Chocolate cake with jam

Cocoa and Jam Cake - a simple and delicious treat

If you are looking for a quick, easy-to-make, and extremely tasty dessert recipe, you have come to the right place! This cocoa and jam cake, which I learned from a Slovak neighbor, combines the intense flavors of cocoa with the sweetness of jam, creating an irresistible dessert. It is perfect for any occasion, whether you serve it at coffee with friends or bring it to a party. Let’s discover together how we can prepare this delicacy.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 125 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (heaped)
- 3 tablespoons jam (preferably apricot or strawberry, but any jam you like is welcome)
- 250 ml milk
- 75 ml oil

For the glaze:
- 5-6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (heaped)
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 50-75 g butter

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform mixture. If you are using a firmer jam, you can warm it slightly on the stove to make it easier to spread.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix well with a spatula or whisk to ensure there are no lumps.

3. Adding wet ingredients: In the same bowl, add the egg, oil, milk, and jam. If you have extinguished the baking soda with a little lemon juice, now is the time to add it to the mixture. Mix well with a whisk until you achieve a homogeneous mixture without lumps.

4. Straining the mixture: This is an important step! Strain the mixture directly into a greased and floured baking pan. If you do not have a strainer, you can use a sieve. This step will help achieve a fine and airy texture.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the pan with the mixture in the oven and bake the cake for about 35 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

6. Cooling: After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about an hour and a half, but not in the fridge. This will help maintain a fluffy texture.

7. Applying the jam: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the chosen jam on top using a spatula. You can choose to leave it in the pan or transfer it to a platter, depending on your preferences.

8. Preparing the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine powdered sugar, cocoa, and milk. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the butter and continue stirring until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Turn off the heat and let the glaze cool slightly, but do not let it harden.

9. Applying the glaze: Pour the glaze over the jam and spread it evenly with a spatula or spoon. This glaze will not harden completely, giving the cake a velvety texture.

10. Final cooling: Leave the cake in the fridge for about an hour so that the glaze sets well.

11. Cutting and serving: After the glaze has slightly hardened, cut the cake into squares of about 4 cm. You can serve the cake plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of jam, such as blackberry or raspberry, to give the cake a different flavor.
- If you want a thicker glaze, you can replace part of the milk with melted chocolate.
- It is important not to cool the cake in the fridge after baking, as this can lead to a dense texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of carbohydrates, and the jam adds a touch of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

3. Can it be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Cut it into portions and place it in freezer bags. When you want to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature.

This cocoa and jam cake is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen exploring this delicious recipe!

 Ingredients: Base-125 g sugar-200 g flour-1 egg-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon-1/4 teaspoon cloves-1/2 teaspoon baking soda-1/2 teaspoon baking powder-1 tablespoon, heaped, cocoa-3 tablespoons jam (preferably apricot or strawberry, but any can be used)-250 ml milk-75 ml oil Icing-5-6 tablespoons powdered sugar-1 tablespoon, heaped, cocoa-3 tablespoons milk-50-75 g butter Under the icing, we need about 3 tablespoons of jam.