Dragobete Cake

Dragobete Cake - A Delicacy with Coffee Flavor and Sour Cherry Jam

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12

Introduction

Every year, Dragobete reminds us of the beauty and joy of love. This special cake, inspired by spring traditions, combines delicious flavors of coffee and sour cherry jam in an easy and refined recipe. The soft brownie base and sweet cream cheese will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Let's embark on the adventure of making this cake that will surely become a family favorite!

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 200 g margarine
- 5 eggs (yolks)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10 tablespoons of milk
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

*For the cream cheese:*
- 150-200 g sweet cheese (or mascarpone)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream (pâtisserie cream type)
- 1 packet of gelatin

*For the coffee cream:*
- 50 ml coffee (liquid)

*For the jam cream:*
- 2 teaspoons of juice from sour cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 g milk chocolate
- 1-2 tablespoons of milk

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Base

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This step is essential for even baking of your brownie base.

In a large bowl, cream the margarine with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. Add the yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the milk, cocoa, flour, and baking powder. Make sure all ingredients are well mixed without lumps.

Pour the mixture into a round baking pan lined with parchment paper (recommended size: 24 cm) and bake for about 30 minutes. Check if it’s baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready!

After baking, let the base cool for one hour on a rack.

2. Preparing the Cream Cheese

While the base cools, you can prepare the creams. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with a tablespoon of sugar. If you choose mascarpone, you'll achieve an even creamier texture and taste.

In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until firm. Add the whipped cream to the cheese mixture and gently mix until combined. Divide the cream into two bowls.

In one, add the prepared coffee (make sure it’s liquid, not ground) and in the other, the juice from the sour cherry jam. Mix each cream well.

3. Preparing the Gelatin

Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet. It’s important to follow the guidelines, as different types of gelatin can have varying hydration and preparation times. I recommend using about 100 ml of gelatin for each cream, but you can adjust according to your preferences.

4. Assembling the Cake

Now comes the fun part! Take the cooled base and cut it into two layers (if you prefer, you can leave it as a single layer for a rustic look). Place the first layer on a serving platter and pour the coffee cream over it. Refrigerate the cake for one hour to set.

Once the coffee cream has set, add the sour cherry jam cream and refrigerate again for an hour.

5. Preparing the Glaze

For the glaze, gently heat the milk in a saucepan, being careful not to let it reach boiling point. Add the chocolate broken into small pieces and stir until completely melted and you achieve a smooth mixture.

Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake, ensuring you cover the entire surface evenly. If you prefer a simpler version, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

6. Cooling and Serving

Let the cake cool in the refrigerator to set the glaze. It is recommended to let it cool overnight. The next day, cut the cake into generous slices and enjoy it with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before using them, especially the eggs and margarine, for better homogenization.
- Gelatin: If you're not familiar with gelatin, you can replace it with a vegetarian alternative, such as agar-agar. Follow the specific instructions for each type.
- Variations: You can experiment with other flavors for the creams, such as chocolate or berries, depending on your preferences.
- Serving: The Dragobete cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also has nutritional benefits. The sweet cheese provides essential proteins, while coffee contains antioxidants that can support health. The sour cherry jam offers a supply of vitamins and minerals and is also a source of energy. It’s important to consume in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the texture will be different.
2. How long can the cake be stored? The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it will be best in the first 2 days.
3. How can I replace margarine? You can use butter or coconut oil for a richer taste.

Conclusion

The Dragobete cake is a recipe that not only delights the taste buds but also the soul. It’s perfect for celebrating love and bringing a touch of sweetness to everyday life. So don’t hesitate to try this recipe and treat your family and friends to a dessert that tells a story. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 200 g margarine; 5 eggs, using only the yolks; 5 tablespoons of sugar; a pinch of salt; 10 tablespoons of milk; 2 tablespoons of cocoa; 7 tablespoons of flour; 1 teaspoon of baking powder. For the cheese creams: 150-200 g sweet cheese, but mascarpone can be successfully used; 1 tablespoon of sugar; 200 ml liquid cream (for pastry); 1 packet of gelatin; For the first part of the cream: 50 ml coffee (liquid); for the second part of the cream: 2 teaspoons of juice from sour cherry jam or any jam you prefer. For the glaze: 100 g milk chocolate; 1-2 tablespoons of milk.