Cherry cake with cocoa and chocolate

Cherry, cocoa, and chocolate cake - A Delicacy for the Soul

Today we celebrate a year since we timidly stepped into this wonderful community, filled with good and talented people. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious cake that combines the intense flavors of cocoa with the sweetness of cherries? This cherry, cocoa, and chocolate cake is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 16 pieces

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 7 medium eggs (or 4 large eggs)
- 255 g granulated sugar
- 235 g flour
- 50 g cocoa
- 10 g baking powder
- 250 g frozen cherries

For the glaze:
- 90 g dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon palm oil
- 30-40 ml strong coffee

For decoration:
- Zest from 2 oranges
- 1 tablespoon sugar + 3 tablespoons water
- Slices of strawberries
- Mint leaves

Step by Step:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This will ensure even baking of our cake.

2. Separating the eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the egg whites are beaten well to achieve a fluffy and airy base.

3. Beating the egg whites: In a bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form a foam. Gradually add 132 g of sugar, continuing to beat until it completely dissolves and the mixture becomes firm and glossy.

4. Beating the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with 123 g of sugar until they turn light in color and triple in volume. This step is crucial for adding richness and flavor to the cake.

5. Combining the mixtures: Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture. Do this with circular motions from top to bottom to avoid losing the air trapped in the egg whites.

6. Mixing the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Reserve two tablespoons of the flour mixture to coat the cherries. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the egg composition, continuing to mix gently.

7. Preparing the cherries: Toss the cherries in the reserved two tablespoons of flour and cocoa. This step will help prevent the fruit from sinking in the batter and ensure even distribution in the cake.

8. Pouring the mixture into the pan: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper (36 x 36 cm). Make sure it is evenly distributed.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Check with a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Cooling and cutting: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely. Then, cut it into 6x6 cm squares.

11. Preparing the glaze: In a pot, add the chocolate, palm oil, and coffee. Melt over low heat, stirring continuously, until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. The glaze should be hot when you apply it to the cake.

12. Decoration: To add a touch of elegance, cut thin strips of orange zest with a vegetable peeler. Boil the water with sugar, add the orange peels, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the peels and let them drain. These will add a pleasant flavor contrast and an attractive look to the cake.

13. Serving: Place the cake on a platter, glaze each piece, and decorate with strips of orange, slices of strawberries, and mint leaves. This combination will not only impress but also add a fresh touch to the cake.

Variations and Suggestions:
- You can substitute cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or cherries, either fresh or frozen. Each variation will bring a unique note to the cake.
- If you want a richer glaze, double the amount of chocolate. It will make each piece of cake even more decadent.
- Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream for an even more delicious dessert.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake contains cocoa, which is rich in antioxidants, and cherries that provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, dark chocolate can improve mood and provide an energy boost.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use dried fruits?
Yes, dried fruits can be an excellent choice, but make sure to hydrate them before adding them to the batter.

- What type of chocolate should I use?
Dark chocolate is ideal, but you can also experiment with milk chocolate, depending on personal preferences.

- How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in a closed container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

This cherry, cocoa, and chocolate cake recipe is not only a delight but also brings moments of joy and sharing with loved ones. Whether you serve it at a birthday or simply as a weekend dessert, you are about to create unforgettable memories. Enjoy!