Chocolate cake with coffee and berries

Chocolate, Coffee, and Berry Cake: An Unforgettable Delight

I invite you to discover together a truly special cake that combines the intense flavors of chocolate with the refreshing taste of coffee and the tart sweetness of berries. This recipe, which I discovered in my friend Ama's kitchen, has been adapted by me to give it a personal touch. The result? A delicious cake, perfect for any occasion!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving (varies depending on the ingredients used)

Ingredients

- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 300 g flour
- 100 g cocoa (good quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- a pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (you can also use espresso for a stronger taste)
- 200 g sour cream (at room temperature)
- 200 g berries (I used frozen, but you can also use fresh)
- 100 g berries for decoration (optional)
- 3 packets of red gelatin granules

Necessary Utensils

- Baking pan 24 x 24 cm
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer (optional, but recommended for a more homogeneous batter)
- Spatula
- Gelatin tray (if you want to prepare it separately)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential to achieve a uniform and well-homogenized composition. Take the butter and sour cream out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well with a whisk or spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture is the base of your cake.

3. Preparing the Coffee: In another bowl, mix the instant coffee with the sour cream. This combination will add a deep roasted coffee flavor to your cake. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to intensify the flavors.

4. Beating the Butter with Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream the butter with the sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. It is essential to be patient at this stage, as the incorporated air will make the cake fluffier.

5. Adding the Eggs: Add one egg at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. This step helps create a homogeneous emulsion, essential for the texture of the cake.

6. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and coffee. Gently mix with a spatula, avoiding the use of the mixer to prevent gluten development. You want a fine and airy texture.

7. The Berries: Before adding the berries, you can dust them with a little flour. This trick will prevent the berries from sinking into the batter during baking. Carefully fold them into the mixture, mixing gently.

8. Baking: Pour the batter into the lined baking pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pan in the oven. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door in the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.

9. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Decorating: Once the cake has cooled, you can decorate it with fresh berries on top. Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the packet and carefully pour it over the berries. This will give the cake a shiny appearance and a delicious taste.

Serving Suggestions

The chocolate, coffee, and berry cake is delicious served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea pairs perfectly with this refined dessert.

Possible Variations

- For a more decadent touch, you can add some dark chocolate chunks to the batter.
- Replace the berries with nuts or other dried fruits for a crunchy version.
- For a more exotic flavor, add a bit of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh fruits instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh fruits can add a more intense flavor, but make sure they are well washed and cleaned.

2. What can I do if I don’t have gelatin?
You can omit the gelatin and decorate the cake only with fresh berries.

3. Does the cake keep well?
Yes, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavor will intensify as it cools.

4. Is this a beginner-friendly recipe?
Absolutely! The steps are simple, and the result is impressive, perfect for impressing family and friends.

5. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

With every bite of this chocolate, coffee, and berry cake, you will discover a perfect combination of flavors that will make you come back to it again and again. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy this delicacy together!