Chocolate Dots Cake with Alcohol Cherries

Chocolate and Cherry Liqueur Dots Cake

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Are you in search of the perfect dessert that brings joy and flavor in every slice? The Chocolate and Cherry Liqueur Dots Cake is the ideal choice! This creamy and decadent cake combines the delicious flavors of chocolate with a hint of freshness from the liqueur-soaked cherries, reminiscent of the famous Dots cheese bars. Being a simple yet impressive recipe, it is suitable for special occasions as well as personal indulgence. Let’s start our culinary adventure!

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 250 g Petit Beurre cookies (about 2 packages)
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar

For the filling:
- 500 g cream cheese (2 tubs of mascarpone)
- 3 eggs
- 7 tablespoons sugar (preferably powdered for a smooth texture)
- 150 g yogurt (1 tub)
- 1 tub of pitted cherries in liqueur
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 200 g chocolate chips (about 2 bars of grated chocolate)

For the glaze (optional):
- 100 g chocolate (for melting)
- 1 cube of butter
- 2 tablespoons liqueur (preferably the same as the one used for the cherries)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the crust

1. Start by crushing the Petit Beurre cookies in a large bowl. You can use a food processor or, if you don’t have one, place the cookies in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Aim for a fine texture, but don’t turn it into a complete powder.
2. Add the cocoa powder and sugar to the crushed cookies, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Pour the melted butter into the cookie mixture and stir until the mixture becomes homogeneous. This will form the delicious base of the cake.
4. Sprinkle the mixture into a cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and press down firmly, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan. You can use a spatula or the bottom of a glass to achieve an even layer.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

1. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use a mixer to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.
2. Add the yogurt and mix well.
3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will add air and make the cake fluffy.
4. Add the flour and mix again to achieve a homogeneous mixture.
5. Now, fold in half of the chocolate chips and the liqueur-soaked cherries, stirring gently to avoid breaking the cherries.

Step 3: Assemble and bake the cake

1. Pour the cheese mixture over the cookie crust, leveling it evenly.
2. Preheat the oven to 240 degrees Celsius (high heat) and place the cake in for 10 minutes. This will help form a slightly golden crust.
3. After this interval, reduce the oven temperature to 120 degrees Celsius (low heat) and let the cake bake for 50 minutes. The cake is done when the cheese no longer "jiggles" in the pan and the surface takes on a slight golden hue.
4. You can check the cake’s doneness with a toothpick, which should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool and decorate

1. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes.
2. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
3. If desired, you can prepare a simple glaze. Melt the chocolate along with a cube of butter and 2 tablespoons of liqueur in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set.
4. For a more appealing look, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream and whole chocolate shavings.

Chef’s Tip

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
- If you prefer a more intense cherry flavor, you can add more liqueur-soaked cherries or even a splash of cherry extract to the cheese mixture.
- The cake is best served chilled, making it perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine, which will complement the rich flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

The Chocolate and Cherry Liqueur Dots Cake is a true delicacy, and its ingredients offer certain nutritional benefits:
- Cream cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium.
- The liqueur-soaked cherries not only add a delicious taste but are also rich in antioxidants.
- Chocolate (choose one with a high cocoa content) is known for its heart-health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as ricotta or cottage cheese, but the result will differ.

2. What can I do if I don’t have liqueur-soaked cherries?
You can replace the cherries with other canned fruits or cherry jam, but the final taste will vary.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. I recommend enjoying it chilled!

4. Can it be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered and allow it to thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving.

So, starting from a simple recipe, you can create an impressive dessert that will delight everyone. The Chocolate and Cherry Liqueur Dots Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste experience that brings smiles. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!