Chocolate cream cake with sour cherry jam

The perfect dessert for any festive occasion, the chocolate cream and sour cherry jam cake combines the intense flavor of chocolate with the pleasant acidity of the sour cherries. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to every slice. Whether you're preparing it for an anniversary, a celebration, or simply to treat yourself, this cake is sure to be a hit!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 5 eggs
- 110 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 tablespoons sparkling water
- 1 vanilla sugar

For the chocolate cream:
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 egg
- 200 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 100 g butter

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Sour cherries from jam
- Chocolate decorations
- Syrup from sour cherry jam (mix a little jam with water)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
1. Start by preparing the sponge for the cake. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam.
2. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes firm and shiny. This step is crucial for getting a fluffy sponge.
3. In another bowl, mix the yolks with a pinch of salt and incorporate them into the egg white foam. Use a spatula to gently fold, so you don’t lose the air in the mixture.
4. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add them while incorporating the 2 tablespoons of sparkling water. Gently mix until everything is well combined.
5. Prepare a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm) by lining it with baking paper and pour the sponge mixture into it. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes or until the sponge is firm to the touch. A trick to check if the sponge is baked is to insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.
6. After baking, let the sponge cool completely in the tray, then cut it into two equal parts.

Step 2: Chocolate cream
1. To prepare the chocolate cream, start by beating the egg with the sugar in a bowl until it dissolves completely and the mixture becomes creamy.
2. Add cocoa and flour, mixing well to avoid lumps.
3. Gradually pour in the hot milk, stirring continuously to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
4. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. It is important not to let the cream boil too hard to avoid curdling.
5. When the cream has thickened, add the butter cut into cubes and stir until it is completely melted. Let the cream cool completely.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Place the first half of the sponge on a serving platter. Spread the chocolate cream evenly over it.
2. Place the second half of the sponge on top of the cream.
3. Now, add a generous layer of sour cherry jam on top, spreading it evenly.
4. Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and spread it over the sour cherry jam.
5. Decorate the cake with sour cherries from jam, chocolate decorations, and a drizzle of sour cherry jam syrup.

Step 4: Cooling and serving
1. Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours to stabilize and let the flavors meld.
2. When you are ready to serve, cut the cake into equal portions using a wet knife for clean cuts. You will notice how each slice reveals delicious layers of chocolate and sour cherries!
3. It pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of cold milk, especially for the little ones.

Useful tips and tricks
- Fresh cherries vs. jam: If you have fresh cherries on hand, you can easily use them. Boil them with a little sugar to create a quick jam.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a variant adapted to special dietary needs.
- Flavor customization: Add a splash of vanilla or rum essence to the chocolate cream for an extra aromatic touch.

Nutritional benefits
The chocolate cream and sour cherry jam cake is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and sour cherries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. This dessert, consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of fruit?
Of course! This cake can easily be adapted with other seasonal fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It is recommended to consume it within 48 hours to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Conclusion
The chocolate cream and sour cherry jam cake is the perfect choice to end a special meal or to treat the family on an ordinary day. With a little patience and love, you will create a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t forget to experiment and customize the recipe according to your preferences, to make each serving a true culinary masterpiece!

 Ingredients: For the base: 5 eggs, 110 g sugar, 150 g flour, 1 baking powder, 2 tablespoons sparkling water, 1 vanilla sugar. For the cocoa cream: 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 egg, 200 ml milk, 5 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 100 g butter, cherry jam. For decoration: 200 ml liquid cream, cherries from the jam, chocolate decorations, and syrup from the cherry jam (I mixed a little jam with water).

 Tags:  homemade cake cream cake cherry cake cake recipes with pictures