Chocolate cake with cherries and hazelnuts

Chocolate, Cherry, and Hazelnut Cake: A Decadent Indulgence

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines intense chocolate with flavorful fruits and crunchy notes? The chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut cake is an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family dinner. This recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a soft and moist texture.

The history of this cake has deep roots in baking traditions, where simple ingredients were transformed into delights that brought joy and comfort. In our combination, chocolate becomes the star, while cherries and hazelnuts add a touch of freshness and crunch. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g brown sugar
- 250 g flour
- 50 g dark cocoa powder
- 150 g hazelnuts
- 200 g pitted cherries (preferably black cherries for a more intense flavor)
- 5 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- A pinch of salt
- For decoration: 200 g melted chocolate + some roughly chopped hazelnuts

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by lightly toasting the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once they are browned, let them cool, then peel and chop them into larger pieces. This step will enhance the flavor of the hazelnuts and add a crunchy texture to the cake.

2. Creating the base: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and mix well until you achieve a fine foam. Add the brown sugar, vanilla sugar, and almond extract, continuing to mix until perfectly combined. The butter and sugar should be well incorporated so that the cake has an airy texture.

3. The eggs: Start adding the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This is an essential technique for achieving a fluffy and well-structured cake.

4. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Sift this mixture to avoid lumps. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, mixing on low speed until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Adding the cherries and hazelnuts: With a spatula, gently fold in the hazelnuts and pitted cherries. Be careful not to overmix, as this could ruin the airy texture of the cake.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. Check if it's done with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

7. Cooling and decorating: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Once the cake has cooled, pour the melted chocolate on top and sprinkle with roughly chopped hazelnuts.

Practical Tips

- Choosing cherries: Black cherries, although more acidic, add a pleasant contrast and deep flavor. You can also use canned or frozen cherries, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

- Variations: You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries.

- Serving: This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of cake contains approximately 350 calories, 20 g of fat, 45 g of carbohydrates, and 6 g of protein. Hazelnuts are rich in healthy fats and vitamins, while cherries provide antioxidants, being beneficial for cardiovascular health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use salted butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter for better control over the salt level in the recipe.

- How can I keep the cake fresh? The cake keeps well at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

- What drinks pair well with this dessert? Black coffee or fruit tea pair wonderfully with this cake. Additionally, a sweet dessert wine can add an elegant touch.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get to work and treat your loved ones to this delicious chocolate, cherry, and hazelnut cake! Each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. Enjoy!