Chocolate cake with apricot jam and almond flakes

Name: Chocolate cake with apricot jam and almond flakes - Noemi J.
Ingredients: For the base (24 cm diameter): 6 eggs; 8 tablespoons sugar; 4 tablespoons water; 4 tablespoons olive oil; juice of 1/2 lemon; 2 tablespoons cocoa; 8 tablespoons flour. For the cream: 300 g dark chocolate; 350 ml liquid cream; 250 g mascarpone. For soaking: 400 ml water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons rum essence. For the glaze: 200 g dark chocolate; 250 ml liquid cream; 50 g butter. Additionally: 50 g almond flakes; 250 g apricot jam; chocolate candies.

Dessert - Chocolate cake with apricot jam and almond flakes by Noemi J. - Recipia

Chocolate Cake with Apricot Jam and Almond Flakes If you are looking for a dessert that is not only delicious but also a true work of art, this chocolate cake with apricot jam and almond flakes is the perfect choice. It is a sophisticated dessert, yet accessible, suitable for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself on an ordinary day. The harmonious flavors of dark chocolate, the sweetness of apricot jam, and the crunch of almond flakes create an unforgettable tasting experience. Total preparation time: 1 hour 20 minutes Baking time: 35-40 minutes Number of servings: 10 Required ingredients: For the base (24 cm diameter pan): - 6 eggs - 8 tablespoons of sugar - 4 tablespoons of water - 4 tablespoons of olive oil - Juice of 1/2 lemon - 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder - 8 tablespoons of flour For the chocolate cream: - 300 g dark chocolate - 350 ml heavy cream - 250 g mascarpone For the syrup: - 400 ml water - 2 tablespoons of sugar - 2 teaspoons of rum essence For the glaze: - 200 g dark chocolate - 250 ml heavy cream - 50 g butter In addition: - 50 g almond flakes - 250 g apricot jam - Chocolate candies for decoration Recipe story: The chocolate cake with apricot jam has a rich tradition in sweet cuisine. It is a dessert that combines classic ingredients with a modern twist. The apricot jam adds a pleasant acidity that balances the richness of the chocolate, making this cake a favorite among all generations. This cake has been prepared many times for anniversaries, bringing joy and smiles to the faces of loved ones. Step by step: 1. Preparing the base: - Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is essential that the temperature is correct to achieve a fluffy base. - Separate the egg whites from the yolks and add a pinch of salt to the egg whites. Beat them until you achieve a firm foam. It is important to use a clean bowl to get a good foam. - Gradually add the 4 tablespoons of sugar, continuing to beat until you get a glossy meringue. Adding the lemon juice at this moment helps stabilize the foam. - Caramelize the 4 tablespoons of sugar by extinguishing them with 4 tablespoons of water. Let the syrup simmer until all the sugar melts, then pour it hot, in a thin stream, over the egg white foam and beat vigorously. - Add the oil and mix on low speed to incorporate it. Use a spatula to gradually add the yolks, mixing gently from bottom to top. - Sift in the flour and cocoa, mixing gently to avoid losing the volume of the foam. - Grease the pan with oil and powdered sugar, then pour the batter into it. Bake the base for 35-40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. A clean toothpick means a perfectly baked base! 2. Preparing the chocolate cream: - In a pot, gently heat the heavy cream without boiling it. Add the broken chocolate into small pieces into the cream and mix well until it is homogeneous. This step is crucial, as the chocolate must melt completely for a smooth texture. - After homogenization, let the mixture cool. When it reaches room temperature, use a mixer to whip the cream. Add the mascarpone and mix well. The cream should be airy and fluffy to provide a pleasant texture to the cake. 3. Preparing the syrup: - Heat the water and dissolve the sugar in it. After the sugar has melted, turn off the heat and add the rum essence. This flavor will add an extra touch of taste to the cake. 4. Assembling the cake: - Once the base has completely cooled, cut it horizontally into three equal parts. - Soak each layer with the prepared syrup, then spread with apricot jam. Don't hesitate to use a generous amount for an intense flavor! - Sprinkle almond flakes and spread half of the chocolate cream on the first layer. Repeat the process for the second layer. - Place the last layer of base on top and leave it free to pour the glaze. 5. Preparing the glaze: - In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream. Add the broken chocolate and butter, stirring constantly until it is homogeneous. This glaze will give a shiny appearance to the cake. - Quickly pour the glaze over the cake, gently leveling the edges for an elegant look. 6. Decorating the cake: - Decorate the cake with almond flakes, apricot jam, and chocolate candies. Every detail counts, so be creative! Helpful tip: To ensure an easy release of the bases from the pan, line the walls of the pan with powdered sugar. This will help prevent sticking and will give the cake a beautiful appearance. Frequently asked questions: - Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but keep in mind that the cake will be sweeter. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. - How can I keep the cake fresh? Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will stay fresh for 3-4 days. - What drink pairs best with this cake? Black coffee or a flavored tea, such as fruit tea, can perfectly complement the flavors of the cake. Nutritional benefits: This cake contains dark chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants and can provide heart benefits. Additionally, the apricot jam adds a supply of vitamins, especially vitamin C. Of course, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar and calorie content. Possible variations: - You can replace the apricot jam with raspberry or cherry jam for a different but equally delicious taste. - Add pieces of nuts or hazelnuts to the chocolate cream for a crunchy texture. - Experiment with different essence flavors, such as vanilla or orange, in the soaking syrup. This chocolate cake with apricot jam and almond flakes will surely become a favorite in your family. I wish you happy cooking and enjoy every slice!