Chocolate cake with mascarpone and strawberries

The dessert we propose today is a true feast for the senses: a decadent chocolate cake with creamy mascarpone and fresh strawberries. Perfect for holidays, anniversaries, or simply a special evening with loved ones, this cake harmoniously blends sweet and tangy flavors, offering a memorable culinary experience. Let's discover together the steps to prepare it!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes (plus 1 night in the fridge)
Number of servings: 12 servings

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar
- 7 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of organic cocoa powder
- 100 g of dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

*For the syrup:*
- 200 ml of water
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 packets of cappuccino (rum flavor)

*For the cream:*
- 500 ml of liquid cream
- 500 g of mascarpone
- 200 g of powdered sugar
- 200 g of fresh strawberries
- 3 packets of gelatin
- 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar (for strawberries)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 g of dark chocolate
- 100 ml of liquid cream
- 50 g of butter
- 1/2 packet of gelatin

*For decoration:*
- 200 g of fresh strawberries
- 100 g of chocolate (for chocolate shavings)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 160°C. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved (about 5-7 minutes). It is important to achieve an airy texture.

Add the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture. Grate the dark chocolate on a small grater and incorporate it into the batter. Pour the mixture into a cake pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the base to cool completely before cutting it into two equal parts.

2. Prepare the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cappuccino packets. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it.

3. Make the cream:
In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with the powdered sugar until you obtain a smooth cream. In a separate bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Add the whipped cream over the mascarpone cream and gently fold with a spatula.

Prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package and let it cool slightly, then incorporate it into the mascarpone cream. Wash the strawberries, cut them into cubes, and sprinkle granulated sugar over them. Let them drain in a sieve for 15-20 minutes, then fold them into the mascarpone cream.

4. Assemble the cake:
On a platter, place the first base. Wrap it with an adjustable cake ring to keep it secure. Generously soak it with the prepared syrup, then add a layer of cream, leveling it evenly. Place the second base on top, pressing gently to secure it.

5. Glaze:
In a small saucepan, heat the liquid cream, being careful not to reach boiling point. Add the grated dark chocolate and soft butter, stirring continuously until smooth. Incorporate the prepared gelatin according to the instructions. Pour the glaze over the top base, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Cooling:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge overnight to set and blend the flavors.

7. Decoration:
The next day, carefully remove the adjustable ring from around the cake. Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings from the remaining chocolate, which you will use for decoration. Place the fresh strawberries in the center of the cake and decorate with chocolate shavings around the edges.

Useful tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for an intense flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
- Strawberries can be replaced with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the cake's flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone? Yes, you can try cream cheese, but the taste will be different.
- How do I keep the cake fresh? Cover it well with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It is best consumed within 2-3 days.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, but it is recommended to freeze it without the glaze and decoration.

Perfect pairings:
This chocolate cake with mascarpone and strawberries pairs wonderfully with aromatic coffee, fruit tea, or even a glass of sweet wine. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Enjoy every slice of this decadent cake and cherish the beautiful moments with your loved ones! Happy birthday to everyone celebrating today!