Chocolate and mascarpone cake

Chocolate Cake with Mascarpone and Raspberries

If you are looking for a quick and delicious dessert to celebrate special moments, this chocolate cake with mascarpone and raspberries is the perfect choice. Ideal for two people, but easily adaptable to cater to larger appetites, this recipe will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 12 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 40 g quality dark chocolate
- 25 g butter
- 1 egg
- 30 g sugar
- 25 g flour
- a pinch of baking powder

*For the ganache:*
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 150 g bitter chocolate
- 150 g milk chocolate

*For the mascarpone cream:*
- 350 g mascarpone
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- vanilla essence
- 200 g raspberries or strawberries (you can use fresh or frozen raspberries)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 g chocolate (half bitter, half milk)
- 70 g liquid cream
- 25 g butter

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a small saucepan, melt the butter together with the dark chocolate. It is important to stir constantly to prevent the chocolate from burning. Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool slightly.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a bowl, mix the sugar with the egg for 2-3 minutes until it becomes a fluffy and light mixture. Add the flour mixed with baking powder, then incorporate the chocolate and butter mixture. Make sure everything is well combined, but do not overmix.

3. Baking the base
Grease a small mold with butter and flour, then pour in the base mixture. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool on a rack.

4. Preparing the ganache
In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream, but do not let it boil. Add the chocolate broken into small pieces (both the bitter and milk chocolate) and stir until completely melted. Let the ganache cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to harden.

5. Mascarpone cream
Meanwhile, prepare the mascarpone cream. Mix the mascarpone with the powdered sugar until smooth. In another bowl, whip the cream until firm and then fold it into the mascarpone cream with a spatula. Hydrate the gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm milk, then add it to the mascarpone mixture along with the vanilla essence.

6. Assembling the cake
Place the base on a platter and surround it with a removable ring. Add a layer of ganache, followed by the mascarpone cream, and then sprinkle the raspberries or strawberries on top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld.

7. The glaze
To finish the cake, heat the liquid cream in which you add the butter and chocolate, stirring until it becomes a smooth sauce. Let the glaze come to room temperature, then pour it evenly over the cake.

Serving suggestions and variations
For an extra touch of flavor, you can add some toasted nuts or almonds on top of the glaze. The cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also replace the raspberries with strawberries for a delicious variation.

Nutritional information
This chocolate cake with mascarpone recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving, offering a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, while mascarpone provides calcium and protein.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of fruit?
Absolutely! You can experiment with any berries or even caramelized bananas for a different flavor.

- How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure it is well covered to prevent drying out.

- Can I double the quantities?
Of course! By doubling the ingredients, you will get a cake perfect for a larger family or to share with friends.

This chocolate cake with mascarpone is more than just a dessert; it is an unforgettable experience, perfect for celebrating important moments. So, this weekend, treat yourself and your loved ones to a sweet indulgence with this decadent cake!