract

Before we begin, let's talk about our ingredients. Eggs are essential for achieving a fluffy cake, while sugar will provide sweetness and a pleasant texture. The oil adds moisture, and the flour and cocoa will form the delicious base of the cake. Gelatin is the magic ingredient that will help the cream set and achieve the perfect consistency. The berries not only add flavor but are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the cake:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 7 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm meringue. This step is crucial for a fluffy and airy cake. Then, add the yolks, oil, flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gently fold in with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion to avoid losing air in the mixture.

2. Baking the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Pour the batter into a 24 cm round baking pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Preparing the cream:
In a small bowl, hydrate the gelatin with a little cold water. In a saucepan, mix the berries with the sugar and cook over low heat until they soften slightly, then strain to obtain a smooth sauce. Keep the sauce warm.

4. Melting the gelatin:
Heat the gelatin over low heat until it reaches boiling point, then add it to the warm berry sauce and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool until it reaches room temperature.

5. Mixing the cream:
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Using a mixer, gradually incorporate the berry sauce, mixing well until you achieve a smooth cream. Set the bowl aside until the cream starts to set.

6. Assembling the cake:
Begin by slicing the cake into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Soak each layer with the syrup made from water, sugar, and vanilla extract. Place the first layer of cake in a cake ring, add a layer of cream, follow with another cake layer, and repeat until all layers are used. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours or overnight to allow the cream to set properly.

7. Decorating the cake:
Whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve a firm consistency. Cover the top and sides of the cake with whipped cream. Here comes the fun part! You can create a chocolate collar around the cake by melting white and dark chocolate. Use a piece of parchment paper to spread the chocolate and let it cool before applying it to the cake.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a better cake.
- You can add ground nuts to the batter for added texture.
- Experiment with different types of berries or even other seasonal fruits to customize the cake.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only a treat but also a good source of vitamins and antioxidants from the berries, while the yogurt and cream provide a calcium boost. Of course, it’s a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen fruits?
Yes, frozen fruits can be used in this recipe, but make sure to thaw and dry them well before using.
- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or cream, adjusting to your taste.

Recommended pairings:
This cake pairs wonderfully with a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a glass of sweet white wine could perfectly complement the flavors of the cake.

In conclusion, this chocolate cake with berry cream is a recipe that combines elegance and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to play with the ingredients and put your personal touch on this wonderful dessert! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: cake base 7 eggs, 7 tablespoons of sugar, 50 ml oil, 10 tablespoons of flour, 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa, 10 g baking powder cream 500 g berries.... blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, red currants, black currants, cherries 1 l plain yogurt, 300 ml heavy cream, 180 g sugar, 25 g gelatin, 2 tablespoons lemon juice. decorated 300 ml whipped cream, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 vanilla essence syrup 1 cup water, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 vial vanilla essence boil water with sugar, cool and add vanilla.

 Tags:  chocolate cake berry cake