Chocolate cake with Swiss meringue cream and strawberries

Chocolate cake with Swiss Meringue cream and strawberries

Looking for a dessert that combines delicacy with intense flavor? Look no further! This chocolate cake with Swiss Meringue cream and strawberries is sure to become the star of your special evenings. Whether it's an anniversary, a celebration, or just a treat, this cake is perfect for impressing everyone around you.

Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

I suggest you get comfortable and prepare for a sweet adventure in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 240 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g sugar
- 90 g extra dark cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 280 ml yogurt
- 250 ml strong hot coffee
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Swiss Meringue cream with strawberries:
- 7 egg whites
- 500 g butter at room temperature
- 330 g sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 80 g butter
- 2 tablespoons milk

A Brief History of the Recipe

Cakes have been a part of the culinary culture of many societies throughout history, evolving from simple pastries to complex works of art. Swiss Meringue cream gained popularity due to its fine texture and delicate flavor, making it an ideal choice to accompany rich cakes. The addition of fresh strawberries not only enhances the cake's appearance but also provides a delicious contrast of flavor.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients for the cake are at room temperature, about 2 hours before you start. This detail will ensure perfect homogenization.

2. Making the cake:
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs and add the oil, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid lumps. Finally, add the hot coffee and mix well.
- Divide the batter into 3 round pans with a diameter of 21 cm or bake in batches if you have only one pan. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-35 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if the cakes are baked.

3. Cooling the cakes: After taking them out of the oven, let the cakes cool on a rack. It is essential to let them cool completely before assembling the cake.

4. Making the Swiss Meringue cream:
- In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. In a heatproof bowl, add the egg whites and sugar, stirring constantly. Place the bowl over the saucepan with water (bain-marie) and continue to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is warm.
- Once the mixture is heated, remove the bowl from the heat and use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- Add the butter, one cube at a time, mixing well between each addition. Once the cream becomes smooth and homogeneous, add the vanilla extract and strawberry puree.

5. Assembling the cake:
- Cut each cake layer in half, resulting in 6 layers. Place the first layer on a serving platter, add 2 tablespoons of cream, then another layer, and continue this way until all layers are used. Use the remaining cream to frost the cake.
- Refrigerate the cake to allow the cream to set.

6. Making the glaze:
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate, butter, and milk. You can melt the ingredients in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Once everything is melted and smooth, let the glaze cool slightly.

7. Finishing the cake:
- Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour the glaze over it, allowing it to flow naturally. You can decorate with fresh strawberries for an attractive look.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a few fresh mint leaves as decoration. The cake is delicious served alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, but also with vanilla ice cream that will perfectly complement the rich chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cake didn't rise properly. What did I do wrong?
Make sure all ingredients are fresh and that you followed the proportions. Also, check the oven temperature with a thermometer, as fluctuations can affect baking.

How can I keep the cake longer?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. You can freeze it, but it's recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy the texture of the cream.

Nutritional Benefits

This chocolate cake with Swiss Meringue cream is an indulgent choice. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. However, moderate consumption is essential to maintain a healthy balance.

Make this cake to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen. Bringing this sophisticated dessert to your table is a true accomplishment! Enjoy!