Blueberry and Blackberry Cake

The perfect dessert for family gatherings – a delicious cake with blueberries and blackberries

Dear ones, today I invite you to dive into the delicious universe of a rich cake filled with fresh flavors and creamy textures. This recipe was inspired by a special reunion with our relatives, organized on a warm August afternoon. I decided to prepare a cake that is not only tasty but also less sweet, considering that among the guests are people with glycemic issues. I promise that each slice is a true indulgence, full of goodness and freshness!

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 55 minutes
Cooling time: at least 4 hours (ideally until the next day)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g chocolate (choose a quality chocolate, preferably with 70% cocoa content)
- 40 g unsalted butter (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 8 eggs
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 8 g baking powder
- 1 tablespoon rum essence

For the cream:
- 500 g yogurt (Greek yogurt will give you a creamier texture)
- 200 ml whipping cream (make sure it is cold for proper whipping)
- 40 drops of natural sweetener (stevia or erythritol are excellent options)
- 10 g gelatin (hydrate according to the instructions on the package)
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)

For the syrup:
- 1 ½ tablespoons strawberry syrup dissolved in 300-350 ml water

For decoration:
- 200 g melted chocolate with 3 tablespoons of milk
- 1 sliced nectarine (for an elegant look)
- 200 ml liquid cream (for decorating the cake)

A brief history of the cake

Cakes have a fascinating history, dating back to ancient times when they were used in religious ceremonies or celebrations. Over the years, they have evolved into a symbol of festivities and joy. This cake with blueberries and blackberries, combined with chocolate and cream, blends tradition with innovation, offering a perfect treat for any occasion.

Preparing the base

1. Start the process by melting the chocolate together with the milk and butter using the bain-marie method. This will give the chocolate a velvety texture. Make sure not to let the chocolate boil, just let it melt slowly.

2. Separating the eggs is essential. In different bowls, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add one cup of sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm foam. In another bowl, beat the yolks with ½ cup of sugar until they become a creamy and light-colored mixture.

3. Add the melted chocolate to the bowl with the yolks and mix well. Sift the flour together with the baking powder into the chocolate mixture and add the rum essence, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

4. Finally, incorporate the yolk batter into the egg whites using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down movements. This step is important to keep the air in the egg whites, so the base remains fluffy.

5. Pour the mixture into a 26 cm baking pan lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 220°C and bake for the first 5 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 190°C and continue baking for another 50 minutes. Check with a toothpick if the base is baked. If the toothpick comes out clean, the base is ready!

Preparing the cream

1. In a bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm, being careful not to turn it into butter.

2. In another bowl, mix the yogurt with the sweetener and hydrated gelatin (according to the instructions on the package). Add the whipped cream and mix until you obtain a homogeneous and airy cream.

Assembling the cake

1. Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into four equal circles. Prepare the pan in which you baked the base by placing stretch film to facilitate removing the cake.

2. Place the first base in the pan and soak it with the strawberry syrup. Add a layer of cream and half of the blueberries. On top, add a little more cream.

3. Continue with the second base, soak it, add a layer of cream and blackberries, followed by another layer of cream. Repeat the process with the remaining bases.

4. Cover the cake with film and let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally until the next day. This will allow the flavors to blend.

Decorating the cake

1. Carefully turn the cake onto a platter. Melt the chocolate with the milk and pour it over the cake creatively to achieve a rustic look.

2. Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm (if desired, you can add a bit of powdered sugar for extra sweetness). Use the cream to decorate the edges of the cake, creating an elegant look.

3. For a final decoration, add slices of nectarine, which will not only add a splash of color but also a fresh flavor.

Useful tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting preparation.
- Using quality chocolate will make a difference in the cake's taste.
- If you do not have fresh blueberries or blackberries, frozen fruits are an excellent alternative. You can also experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or strawberries.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge, but it is best consumed within the first 3 days.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of sweetener?
Yes, you can use sugar, but keep in mind that it will add more sweetness. Adjust the amount according to your preferences.

2. What other fruits can I use instead of blueberries and blackberries?
You can use strawberries, raspberries, or even peaches, depending on the season and tastes.

3. How can I make the cake lower in calories?
You can replace the cream with a creamier yogurt and reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe.

4. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to decorate it after thawing to maintain the visual appeal.

Possible variations

- Instead of dark chocolate, you can try white chocolate for a more delicate taste.
- Add a layer of ground nuts between the bases for a crunchy texture.
- Try adding a hint of lemon to the cream for a fresher flavor.

So, dear friends, get ready to savor a slice of cake that combines the finest flavors and textures. Whether it's a family gathering or a special celebration, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and share your impressions with us!