Chocolate Castle Cake

Chocolate Fortress Cake – A Delicacy Worthy of the Most Beautiful Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Servings: 12

When we think of a decadent cake, full of intense flavors and fine textures, the Chocolate Fortress Cake tops the list. This delight combines moist cake, airy cream, and chocolate mousse, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether it's for an anniversary, a celebration, or simply an evening spent with loved ones, this cake will shine on your table. Let's get to work!

Ingredients

Cake:
- 110 g flour
- 110 g butter (at room temperature)
- 110 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons sour cherries (from cherry liqueur, fresh or from compote)

Cream:
- 275 ml liquid cream (cold, from the fridge)
- 1 packet whipping cream stabilizer or 1 sheet of gelatin
- 275 g mascarpone
- 1 tablespoon cherry liqueur or liquor
- 85 g powdered sugar

Chocolate mousse:
- 2 eggs
- 20 g powdered sugar
- 140 g dark chocolate
- 145 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet gelatin
- 1 tonka bean (optional, for adding a hint of vanilla and nuts)

For decoration:
- 200 g wafers or chocolate rolls
- Various decorations (fruits, grated chocolate, edible flowers)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake
1. Start by preheating the oven to 170 °C, to have the ideal temperature for baking.
2. In a large bowl, add the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar. Mix until they become a fluffy, light-colored foam.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes homogeneous.
4. In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid lumps.
5. Line the bottom of a springform cake pan (24 cm diameter) with parchment paper and grease the edges with butter. Pour the batter into the pan, level it with a spatula, and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack. This will help retain moisture and achieve a perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the cream
1. Make sure the cream is well chilled. Start whipping it until you achieve a firm consistency.
2. If using gelatin, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes, then melt it in a double boiler. Add the melted gelatin to the cream, mixing gently.
3. In another bowl, mix the mascarpone with the cherry liqueur and powdered sugar until it becomes a smooth cream.
4. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cream, mixing gently with a spatula to avoid losing air.

Step 3: Assemble the cake
1. Place the cake back in the cake pan after removing the parchment paper.
2. Arrange the sour cherries on the surface of the cake to add a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast of acidity.
3. Pour the mascarpone cream over the cherries, leveling it with a spatula. Refrigerate the cake for 1 hour, so all the flavors can combine.

Step 4: Prepare the chocolate mousse
1. Beat the egg whites with the powdered sugar until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.
2. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Add 50 ml of cream, mixing well, then add the egg yolks and homogenize.
3. Whip the remaining cream and incorporate the gelatin, mixing to avoid lumps.
4. Combine the chocolate mousse with the egg white meringue, mixing carefully to maintain the airiness.
5. Add grated tonka bean for an extra flavor (optional).
6. Pour the chocolate mousse over the mascarpone cream, leveling the surface again. Close the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Finish the cake
1. Once the cake has set, carefully remove the springform.
2. Place the cake on a platter and press the wafers or chocolate rolls around the edges, giving it an elegant and crunchy look.
3. Decorate with your favorite toppings, such as grated chocolate, fruits, or edible flowers.

Chef's tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a little grated orange peel to the mascarpone cream. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate – dark, milk, or white – depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of alcohol instead of cherry liqueur?
Yes, you can also use other liqueurs, such as rum or coffee liqueur, to give the cake a different note.

2. How can I keep the cake longer?
Keep the cake covered in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

3. What can I do if I don't have gelatin?
You can use a whipping cream stabilizer, which does not require additional preparation.

Nutritional benefits
This cake, although indulgent, contains good ingredients. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and mascarpone provides calcium and protein. Sour cherries add a supply of vitamins and minerals, being a rich source of antioxidants as well.

Possible variations
- Instead of sour cherries, you can use strawberries or raspberries for a fruitier alternative.
- Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter and creamier dessert.

Serving
Serve this cake alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or fruit tea for a perfect contrast. Each slice of Chocolate Fortress Cake will quickly become your favorite, and your loved ones will surely ask for a second helping.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to get cooking. Each step of this cake is an opportunity to create special moments around the table. Enjoy every bite and delight in the pleasure of sharing a special delicacy!