Berry fruit cake with chocolate cream

Berry and Chocolate Cream Cake

A berry and chocolate cream cake is the perfect choice for special moments or simply to indulge in something sweet. This recipe harmoniously combines fluffy sponge cake, decadent chocolate cream, and the sweetness of berries, creating a dessert that will delight all the senses.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total: 4 hours
Servings: 10-12

A brief history

The berry cake has become popular among dessert lovers due to its versatility. It is often associated with celebrations and special events but can also be enjoyed as a delicious snack any day. Berries are not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe, with a rich chocolate base, offers a perfect contrast to the acidity of the fruits, creating a balance of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of oil
- 4 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 orange

For the cream:
- 500 ml of liquid cream
- 300 g of quality milk chocolate
- 1 vanilla pod (optional)
- 50 g of butter (85% fat, optional)

For the syrup:
- 200 ml of water
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Juice and zest of 1 orange
- 100 g of berries (mix of raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)

For decoration:
- 200 g of quality dark chocolate

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until you obtain a creamy and light-colored mixture (about 5-7 minutes).
2. Gently incorporate the oil, milk, and orange juice, mixing until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and the zest of the orange and lemon. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or at low speed with the mixer.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the sponge cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Preparing the chocolate cream
1. In a small saucepan, heat the liquid cream over low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and gently stir with a spatula until the chocolate is completely melted. If using a vanilla pod, you can add the extracted seeds now.
2. Once the chocolate is fully melted, add the butter (if you choose to use it) and mix well.
3. Transfer the cream to bowls and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours until it firms up.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup
1. In a saucepan, boil water with sugar until it completely dissolves.
2. Add the orange zest and juice, along with the berries. Continue to boil for 3-4 minutes, then let the syrup cool.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Once the sponge has cooled completely, cut it into three equal parts.
2. Place the first layer of sponge on a serving platter and evenly soak it with the prepared syrup.
3. Add some of the chocolate cream and sprinkle with berries. Repeat the process with the next layer of sponge.
4. The last layer of sponge will also be soaked, and the cake should be evenly covered with the remaining cream.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave. Spread the melted chocolate on a sheet of aluminum foil and roll it to form chocolate strips.
2. Decorate the cake with chocolate strips and add berries on top for a fresh and attractive look.

Useful tips
- Choose quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate used in the cream will greatly influence the final taste of the cake. Opt for chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a more intense flavor.
- For a moister cake: If you want an even moister cake, you can add a little berry syrup over each sponge layer, in addition to the orange syrup.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of fruits (strawberries, kiwi, or peaches) or even different chocolate flavors (white chocolate or mint chocolate) to create a unique cake.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a strong espresso.

Nutritional information
This cake recipe contains approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Berries provide a rich source of vitamins (C, K) and antioxidants, while milk chocolate offers a dose of magnesium and flavonoids.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
- How can I store the cake? The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
- Is it necessary to use butter in the cream? It is not mandatory, but butter helps create a richer and creamier texture.

The berry and chocolate cream cake is a dessert that not only looks wonderful but tastes divine. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy every bite and savor the complexity of flavors it offers!