Chocolate crown with Ricotta cream

Chocolate Crown with Ricotta Cream: A Fluffy and Juicy Delicacy

If you want to impress someone with a delicious dessert that is lighter than traditional cakes, the chocolate crown with Ricotta cream is the perfect choice! This recipe combines the intensity of chocolate with the delicacy of Ricotta cheese, and the prune puree adds a touch of moisture and sweetness. Moreover, it is a lower-calorie option, making it ideal for those who want to indulge without guilt.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients needed:

*For the dough:*
- 150 g pitted prunes
- 60 g butter (at room temperature)
- 120 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla (extract or essence)
- 4 teaspoons dark cocoa powder (plus for dusting)
- A pinch of salt
- Grease for brushing (oil or butter)

*For the Ricotta cream:*
- 250 g soft Ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Preparation: Step by Step

1. Preparing the Prunes: Start by placing the pitted prunes in a bowl. Pour 150 ml of boiling water over them, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step is essential as the prunes will add not only sweetness but also moisture to the dough.

2. Preheating the Oven: While the prunes are soaking, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. A well-heated oven will ensure even baking of the cake.

3. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, cream the butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and airy. This step is crucial; the air incorporated into the butter will help the cake to be fluffy.

4. Adding the Soaked Ingredients: Make a puree from the soaked prunes using a blender or a fork, along with the liquid they soaked in. Add this puree, vanilla, and salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is integrated.

5. Incorporating the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. At this point, the consistency of the dough will become more liquid and easier to handle.

6. Incorporating the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder over the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula, just enough to combine the ingredients. Do not mix too much, as the cake will become dense.

7. Baking the Cake: Pour the dough into the prepared round pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove it and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Preparing the Ricotta Cream: While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream. Pass the Ricotta cheese through a fine strainer to remove excess water and achieve a smooth texture. Add the vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar and mix until you obtain a smooth cream.

9. Assembling and Serving: Place the cooled cake on a platter and spread it with the Ricotta cream. Dust with cocoa powder on top for an elegant look and intense flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicacy!

Useful Tips:

- Choosing the Prunes: If you don’t have fresh prunes, you can use dried prunes or even store-bought prune puree, but make sure it has no added sugar to keep the dessert healthier.
- Variations: You can add chopped nuts to the dough for extra texture or even a few drops of almond essence for a distinct flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast.

Nutritional Benefits:

This chocolate crown with Ricotta cream is not only delicious but also healthier than many other cakes. Prunes provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while Ricotta offers a good source of protein. Additionally, using butter in moderation and reducing sugar lowers the overall caloric intake.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I replace Ricotta with another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone, but the texture and taste will be different.

2. How can I make the cake even fluffier?
- Make sure not to overmix the ingredients after adding the flour. Also, separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat them until frothy before adding them to the dough for extra air.

3. What drinks do you recommend for serving?
- A sweet wine or a flavored fruit tea will perfectly complement this dessert, bringing a balance of flavors.

This recipe for the chocolate crown with Ricotta cream is not just a treat for the taste buds but also an opportunity to explore the art of cooking with simple and healthy ingredients. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this chocolate delight, and the moments spent together will surely be unforgettable!