Birthday cake

Strawberry and chocolate birthday cake – an unforgettable recipe

Total preparation time: 4 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

When it comes to celebrating special moments, a birthday cake is a must. This delicious strawberry and chocolate cake recipe is perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether it's an anniversary, a party, or just a reunion with friends, this cake combines the fresh flavors of strawberries with the richness of chocolate, creating a refined and elegant dessert.

So, let's start our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients:

*For the strawberry cake:*

- The base:
- 4 eggs
- 90 g flour
- 30 g cocoa
- 120 g sugar

- The cream:
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 300 g strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1.5 packets of gelatin (about 15 g)

- The syrup:
- 200 g honey
- 300 ml water

*For the chocolate cake:*

- The base:
- 6 eggs
- 120 g flour
- 60 g cocoa
- 180 g sugar
- 200 g cherries (pitted, fresh or from a jar)

- The syrup:
- Juice from the cherry compote (or sugar water, as preferred)

- The cream:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 2 egg yolks
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 60 g cocoa
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)

- The decoration:
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 100 g cherries
- Meringues (optional)
- 1 egg white
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation steps:

*1. Preparing the strawberry base:*

- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks, placing the whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another container.
- Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm mixture.
- Incorporate the yolks, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
- Sift the flour and cocoa over the egg mixture and gently fold in, using upward motions until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, or until the base is firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick to see if it is baked.

*2. Preparing the strawberry cream:*

- Dice the strawberries and set them aside.
- In a small saucepan, add 50 ml of water and the gelatin. Let it hydrate for 5-10 minutes, then microwave for 2 seconds, being careful not to boil.
- Whip the cream until it becomes firm and fold in the diced strawberries. Add the gelatin and mix gently. Refrigerate the cream until it sets.

*3. Preparing the syrup:*

- In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat and add the honey. Mix well until completely dissolved.

*4. Assembling the strawberry cake:*

- Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into three equal discs.
- Soak each disc with the honey syrup, then spread a layer of strawberry cream between each disc, assembling the cake. Place it in the fridge.

*5. Preparing the chocolate base:*

- Repeat step 1 to prepare the chocolate base. Beat the egg whites, add the sugar, then the yolks, flour, and cocoa, mixing gently.
- Bake the base at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool.

*6. Preparing the chocolate cream:*

- Melt the chocolate with the egg yolks over steam, stirring continuously. Let it cool.
- In a bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar until creamy, then incorporate the cooled chocolate.
- Add the cocoa and diced cherries, mixing gently.

*7. Assembling the chocolate cake:*

- Cut the chocolate base into three discs, soak with the cherry compote juice, and add the chocolate cream between the discs.

*8. Assembling the final cake:*

- Place the strawberry base on a cake stand. Use cut skewers to support it.
- Place the chocolate cake on top and ensure it is well positioned.
- Decorate with whipped cream, cherries, and meringues if desired.

Practical tips:

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to peel and drain them well.
- Use quality chocolate for the creams, as this will influence the final taste of the cake.
- For a more elegant look, you can use a stencil to sprinkle cocoa or powdered sugar on the cake.

Possible variations:

- You can add a hint of vanilla to the chocolate cream for a more complex flavor.
- Substitute cherries with other fruits like raspberries or blackberries to add a variety of flavors.
- Instead of whipped cream, you can use mascarpone for a richer texture.

Ideal combinations:

This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of this cake will create a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits:

Strawberries are rich in vitamins C and K, making them excellent for the immune system and bone health. Additionally, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that help maintain heart health.

This is a recipe that, although it requires a little time and effort, is worth every minute spent in the kitchen. Each slice of cake will bring pleasant memories and transform any celebration into a memorable moment. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and enjoy making this strawberry and chocolate birthday cake!