Chocolate cake with cherries and hazelnuts
Chocolate, Cherry, and Hazelnut Cake
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8
I invite you to discover a recipe for chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut cake, a dessert that perfectly combines the intense flavors of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries and the crunchiness of hazelnuts. This cake is ideal for serving at a festive meal or simply to treat your family and friends.
Before we begin, let’s take a moment to remember the history of this dessert. The cake is a classic dish that has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of diversity in the kitchen. It can be customized with various ingredients, and our combination of chocolate, cherries, and hazelnuts will delight all your senses.
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 250 g unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 250 g brown sugar
- 250 g flour
- 50 g quality dark cocoa
- 150 g hazelnuts
- 200 g pitted cherries (preferably black or sour cherries)
- 5 large eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- A pinch of salt
For decoration:
- 200 g dark or milk chocolate (according to preference), melted
- A few coarsely chopped hazelnuts
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the hazelnuts
Start by toasting the hazelnuts. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the hazelnuts. Toast them for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until they become golden and fragrant. Once cooled, remove the thin skin and chop them into larger pieces. These will add a delicious texture to your cake.
Step 2: Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, cream the butter at room temperature until it becomes a fine foam. Add the brown sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes creamy. It is essential to take your time with this step, as the incorporated air will make the dessert fluffier.
Step 3: Add the eggs
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial to ensure proper emulsification. If you add all the eggs at once, they may not incorporate evenly.
Step 4: Combine the dry ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and almond extract. Finally, gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. The goal is to achieve a homogeneous mixture without overmixing.
Step 5: Add the cherries and hazelnuts
Carefully fold in the chopped hazelnuts and pitted cherries into the batter. Use a spatula to mix gently, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Prepare a loaf pan (approximately 25 cm long) greased with butter and dusted with flour. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Step 7: Cool and decorate
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. After it has cooled, pour the melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle with coarsely chopped hazelnuts for added texture and appearance.
Serving suggestions:
This chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can accompany it with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea for a delightful culinary experience.
Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, and hazelnuts contain healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. This cake is an excellent option for enjoying a delicious dessert without sacrificing nutrition.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the cherries with other fruits?
Yes, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even banana pieces. Choose fruits that suit your taste.
2. What type of chocolate should I use?
You can use dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter dessert. Choose what you like best!
3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture. It can be kept for 3-4 days.
Possible variations:
If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You can also experiment with different types of nuts or seeds to vary the texture.
I wish you much success in making this delicious chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut cake! I hope it brings you joy in every slice.
Ingredients: 250 g butter 250 g brown sugar 250 g flour 50 g dark cocoa 150 g hazelnuts 200 g pitted cherries (I used bitter black cherries) 5 eggs 1 packet of baking powder 1 packet of vanilla sugar 1 teaspoon almond essence 1 pinch of salt -for decoration: 200 g melted chocolate + a few roughly chopped hazelnuts
