Chocolate cake

Chocolate cake with nuts and cherries - a decadent delicacy

I invite you on a journey into the delicious universe of a chocolate cake, a recipe that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the crunchy texture of nuts and the sweetness of cherries. This cake is perfect for special occasions but can also be enjoyed during personal indulgence moments. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy a dessert at home, this cake will bring a smile to your face.

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 g milk chocolate
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 5 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g walnut kernels, ground
- 100 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coffee powder
- 1 teaspoon black raisins
- 1 teaspoon yellow raisins
- 1 tablespoon rum
- 2 tablespoons cognac

For the dark ganache:
- 300 g dark chocolate
- 200 ml liquid cream
- A few cherries (optional)
- A few small pieces of chopped chocolate
- Rum essence

For the white ganache:
- 300 g white chocolate
- 200 ml liquid cream
- Vanilla essence

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Grinding the nuts: Start by grinding the walnut kernels. You can use a blender or food processor. Ensure you achieve a fine texture, but not too fine, to keep some crunch.

2. Hydrating the raisins: Place the black and yellow raisins in a bowl and pour the rum and cognac over them. Let them hydrate for 15 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and add moisture to the base.

3. Separating the eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the whites in a clean bowl and the yolks in another bowl.

4. Beating the yolks: Add a pinch of salt to the yolks and beat them with a mixer, gradually adding sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar crystals dissolve completely.

5. Preparing the chocolate: Break the dark and milk chocolate into small pieces and melt them in a bain-marie. Stir constantly until the chocolate becomes fluid and homogeneous.

6. Beating the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the cold egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam.

7. Mixing the ingredients: In the yolks, add the soft butter and mix well. Then, pour in the melted chocolate and homogenize. Sift the flour and baking powder twice and add them gradually, alternating with the beaten egg whites, gently folding from the bottom up to keep the mixture airy.

8. Adding the nuts and raisins: Add the ground walnuts, the hydrated raisins with the rum, and the coffee powder, mixing delicately.

9. Baking the base: Line a cake pan with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Place the pan in the preheated oven at low heat (approximately 160°C) for 40 minutes. Check with a toothpick: the base should be firm at the edges, and the center may remain slightly moist due to the chocolate. Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent it from sinking.

Step 2: Preparing the creams
1. Dark ganache: In a non-stick pot, heat the liquid cream over low heat. When warm, add the broken chocolate pieces and the rum essence. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely. Let the cream cool to room temperature, then refrigerate to firm up. The next day, beat the cream with a mixer until firm and fluffy. Add the cherries and chopped chocolate pieces.

2. White ganache: Repeat the process with the cream and white chocolate, adding the vanilla essence. Allow to cool, then beat until airy and fluffy.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Soaking the base (optional): If desired, you can soak the base with a coffee or cognac infusion, but this step is optional, considering that the base is already moist and fluffy due to the chocolate.

2. Assembling the cake: Cut the base into two or three layers, depending on your preference. Spread a generous layer of dark ganache cream between the layers. You can also add a few cherries for extra flavor.

3. Coating and decorating: Use the white ganache cream to coat the cake. Use a spatula to achieve an even appearance. You can decorate with mint leaves, grated chocolate, or even fresh cherries.

Serving suggestions
Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. This cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink, and a cup of espresso will highlight the rich flavors of the chocolate.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This cake is an indulgent delicacy; a serving contains approximately 450 calories. However, ingredients like nuts provide healthy fats, and dark chocolate brings important antioxidants. Consume in moderation and enjoy every bite!

Possible variations
For an alcohol-free version, you can replace the rum and cognac with vanilla or almond essences. You can also add dried fruits or coconut flakes to the base to slightly change the texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of chocolate? Yes, you can experiment with hazelnut chocolate or orange-flavored chocolate to add an interesting twist.

2. How do I store the cake? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness. It can last up to 3 days, but chances are it will be consumed quickly!

3. Is this cake suitable for vegans? Not in its current form, but you can experiment with vegan ingredients such as flax eggs or almond milk, and vegan chocolate.

This chocolate cake is not just a recipe; it's a story of taste and aroma. So, let's enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen together!