Chocolate cake with jam

Chocolate and Jam Cake: A Delight for Celebrating Theodore

Today we gather around a special dessert, lovingly prepared for Theodore's celebration, a little one full of positive energy. This chocolate and jam cake is not just a way to bring him joy but also a perfect opportunity to experiment with flavors and textures. Start your culinary adventure with me with this simple and delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 2-3 hours (including cooling)
Number of servings: 6-8

Essential ingredients:

For the base:
- 4 eggs (fresh, preferably organic)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (cane sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (white flour, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a more complex taste)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)

For the chocolate cream:
- 250 ml cold milk (cow's milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk)
- 2-3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (or to taste)
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker chocolate cream (a practical choice, but you can make homemade chocolate cream if you prefer)

For the filling:
- 1 jar of apricot jam (or peach jam for a more exotic touch)

For the glaze:
- 200 g milk chocolate (quality chocolate with 30-40% cocoa)
- 100 ml liquid cream (cooking cream or liquid whipping cream)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C and greasing a small (20 cm) pan with butter and dusting it with a little flour. This will help the base release easily at the end.
- In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they turn into a firm and shiny foam.
- In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. Add the 2 tablespoons of mineral water to add moisture and make the base fluffier.
- Sift together the flour and cocoa, then fold them into the yolk mixture. This is the moment to gently add the egg whites, mixing with a spatula in folding motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.

2. Baking the base:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the base passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s done).
- Remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. It is essential to be cold to prevent the cream from melting.

3. Preparing the chocolate cream:
- In a bowl, pour the cold milk, add the powdered sugar, and the packet of chocolate cream. Mix everything until the cream becomes thick and airy. If you want a finer texture, use a hand mixer.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Once the base is cooled, cut it into three equal parts.
- Soak each layer with apricot syrup to add moisture and flavor.
- Place the first layer on a platter, add the chocolate cream, then place the second layer, soak it, and add a layer of apricot jam. Repeat this process with the third layer.
- Coat the cake with a thin layer of chocolate cream and let it chill for 2-3 hours to set.

5. The glaze:
- In a small bowl, melt the milk chocolate with the liquid cream over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring constantly until you obtain a smooth and shiny mixture.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and smooth it out with a spatula.

Serving suggestions:
The cake can be decorated with slices of oranges or fresh berries to add a contrast of color and flavor. A dollop of whipped cream alongside a cup of coffee or tea will turn this dessert into an unforgettable moment.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to make the cake even more special, add some chopped nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Make sure the base is completely cooled before adding the cream, otherwise, you risk it melting.
- This cake is versatile; you can swap the apricot jam for raspberry or strawberry jam, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
Although it is a dessert, chocolate contains antioxidants and can have positive effects on mood. Additionally, apricot jam adds a dose of vitamins and minerals. However, it is important to enjoy in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dark chocolate for the glaze?
- Yes, dark chocolate will provide a more intense and less sweet flavor, ideal for chocolate lovers.

2. How can I store the cake?
- The cake stores well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent drying out.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, this cake can be frozen. It is recommended to portion it before freezing for easy thawing when needed.

This chocolate and jam cake is perfect not only for birthdays but also for any special moment in your life. Remember that cooking is an art form, and every recipe tells a story. So enjoy the process and experiment! Bon appétit!