Chocolate with cherries

Chocolate Cherry Delight - An Indulgent Treat

Who can resist a dessert that combines decadent chocolate with the juiciness of cherries? Chocolate cherry delight is the perfect indulgence for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family dinner. With a soft texture and a filling of fresh cherries, this recipe is not only simple but also quick, with a total preparation time of about 1 hour, including 30 minutes of baking. This recipe yields about 12 delicious servings, each packed with rich flavors.

A Little Story About Chocolate Delight

The origins of chocolate delight are deeply rooted in cooking traditions, where combinations of chocolate and fruits have been cherished for centuries. Cherries, with their sweetness and acidity, pair perfectly with chocolate, creating a wonderful contrast. This simple recipe has evolved over time, becoming a universal favorite among dessert lovers.

Necessary Ingredients

- 8 eggs (separated)
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 g butter (melted)
- 8 tablespoons of flour
- 500 g cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Rum essence (to taste)
- A pinch of salt

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 12

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Batter
Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. It's essential that the bowl in which you beat the egg whites is clean and dry to achieve perfect peaks. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer on medium speed until you achieve a firm and glossy foam.

2. Mixing the Yolks
In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This step is crucial as the sugar will dissolve better in the yolk mixture, resulting in a fine texture.

3. Adding Butter and Flavors
Add the melted (but cooled) butter and rum essence to the yolk mixture. Mix well until everything is well combined. The rum flavors will add a warm and rich note to your dessert.

4. Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sift the mixture over the yolk mixture and gently fold with a spatula to avoid lumps. This step helps achieve a fluffy batter.

5. Adding Egg White Foam
With a spatula, carefully fold the egg white foam into the chocolate mixture. Do this gently to avoid losing the air in the egg whites. This will make your dessert lighter and airier.

6. Preparing the Baking Tray
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Ensure that the paper is well placed to avoid sticking. You can use a 20x30 cm tray to achieve a taller dessert.

7. Adding Cherries
Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and toss them in a light coating of flour. This will help keep the cherries on the surface so they don't sink into the batter during baking. Spread the cherries evenly over the mixture in the tray.

8. Baking
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the chocolate delight for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be mindful of the baking time, as each oven can vary. It's better to check a little earlier than to leave it too long.

9. Cooling and Serving
After baking, let the chocolate delight cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can dust it with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate cherry delight can be served plain or alongside a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top. This contrast of temperatures and textures will make the dessert even more tempting.

Possible Variations

- Replace cherries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or blackberries for a different twist.
- You can experiment with different flavors instead of rum essence, such as vanilla or almond.
- Add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

Nutritional Information

This chocolate cherry delight contains approximately 350 calories per serving, being rich in protein due to the eggs and healthy fats from the butter. The cherries provide a range of antioxidants and essential vitamins, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.

2. How can I tell if the chocolate delight is baked?
Try inserting a toothpick into the center of the chocolate delight. If it comes out clean, the dessert is ready. If there are still bits of batter, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

3. Can it be made gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

4. What are the best drink pairings?
This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a sweet wine. Additionally, a fruit tea can complement the flavor of the chocolate delight.

Now that you are well-equipped with this captivating recipe, all that’s left is to start cooking! Every bite of chocolate cherry delight will bring a smile to your face and those of your loved ones. Enjoy!