Coffee cake with blackberries and red wine sauce

Coffee, blackberry, and red wine sauce cake

This decadent coffee and blackberry cake, topped with a refined red wine sauce, was created out of a desire to bring a smile to my husband's face. Although some ingredients aren't my favorites (coffee and chocolate), I decided to push my limits and create a cake that is truly special. So, let's embark on this adventure together in making this cake!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour (45 minutes for the base + 30-40 minutes for the cream cheese)
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

Ingredients for the base:
- 1 + 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 + 1/3 cups sugar (preferably raw)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 5 g baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup coffee (espresso for an intense flavor)
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla seeds

Ingredients for the cream cheese:
- 500 g cream cheese
- 3 eggs
- 150 g butter
- 150 g raw sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla seeds

Ingredients for the blackberry syrup:
- 200 g fresh or frozen blackberries
- 300 ml sweet red wine
- 4 tablespoons raw sugar
- 50 ml cherry liqueur

Ingredients for the chocolate glaze:
- 200 g chocolate (high cocoa content)
- 3 tablespoons cream
- a small cup of sweet milk
- Chocolate pralines for decoration
- Rose jam for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C, so it’s ready to receive our delicacy.
2. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are well incorporated.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with yogurt and oil. Add the vanilla seeds for extra flavor.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
5. Gradually add the hot coffee to the batter, mixing well to achieve a liquid consistency.

Step 2: Baking the base
1. Pour the mixture into the baking pan, which has been greased and floured.
2. Bake the base for about 45 minutes. Check if it’s baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Step 3: Preparing the cream cheese
1. If you have a similar baking pan, you can use it now. Otherwise, wait for the base to cool and clean the pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy cream. Add the cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla seeds, mixing until homogeneous.
3. Pour the mixture into the baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Step 4: Preparing the blackberry syrup
1. In a saucepan, place the blackberries, wine, cherry liqueur, and sugar. Simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This syrup will add an extra layer of flavor to your cake.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
1. Once the bases are baked and cooled, cut the cake base into two layers.
2. On the first layer, spoon the wine and blackberry sauce, ensuring it is well soaked but not too wet.
3. Add the cream cheese layer and the remaining blackberries. Then place the second layer of cake, which will also be soaked with the remaining wine sauce.
4. Refrigerate the cake to stabilize it.

Step 6: Preparing the chocolate glaze
1. In a pot, melt the chocolate together with the cream and milk, stirring constantly until you achieve a creamy and fairly liquid composition.
2. Pour the glaze over the cake and level it with a spatula.

Step 7: Decorating the cake
1. Add the chocolate pralines on top for an elegant look and a crunchy texture.
2. For a special finishing touch, decorate with a few strands of rose jam.

Serving:
The coffee, blackberry, and red wine sauce cake is perfect served alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet wine. It is a dessert that will impress on any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends.

Useful tips:
- If you want to replace the wine sauce, you can use a syrup or fruit compote, adapting the flavor to your preferences.
- This cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh when the glaze is creamy and the base is soft.
- You can experiment with different berries instead of blackberries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a personalized version of the recipe.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a combination of ingredients that not only brings a delicious taste but also nutritional benefits. Coffee contains antioxidants, and blackberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Although it is a dessert, this recipe can provide a small nutritional boost when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour?
- Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. The taste will be slightly different, but the texture will be just as pleasant.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, especially if you use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.

3. What is the best way to store the cake?
- Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.

This coffee, blackberry, and red wine sauce cake is not just a recipe but a true culinary experience, perfect for celebrating special moments with loved ones. So, put on a smile and get ready to impress with this delicacy!