Cherry Cake

Cherry and chocolate cake: An irresistible delicacy

In a world full of desserts, the cherry and chocolate cake stands out as a true culinary masterpiece. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will captivate you with its combination of intense flavors, fine textures, and elegant appearance. Let's embark on this gastronomic adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 100 g dark chocolate (85% cocoa)
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g crushed walnuts
- 1/4 pack of butter (about 60 g)

For the cream:
- 250 g sweet cow cheese
- 250 g pitted cherries
- 1 plain yogurt (175 ml)
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 1 rum essence
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 rum essence

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Melting the chocolate: In a heat-resistant bowl, place the dark chocolate and diced butter. Set the bowl over a pot of gently boiling water (bain-marie technique). Stir occasionally until everything melts and you obtain a fine and smooth mixture.

2. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the 4 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a fluffy and light-colored cream. Here, you can also add the crushed nuts and raisins for a crunchy texture.

3. Combining the ingredients: Incorporate the melted chocolate and butter into the yolk mixture. The mixture should be uniform and delicious.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy base.

5. Combining the mixtures: Add the beaten egg whites over the yolk and chocolate cream, gently folding from the bottom up to avoid deflating the egg whites. Finally, sift in the flour and mix lightly.

6. Baking: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan with a removable bottom, greased and floured. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Mixing the cheese: In a blender, combine the sweet cow cheese, yogurt, vanilla sugar, and sugar, blending until you achieve a fine paste.

2. Preparing the cherries: Place the cherries in a small pot with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar and let them simmer over low heat until they start to break down, then let them cool slightly. Add the rum essence for extra flavor.

3. Dissolving the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the gelatin package to hydrate and dissolve it. Add the gelatin to the cheese cream, mixing well.

4. Incorporating the whipped cream: Whip the cream until firm and gently fold it into the cheese cream.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. The syrup: In a small pot, boil the water with the sugar and rum essence. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then cool.

2. Soaking the base: After the base has completely cooled, place it back in the round pan. Generously soak it with the syrup, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

3. Adding the cream: Pour the cherry cheese mixture over the soaked base and smooth the surface with a spatula. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set well.

Step 4: Serving

1. Finalizing: After the cake has been in the fridge, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Grate dark chocolate on top for an elegant decoration.

2. Serving suggestions: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will complete this culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits

This cherry cake is more than just a simple delicacy. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, helping to strengthen the immune system. Nuts provide a source of healthy fats, while dark chocolate contains flavonoids that can contribute to cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can experiment with cherries, raspberries, or blueberries, each bringing a unique flavor note.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or the base, adjusting according to your preferences.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it's recommended to leave the cream aside as the texture may be affected.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like cinnamon or vanilla to the base. You can also replace the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.

In conclusion, the cherry and chocolate cake is an excellent choice for any occasion. With a simple recipe and accessible ingredients, you will surely impress anyone with your culinary skills. Whether you prepare it for a celebration or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will undoubtedly become a staple recipe in your dessert list. Enjoy!