Lovestruck cake
Loving Cake – A Delight for the Heart
If you're in search of a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also warms the heart, the Loving Cake is the perfect choice. This delicate recipe combines fluffy cocoa sponge, decadent chocolate cream, and tart cherries for a result that will impress everyone on any special occasion. Get ready to embark on a flavorful culinary journey!
Preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the sponge:
- 6 large eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 80 g flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Cream 1:
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 1 egg yolk
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 6 tablespoons whipped cream
For Cream 2:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- Cherries in syrup (about 100 g)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet gelatin
For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 100 ml cherry compote
For the glaze:
- 1 packet strawberry pudding
- 500 ml milk
- 100 g whipped cream
Step by Step
Step 1: Preparing the Sponge
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure the bowls are clean, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
2. Whipping the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.
3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently folding them in to avoid losing air in the mixture.
4. Adding dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder over the egg mixture. Use a spatula to carefully fold the ingredients together with gentle up-and-down motions until well combined.
5. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick: insert it into the center of the sponge; if it comes out clean, it's ready.
Step 2: Preparing Cream 1
1. Whipping the butter: In a bowl, beat the room temperature butter with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until creamy and light in color.
2. Melting the chocolate: Using a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate. Once fully melted, let it cool slightly, then add it to the butter mixture along with the egg yolk.
3. Incorporating the whipped cream: Finally, fold in the whipped cream, mixing gently until well combined.
Step 3: Preparing Cream 2
1. Whipping the cream: Whip the cream until it becomes firm. You can use sweetened pasteurized cream for a richer flavor.
2. Preparing the gelatin: In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin according to the package instructions. Then, pour the melted (but not hot) gelatin over the whipped cream, mixing gently.
3. Adding the sugar: Add the powdered sugar and mix well. Now is the time to add the drained cherries.
Step 4: Preparing the Syrup
1. Caramelizing the sugar: In a saucepan, place the sugar over medium heat. Allow it to caramelize until it turns brown. Be careful, as it can burn easily!
2. Adding the water: Once caramelized, carefully add the water, stirring continuously until all the sugar dissolves. Let the syrup cool, then add the cherry compote.
Step 5: Assembling the Cake
1. Slicing the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into three equal layers.
2. Soaking and adding the cream: Take the first layer of sponge, soak it with the cherry syrup, then spread a layer of chocolate cream. Place the second layer, soak it again, add the whipped cream and cherries. Top with the last sponge layer, soaking it as well.
Step 6: Preparing the Glaze
1. Preparing the pudding: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil. Mix the pudding powder with sugar and a bit of cold milk. When the milk boils, pour in the pudding mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
2. Assembling the glaze: Let the pudding cool slightly, then divide it in half. Mix half of it with the whipped cream and use this mixture to decorate the sides of the cake. Pour the other half over the top layer.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose quality ingredients: Use high-quality dark chocolate for an intense flavor. The butter should be fresh, as it influences the texture of the cream.
- Cool the sponge properly: Ensure the sponge is completely cool before cutting or assembling, to avoid melting the creams.
- Personalize with fruits: You can add other berries or nuts for extra texture and flavor.
- Serving: The cake can be served with warm chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which perfectly complements the flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake is rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate and cherries, which contain vitamins A and C. Additionally, the butter provides healthy fats, offering a rich texture. However, it's important to enjoy desserts in moderation, as they can be high in calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? No, as it contains eggs and butter. However, you can try adapting it using vegan substitutes.
- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the final result may vary.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Berry Cake: Replace the cherries with raspberries or blackberries for a tarter version.
- Coffee Flavored Cake: Add a few tablespoons of instant coffee to the chocolate cream for a more intense flavor.
Now you’re ready to delight your guests with this Loving Cake! Whether you prepare it for an anniversary, a celebration, or simply to indulge yourself, this dessert will surely please everyone. Don’t forget to share your creation with loved ones, as such a delicious cake deserves to be enjoyed together!
Ingredients: Base: -6 eggs - 120 g sugar - 80 g flour - 50 g cocoa - 1 baking powder Cream 1 - 200 g butter - 200 g dark chocolate - 1 yolk - 200 g powdered sugar - 6 tablespoons whipped cream Cream 2 - 200 ml whipped cream - sour cherries from cherry liqueur - 200 g sugar - 1 packet gelatin Syrup: - 200 g sugar - 100 g water - 100 g cherry compote Glaze - 1 packet strawberry pudding - 500 ml milk - 100 g whipped cream
