Chocolate cream cake with cherries

Chocolate and sour cherry cake - a perfect combination of the sweetness of chocolate and the acidity of sour cherries, transforming any meal into a celebration of flavors. This recipe is not just a dessert, but an experience that blends textures, aromas, and colors, bringing joy to both young and old. Preparing this cake involves several steps, but the result will definitely be worth the effort. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 60 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 95 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 350 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 bottle rum essence
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 200 ml unsweetened liquid cream
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 250 g sour cherries (preferably from compote or frozen)

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 5 tablespoons liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Colored sprinkles for decoration

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the cream:
To achieve a delicious and fluffy cream, it's ideal to prepare it a day in advance, so the flavors can integrate perfectly. In a saucepan, mix the liquid cream with the sugar and place it over low heat. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to boil. Then, remove from heat and add the chocolate cut into small pieces. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and incorporated into the cream. Let the mixture cool slightly, then cover it with plastic wrap and leave it in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

2. Preparing the base:
Start with the egg whites. Whip them with a pinch of salt, then gradually add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm foam. Add the egg yolks, oil, rum essence, and milk, mixing after each ingredient. Finally, incorporate the flour mixed with cocoa and baking powder, stirring with a spatula to obtain a homogeneous batter.

3. Baking:
Line a 25/35 cm baking pan with parchment paper and pour the batter into the pan. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Bake the base for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack.

4. Assembling the cake:
After the cream has cooled in the fridge and the base has cooled completely, take the cream out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Whip the cream with a mixer on high speed until fluffy. Cut the base in half and place the sour cherries with the pulp facing down on the first layer, allowing the syrup to soak into the base. Spread some of the cream over the cherries, then place the other layer of the base on top.

5. Preparing the glaze:
To create a delicious glaze, melt the dark chocolate together with the cream and butter over a double boiler. Stir constantly, making sure that the water does not touch the chocolate. Once the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, pour the glaze over the cake, leveling it with a knife. Sprinkle colored sprinkles on top for a festive look.

Practical tips:
- Use good quality chocolate for the cream and glaze, as the final taste depends greatly on the quality of the ingredients used.
- If you want the sour cherries to be sweeter, you can marinate them in a syrup of water and sugar for a few hours before using them.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge, but it is recommended to consume it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.

Suitable combinations:
This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake will create a perfect dessert for a summer evening.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of sour cherries?
Yes, you can experiment with cherries, strawberries, or peaches, depending on your preferences.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or opt for chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

- Can the cake be frozen?
It is recommended to freeze the cake without the glaze. Once thawed, add the glaze before serving.

Personal note:
This chocolate and sour cherry cake reminds me of my childhood when my mother made it for holidays. The aroma of melted chocolate and the tart taste of sour cherries blend perfectly, creating sweet and nostalgic memories. I encourage you to try it and share it with your loved ones to create unforgettable memories as well. Happy cooking!