Chocolate cake with peaches

Chocolate Peach Cake - A Refined Sweet Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes + 12 hours cooling
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a decadent chocolate cake combined with the juicy flavors of peaches? This chocolate peach cake recipe is perfect for any occasion, from parties to anniversaries. With a light yogurt and cottage cheese cream, this cake is not only delicious but also a bit healthier. Plus, it's an excellent choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

*For the chocolate base:*
- 1 chocolate base (can be bought from Kaufland or made at home)

*For the yogurt cream:*
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 packets Dr. Oetker powdered gelatin
- 300 g sour cream (preferably Covalact 15% fat)
- 500 ml vegetable whipped cream Hulala
- 300 g yogurt cream
- 300 g sweet cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

*For decoration:*
- 2 jars of peach compote (halves)

*For the syrup:*
- 50 ml coffee
- 150 ml syrup from the peach compote
- 50 ml Amaretto

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Yogurt Cream:
In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with the 6 tablespoons of brown sugar and the 2 tablespoons of lime juice. This mixture will add a fresh and tangy note to your cream. Then, add the sour cream and sweet cottage cheese. Use a mixer or spatula to blend the mixture well.

2. Gelatin:
In another bowl, let the gelatin soak in 150 ml of cold water for about 5 minutes. Then, gently heat the gelatin over low heat, stirring constantly until it completely dissolves. Do not let it boil! Add the dissolved gelatin to the yogurt and cottage cheese cream, mixing well. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

3. Cooling the Cream:
Let the cream cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the gelatin take effect, and the cream will become firmer.

4. Preparing the Whipped Cream:
Whip the cream in another bowl. If you are using unsweetened cream, add sugar to taste. I recommend 6 tablespoons of sugar, but you can adjust according to your preferences. When the cream is well whipped, gently fold it into the yogurt cream, mixing carefully from the bottom up. This will give a fluffy and delicious texture.

5. Adding the Peach:
To add a tangy flavor, incorporate a mashed peach (puree) into the yogurt cream. This step will not only intensify the flavors but also give a delicate hue to the cream.

6. Preparing the Syrup:
In a bowl, combine 50 ml of coffee with 3 tablespoons of sugar, 150 ml of syrup from the peach compote, and 50 ml of Amaretto. This syrup will add a layer of moisture and flavor to your layers.

7. Assembling the Cake:
Place the chocolate base on a platter and soak each slice with the prepared syrup. Gently roll the slices in the syrup to soak them well. Then, add a generous layer of yogurt cream on top of each base, continuing this process until you use all the cream, finishing with the last base.

8. Decorating:
After placing the last base, decorate the cake with peach halves from the compote. Let your imagination run wild and create a personalized decoration.

9. Final Cooling:
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate to set, ideally overnight. The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.

Personal Note:
For a unique touch, you can add a few fresh mint leaves as decoration on your cake. This will not only look splendid but will also add a refreshing aroma.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cake, although a dessert, also offers nutritional benefits due to its ingredients. Yogurt and cottage cheese are excellent sources of protein, while peaches add vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, using brown sugar and natural ingredients makes this cake a healthier choice.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can replace peaches with other seasonal fruits, such as apricots or apples, but make sure to prepare them properly.

2. Is gelatin necessary?
Gelatin helps stabilize the cream, but you can experiment with other thickening agents, such as agar-agar for a vegetarian option.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator and can be consumed for up to 3 days. Make sure it is well covered to avoid absorbing other odors from the fridge.

Serving and Pairing:
This cake is wonderful served with a glass of sweet wine or a flavored tea. You can also opt for vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake.

This chocolate peach cake recipe is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Enjoy!