Chocolate cake with sweet cheese and berries
Chocolate cake with sweet cheese and berries - a triple delicious treat!
I propose a recipe that will turn any meal into a special moment. This chocolate cake with sweet cheese and berries is a perfect combination of the intense sweetness of chocolate, the creaminess of cheese, and the freshness of fruits. Cook with me and discover how to create this delight at home, step by step.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
*For the base:*
- 185 g of butter (82% fat), at room temperature
- 225 g of pastry flour
- 30 g of high-quality cocoa
- 1 large egg
- 150 g of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cold milk
- a pinch of salt
- grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
*For the cheese cream:*
- 700 g of sweet cheese (like ricotta or cottage cheese)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons of fresh cream
- 200 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- grated zest of one orange
- 1 bowl of frozen mixed berries
Preparation
*Step 1: Preparing the base*
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (fan) or 200°C (regular).
In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture at medium speed until it becomes a fluffy, light-colored cream. This is an important step, as the incorporated air will make the base fluffier.
Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. The combination of pastry flour with cocoa will give the base a fine texture and rich flavor.
Incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the cold milk. Gently knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous. Don’t over-knead, as an over-kneaded dough can become dense.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will help stabilize the dough, making it easier to roll out.
*Step 2: Preparing the cheese cream*
In a medium bowl, combine the sweet cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Use a whisk or a mixer on low speed to mix the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy composition. It is important for the cheese to be at room temperature to mix evenly, without lumps.
*Step 3: Assembling the cake*
After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a work surface with a little flour and roll out the dough to a thickness of about 5 mm. Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a greased baking dish (preferably a 30x20 cm dish). Use a spatula to smooth the edges and gently lift the dough to form a small border around the edge of the dish.
Pour the cheese cream over the chocolate base and level it with a spatula. Add the frozen berries on top, spreading them evenly.
*Step 4: Baking*
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the base is golden brown and the center of the cake is firm to the touch. Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish, then cut it into squares.
Serving suggestions
This cake is perfect both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of cream or whipped cream on top. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce would also be excellent combinations.
Variations and tips
If you want to personalize this recipe, you can replace the berries with fresh peaches or apricots, depending on the season. You can also try adding some chopped nuts to the cheese cream for extra texture.
For an even more intense chocolate flavor, add 50 g of melted dark chocolate to the cheese cream. This will bring a decadent note to your cake.
Nutritional information and calories
This cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the berries add antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. A serving of cake (approximately 100 g) contains around 300 calories, but this may vary depending on the ingredients used. It is an indulgent dessert, but can be enjoyed in moderation!
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well drained to avoid a too wet texture.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can replace the pastry flour with a gluten-free alternative, but the texture may vary.
3. Is it possible to make this cake with fresh berries?
Absolutely! In the season of fresh berries, use them for a more intense flavor.
I wish you good cooking and hope that the chocolate cake with sweet cheese and berries will quickly become a family favorite! This is not just a recipe; it is an opportunity to create sweet moments with loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 185 g of 82% fat butter, 225 g of pastry flour, 30 g of cocoa, 1 large egg, 150 g of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cold milk, a pinch of salt, lemon zest, vanilla, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt. Cream cheese: 700 g of sweet cheese, 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 200 g of sugar, vanilla, orange zest, 1 bowl of frozen berries.
