Chocolate cake with mascarpone cream and strawberries

The chocolate cake with mascarpone cream and strawberries is a refined dessert, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself on an ordinary day. This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the delicacy of mascarpone cream and the freshness of strawberries, resulting in an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Let's explore this recipe together step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons flour

For the cream:
- 250 g mascarpone cheese
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the jelly:
- 500 g strawberries
- 1 packet of gelatin granules (10 g)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 50 ml water

History of the recipe

Chocolate desserts have always been a popular choice, often associated with moments of celebration and joy. Combining chocolate with fresh fruits, such as strawberries, adds a note of freshness and balance, turning each slice into a memorable tasting experience. In this recipe, the mascarpone cream provides a velvety texture and a delicate flavor, perfectly complementing the intense chocolate.

Step by step

1. Preparing the base

We start by preparing the base. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with the 2 tablespoons of water and 10 tablespoons of sugar until a stiff meringue forms. It is important that the meringue is well beaten to give the bases a fluffy texture. A useful trick is to use a stainless steel or glass bowl that is completely clean and dry to achieve the best results.

Now add the yolks and mix until everything becomes homogeneous. Sift the cocoa and flour together with the baking powder, then add the mixture to the bowl in small portions. Gently fold with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the mixture.

2. Baking the bases

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the base mixture, smoothing the surface. Bake for about 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the base cool completely before adding the cream.

3. Preparing the cream

While the base cools, prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the mascarpone cheese with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar until you get a homogeneous mixture. Separately, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Add the whipped cream to the mascarpone cream and gently mix until well combined. It is important not to overmix, so the cream does not curdle.

4. Creating the strawberry jelly

For the jelly, wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. In a saucepan, add the strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 50 ml of water. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries release their juice.

Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, then dissolve it in the warm strawberry syrup. Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the mascarpone cream.

5. Assembling the cake

Once the base has completely cooled, pour the mascarpone cream over it, smoothing it out well. Then, pour the strawberry jelly on top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or ideally overnight) to allow the flavors to develop and achieve the perfect texture.

Serving and presentation suggestions

When you are ready to serve this delicacy, cut the cake into squares or desired slices. You can decorate each portion with a few fresh mint leaves or whole strawberries. Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for an extra touch of elegance. This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Nutritional information

Although the chocolate cake with mascarpone cream is an indulgent dessert, it also contains beneficial ingredients. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while dark chocolate (the cocoa in the base) is known for its positive effects on heart health. In total, each serving has about 350-400 calories, but the nutritional value may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Variations and useful tips

If you want to experiment, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract to the mascarpone cream for an even more refined taste.

If you have any questions, here are some frequently asked ones:

Frequently asked questions

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

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Replace the wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you are ready to put your cooking skills to the test! This chocolate cake with mascarpone cream and strawberries will not disappoint, and each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!