Birthday cake

Birthday cake with chocolate mousse and cherries

At 24 years old, life is full of opportunities and unforgettable moments, and a birthday cake is essential for celebrating this beautiful milestone. This recipe for a cake with white and dark chocolate mousse, complemented by a cherry cream and a delicious glaze, is sure to impress all your guests. Each bite is an explosion of flavors, and the combination of chocolate and cherries is simply irresistible. Let's embark on this captivating recipe!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons water
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons flour

*For the white chocolate mousse:*
- 2 eggs
- 150 g white chocolate
- 300 g whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons water

*For the dark chocolate mousse:*
- 2 eggs
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 300 g whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons water

*For the cherry cream:*
- 200 g whipped cream
- 150 g fresh or canned cherries

*For the glaze:*
- 100 ml water
- 100 ml cream
- 100 g sugar
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 5 g gelatin

Ingredient details:

1. Eggs: Make sure they are fresh, as their quality affects the texture and flavor of the base.
2. Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for both the white and dark mousse to achieve an intense flavor.
3. Cherries: If you choose canned cherries, ensure they are well-drained to avoid diluting the cream.

Step-by-step preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with water using an electric mixer until the mixture triples in volume and becomes airy foam. This is the magic moment when air is incorporated, and the base will be fluffy.
2. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to mix. This will help form a stable structure.
3. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, sift the flour and cocoa together to avoid lumps. Then, fold them into the egg mixture using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down motions to maintain air in the mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a round 25 cm diameter baking pan lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the base passes the toothpick test. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the white chocolate mousse

1. Beat the egg whites with a tablespoon of sugar until you get a firm foam.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with a tablespoon of sugar until creamy.
3. Melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave, being careful not to burn it. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then add the 2 tablespoons of warm water, mixing well.
4. Fold the egg yolks into the white chocolate, then add the beaten egg whites, mixing gently.
5. Finally, fold in the whipped cream, being careful to keep the air in the mixture. This mousse will be light and creamy.

Step 3: Preparing the dark chocolate mousse

1. Follow the same instructions as for the white chocolate mousse, replacing the white chocolate with dark chocolate. The flavor will be more intense, and the combination with the cherry cream will create a delicious contrast.

Step 4: Preparing the cherry cream

1. In a bowl, mix the whipped cream with the mashed cherries to obtain a smooth cream. You can adjust the amount of cherries according to your preferences; if you like more intense flavors, you can add more cherries.

Step 5: Preparing the chocolate glaze

1. In a saucepan, add the water, cream, sugar, and cocoa. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. After the mixture cools to about 40°C, add the hydrated gelatin (prepared according to the package instructions) and mix well.

Assembling the cake:

1. Cut the base into two or three layers, depending on your preference.
2. Place the first layer on a platter, add a generous layer of dark chocolate mousse, followed by the cherry cream. Then, place the second layer of the base.
3. Continue with the white chocolate mousse, and then with the cherry cream, if you have more layers. Place the last layer of the base.
4. Pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, ensuring it spreads evenly and covers the cake well.
5. Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set well.

Serving suggestions:

This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will beautifully complement the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries.

Possible variations:

You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. You can also add chopped nuts or almonds to the mousse for a crunchy texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

Each serving of cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This cake provides an intake of antioxidants from chocolate, as well as vitamins from cherries, which are rich in vitamin C and can have beneficial effects on the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can the cake be made a few days before the event?
Yes, the cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but make sure it is covered to avoid drying out.

2. Can I replace the chocolate with another ingredient?
Yes, you can experiment with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or even sugar-free chocolate, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the mousses and glaze, or you can use chocolate with a higher cocoa content, which is less sweet.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can use flax eggs or other egg substitutes, plant-based whipped cream, and dairy-free chocolate.

This birthday cake is not only a delicacy but also a way to celebrate every special moment in your life. Whether it’s a birthday, a party, or simply an evening with friends, this cake will bring smiles and joy to everyone’s faces. Preparing it can be a true pleasure, and the final result will surely be memorable. Enjoy!