Chocolate cake with candied cherries

Chocolate and candied cherry cake: a decadent and easy-to-make dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Discover a fabulous recipe for chocolate and candied cherry cake that is sure to impress your guests. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to meetings with friends. The intense flavor of chocolate harmoniously blends with the sweetness of candied cherries, creating a dessert that will quickly become a favorite.

Necessary ingredients:
- 360 ml hot water
- 200 g cornmeal
- 4 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 100 g butter
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 150 g candied cherries
- Optional: powdered sugar for decoration

Step 1: Prepare the cake base
In a bowl, pour 360 ml of hot water over the cornmeal and mix well. Cover the bowl and let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. This process will allow the cornmeal to hydrate, giving the cake a softer and fluffier texture.

Step 2: Prepare the chocolate mixture
While the cornmeal hydrates, melt the dark chocolate and butter together, either in a double boiler or in the microwave. If you choose the microwave option, make sure to stir every 30 seconds to avoid burning the chocolate. Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk the egg yolks with sugar
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is an essential step to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a fluffier cake.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients
Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the bowl with the egg yolks and mix well. Then, gradually incorporate the hydrated cornmeal, stirring continuously. Finally, add the baking powder and salt, mixing gently to avoid activating the gluten in the cornmeal.

Step 5: Adding the candied cherries
Cut the candied cherries in half and fold them into the cake mixture. They will add a delicious flavor and a touch of freshness to the cake. If you want a more tart version, you can use fresh or frozen cherries.

Step 6: Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan (ideally 20x30 cm) with butter and optionally line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. Cut the cake into squares and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Personal suggestion: for an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vanilla or rum essence to the chocolate mixture. This will enhance the taste and add a touch of sophistication to the cake.

This chocolate and candied cherry cake recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of flavor, perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 75 grams of cream cheese, 300 grams of broken chocolate, 8 eggs, 240 grams of powdered sugar, 170 grams of ground almonds, 60 grams of flour, 115 grams of candied/glazed cherries.