CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH SOUR CHERRY JELLY

Chocolate and Cherry Jelly Cake: a delicious and refined recipe

Who doesn't love chocolate? Combined with juicy cherries, this cake becomes a true feast for the senses. From the intense aroma of chocolate to the tart sweetness of cherries, each slice promises to be a memorable experience. This recipe is not only simple but also offers amazing versatility, allowing you to explore other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blueberries in the future. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Necessary ingredients

*For the cocoa layer:*
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons oil
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the vanilla layer:*
- 4 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 8 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt

*For the chocolate cream:*
- 400 ml whipping cream
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 400 g chocolate with 75% cocoa or more
- 150 g butter

*For the cherry jelly:*
- 400 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the layers:
- Cocoa layer: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the yolks together with the sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes light in color and increases in volume. Add the oil and milk, then incorporate the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, all sifted together. Use a spatula to gently fold in, with upward motions.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add them to the yolk mixture, continuing to mix carefully to retain the air in the egg whites. Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 35 minutes.
- Follow the same procedure for the vanilla layer, making sure to use vanilla extract instead of cocoa.

2. Preparing the chocolate cream:
- In a bowl, place the chocolate and butter over a double boiler. Stir gently until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and, once it has cooled slightly, add the whipping cream and mix well. Let it cool completely.

3. Preparing the cherry jelly:
- Wash the cherries well and, if fresh, remove the pits. Place the cherries in a pot with the sugar and let them cook. When the syrup thickens, remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve to obtain a smooth syrup. Add the cornstarch and mix well to incorporate.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Once the layers have completely cooled, cut them in half to form four layers. Place the first cocoa layer on a serving platter, followed by a layer of chocolate cream, then a vanilla layer. Add half of the cherry jelly, followed by another vanilla layer and the remaining jelly, finishing with the last cocoa layer. Cover the cake with the remaining chocolate cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

5. Decorating and serving:
- You can decorate the cake with fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or even whipped cream. Let the cake chill for a few hours before cutting it, to allow the jelly and cream to set.

Useful tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- If you want to enhance the flavors, you can add a splash of rum or cherry liqueur to the chocolate cream.
- This cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 48 hours.

Nutritional information:
This recipe is rich in antioxidants due to dark chocolate, and cherries provide a significant amount of vitamins and minerals. Each serving (1/10 of the cake) contains approximately 450 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits for the jelly? Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches are excellent options.
- Is the cake suitable for a special event? Definitely! It is an elegant dessert that will impress your guests.

This chocolate and cherry jelly cake recipe is not just a simple dessert, but an experience that brings joy and flavor in every slice. Prepare it with love and enjoy every moment of its preparation and savoring!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for cocoa cake: 4 eggs, 8 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of oil, 4 tablespoons of milk, 5 tablespoons of flour, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt. Ingredients for vanilla cake: 4 eggs, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, 8 tablespoons of flour, vanilla essence, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, a pinch of salt. Ingredients for chocolate cream: 400 ml of whipped cream, 6 tablespoons of sugar, 400 g of chocolate with 75% cocoa or more, 150 g of butter. Ingredients for cherry jelly: 400 g of cherries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 tablespoons of starch.