Chocolate cake

Chocolate Mascarpone Cake – a decadent delicacy

Who doesn't love a chocolate cake? This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual parties. With a fine texture and rich flavor, the chocolate mascarpone cake will surely be the star of your table. Additionally, I will provide you with useful tips and tricks to help you achieve the best result, even without a detachable cake pan.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Required ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 6 tablespoons of flour

For the cream:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 500 ml whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 300 g milk chocolate
- 2 whipping cream stabilizers (optional)

For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 100 ml water
- 1 bottle of rum essence

For the glaze:
- 150 g cooking chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 160-180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you get a firm and shiny foam. It is important to use a clean bowl, free of grease, to achieve a good foam. You can use an electric mixer to make your work easier.

2. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil, then add them to the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula until well incorporated. When adding the yolks, be careful not to deflate the air in the egg whites, as this will keep the base fluffy.

3. Sift together the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, then gradually add them to the egg mixture, gently folding. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform and well-aerated base.

4. Pour the mixture into a pan (ideally a detachable one) and bake for 25 minutes or until the base is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before cutting.

2. Preparing the cream
In a bowl, whip the cream with the sugar and stabilizers (if using) until it becomes firm. Then, add the mascarpone, gently mixing to avoid losing air from the mixture.

3. In a double boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate with the liquid cream, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once melted, let the mixture cool slightly, then incorporate it into the mascarpone cream, gently mixing.

3. Preparing the syrup
In a saucepan, caramelize the sugar until it turns golden. Carefully add the water and stir until dissolved. Let the syrup cool, then add the rum essence for extra flavor.

4. Assembling the cake
Cut the base into two equal parts. Place the first half of the base on a platter, generously soak it with the prepared syrup. Spread all the mascarpone cream over the soaked base, then cover with the other half of the base. Repeat the soaking process.

5. Glazing the cake
Prepare the glaze by melting the cooking chocolate with the liquid cream, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly, then pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant look.

6. Cooling
Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or, ideally, overnight, to let the glaze set and the flavors combine perfectly.

Serving suggestions
This chocolate mascarpone cake is delicious served plain, but you can also add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a pleasant contrast. A scoop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream would perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional details
This cake is rich in calories, with approximately 450-500 kcal per serving, but its ingredients also provide nutritional benefits, such as protein from the eggs and calcium from the mascarpone. When consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, dark chocolate will provide a more intense flavor, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the cream, as dark chocolate is less sweet.

- How can I make the cake lighter?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, or use lighter whipped cream with lower fat content.

- Are there vegan versions of this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with applesauce or banana puree and use a plant-based cream substitute and vegan chocolate.

This chocolate mascarpone cake will surely be a hit at any table. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and bring a little of your personality into each dish. Bon appétit!