Chocolate Cherry Cake

Chocolate Cherry Cake - a delicacy that combines the richness of chocolate with the pleasant acidity of cherries, creating a dessert you'll never forget. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also become the star of festive meals, surprising and delighting all your guests.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

A brief history of Chocolate Cherry Cake
Chocolate Cherry Cake is a classic combination rooted in European pastry traditions. Chocolate has been appreciated for centuries, and the combination with tart fruits like cherries has always been a way to balance sweetness with bitterness. This modern recipe blends traditional techniques with accessible ingredients, offering an elegant and savory result.

Ingredients

For the cocoa sponge:
- 6 large, fresh eggs
- 12 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of milk
- 6 tablespoons of oil (choose a neutral oil, like sunflower oil)
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 10 g baking powder
- 3 tablespoons of high-quality cocoa

For the chocolate cream:
- 600 ml of liquid cream
- 300 g of dark chocolate (make sure it is high quality for an intense flavor)
- 100 g of cocoa
- 3 large tablespoons of Finetti (or another chocolate cream)
- 1 cup of cherries from compote (or fresh, if in season)

For the syrup:
- Syrup from the cherry compote, diluted with water (about 400 ml)
- 1 vial of rum essence (optional)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the sponge:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even and fluffy sponge.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you achieve a firm foam. It is important to use an electric mixer to get an airy texture.
- Add the yolks, milk, and oil, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Add the wet ingredient mixture and gently fold with a spatula, using up-and-down motions to maintain air in the sponge.
- Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the sponge cool completely.

2. Preparing the chocolate cream:
- In a saucepan, heat 100 ml of liquid cream until just about to boil. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir well until completely melted and you achieve a smooth mixture.
- In another bowl, whip the remaining cream until it becomes firm. Keep some of this cream for decoration.
- Gently fold the melted chocolate cream with the remaining whipped cream, sifted cocoa, and Finetti. Mix carefully to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Assembling the cake:
- Take a springform pan and start assembling the cake. Place the first layer of sponge, soak it with the diluted syrup (add the rum essence if desired), then add a layer of cream and sprinkle the cherries.
- Continue this process with the second layer of sponge, followed by cream and cherries. Finish with the last layer of sponge, which you also soak.
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

4. Decorating:
- Turn the cake onto a serving platter. Carefully remove the springform ring.
- Use the previously reserved whipped cream to decorate the cake as you wish. You can create flowers, roses, or simply leave it plain, garnishing with grated chocolate or fresh cherries.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use high-quality chocolate to achieve a rich and flavorful cream. Chocolate with a higher cocoa content will provide a more intense taste.
- If you don't have cherries, you can use other fruits like cherries or raspberries to vary the flavor.

Possible variations:
- Add chopped nuts or hazelnuts to the chocolate filling for extra texture.
- Replace Finetti with another chocolate cream or mascarpone for a different creaminess.

Delicious pairings:
This chocolate cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce, adding a contrast of temperature and texture. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine will perfectly complement this decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can contribute to heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Cherries are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, having anti-inflammatory properties and improving digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that white chocolate is sweeter, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4-5 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but make sure it is well covered to prevent excessive freezing of the whipped cream.

With this chocolate cherry cake recipe, you will bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion. Whether it's a special celebration or simply a Sunday spent with family, this dessert will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy the creative process of cooking!