Chocolate cake with mascarpone and raspberries

Chocolate Brownie with Mascarpone and Raspberries Recipe

Total preparation time: 50-60 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Servings: 12

Welcome to a culinary journey towards an absolutely divine dessert! Today we will prepare a brownie with mascarpone and raspberries, a perfect combination of rich chocolate, smooth cream, and delicious fruits. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely tasty, ideal for impressing guests or indulging at a family meal.

The History of Brownies

Brownies are a dessert that has gained popularity worldwide due to their intense chocolate flavor and moist texture. Over time, this dessert has been adapted and enhanced with various ingredients, and the combination with mascarpone and raspberries is one of the most successful. The pleasant acidity of raspberries perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

Necessary Ingredients

- 150 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 150 g butter (use quality butter for a richer taste)
- 250 g powdered sugar (for a fine texture)
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 100 g flour (type 000 for a fluffier cake)
- 250 g mascarpone (for a rich and creamy filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence or Bourbon vanilla extract (to add a delicate aroma)
- 350 g raspberries (fresh, but frozen ones can also be used)

Necessary Utensils

- Bain-marie pot
- Baking tray (approximately 20x30 cm)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Spatula for spreading the mixture

Step by Step: Preparing the Brownie with Mascarpone and Raspberries

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by gathering all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help the mixture blend better. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line the baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Melting the Chocolate and Butter

In a bain-marie pot, add the dark chocolate and butter cut into cubes. Place the pot over low heat, ensuring it does not touch the water in the pot below. Stir constantly until both ingredients melt and form a homogeneous mixture. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Batter

In a large bowl, add 150 g of powdered sugar and the 4 eggs. Using a mixer or whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes frothy and creamy. Then, pour in the melted chocolate and gently mix until well combined. Finally, sift in the flour and gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to incorporate too much air.

Step 4: Preparing the Mascarpone Cream

In another bowl, add the mascarpone, the remaining egg, the remaining powdered sugar (about 100 g), and the vanilla essence. Mix with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until the cream becomes smooth and homogeneous. If you want an even more intense flavor, opt for a high-quality vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared tray. Smooth it out gently with a spatula to create an even surface. Then, spread the mascarpone cream over the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the raspberries over the mascarpone cream, being careful to distribute them evenly for an appealing cake.

Finally, pour the remaining chocolate batter over the raspberries and smooth it out again gently.

Step 6: Baking

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few chocolate crumbs. Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Cutting and Serving

Once completely cooled, cut the cake into squares or rectangles, as preferred. Serve with a few fresh raspberries and, if desired, a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This brownie pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a strong espresso, creating a pleasant contrast between chocolate and the beverage.

Practical Tips

- If you don’t have fresh raspberries on hand, you can use blueberries or strawberries. Frozen fruits are a good alternative, but make sure to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess water.
- For an even richer flavor, add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the chocolate batter. This will enhance the chocolate aroma.
- If you want a fluffier brownie, replace some of the flour with cocoa powder.

Nutritional Information

This cake is delicious, but remember to enjoy it in moderation! Each serving of brownie contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants, while raspberries offer beneficial vitamins and fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
- Yes, you can use ricotta or cream cheese, but the taste and texture will be different.

2. How can I store this cake?
- It keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

3. Can you freeze the brownie?
- Yes, the brownie can be frozen. Cut it into portions, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container.

So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this delicious brownie with mascarpone and raspberries! Each bite will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Bon appétit!