Chocolate cream cake

Creamy chocolate cake with strawberry jam - A sweet treat for special moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10

Who doesn't love a creamy cake with delicate textures and enticing flavors? This chocolate cake recipe, with a special touch of strawberry jam, is perfect for those moments when you want to bring a smile to a loved one's face, especially when we talk about an expectant mother craving sweets. Next, I will guide you step by step in making this delicacy, providing you with useful tips and little details that will make this cake a true star on your table.

Ingredients

For the cake layers:
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of baking powder
- Vanilla essence (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of oil

For chocolate cream 1:
- 200 ml of liquid cream
- 100 g of dark chocolate (75% cocoa)
- 3 tablespoons of hazelnut cream
- 1 cube of butter

For chocolate cream 2:
- 100 g of fondant chocolate
- 25 ml of cream (or milk)
- 50 g of butter

For the filling:
- 1 jar of strawberry jam

For decoration:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate pieces or fresh fruit (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cake layers

We start by preparing the two cake layers. It is very important to have all the ingredients at room temperature to achieve a fluffy cake.

1. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. A useful trick is to add a pinch of salt to stabilize the foam. This step will ensure that the cake is airy and light.

2. Mixing the egg yolks: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar, oil, and vanilla essence until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This is when the sugar will dissolve into the mixture and contribute to the final texture of the layers.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the flour and baking powder, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture. This will ensure that the cake is fluffy.

4. Finalizing the mixture: Gradually add the beaten egg whites, gently mixing until everything becomes homogeneous.

5. Baking: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and pour in the mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden and passes the toothpick test. Repeat these steps for the second cake layer.

Step 2: Preparing the chocolate creams

1. Chocolate cream 1: In a bowl over a double boiler, heat 2 tablespoons of cream. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted. Let it cool.

2. In another bowl, whip the remaining cream until it becomes firm. Then, add the hazelnut cream and melted chocolate, mixing until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This cream will bring a deep flavor of chocolate and hazelnuts, perfect for the layers of this cake.

3. Chocolate cream 2: In the same manner, melt the fondant chocolate together with the butter and cream over a double boiler. Mix well until you obtain a fine mixture and let it cool.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Preparing the layers: Once the layers have cooled, trim the edges to achieve perfect shapes.

2. The jam layer: On a serving platter, place the first cake layer and spread a generous layer of strawberry jam, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly.

3. Adding the creams: Over the jam, add the first chocolate cream, spreading it evenly. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the jam and chocolate cream 2.

4. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill for at least an hour. This step is essential to allow the flavors to combine and the cake to set.

Step 4: Decorating and serving

1. Once the cake has cooled, slice it with a sharp knife to obtain perfect pieces.

2. Decorate each slice with whipped cream and, if desired, with chocolate pieces or fresh fruit for a more attractive appearance.

3. Serve the cake alongside a cup of black coffee or flavored tea. This combination will bring out the delicate flavors of chocolate and fruit.

Useful tips

- Vary the flavors: You can replace the strawberry jam with other jams, such as raspberry or peach, depending on preferences.
- Mascarpone cream: If you want a richer texture, replace the cream in the creams with mascarpone. This will add extra creaminess.
- Cook everything at once: If you have a good oven, you can prepare a single mixture for the cake and cut it in half after baking, saving time.

Nutritional information

This cake is a delicious choice, but remember that it is also high in calories, having approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Dark chocolate brings benefits due to its antioxidant content, while strawberry jam provides essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it before doing so, so you can take it out one by one.
- Can I use milk chocolate? Of course! If you prefer a sweeter taste, milk chocolate will work very well.
- What drinks pair best? A cup of black coffee or green tea can perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and maybe even a smile to a loved one's face. Cooking is a form of love, and this cake is the perfect proof of that. So, put on your apron and let’s enjoy some sweet moments!