Light cake with mascarpone and berries

Light Cake with Mascarpone and Berries

Discover a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for any occasion: a light cake with mascarpone and berries. This cake not only impresses with its appearance but also offers an explosion of flavors, making it ideal for lovers of fine and sophisticated sweets. With a fluffy base, a creamy filling, and fresh fruits, this cake is sure to become your favorite. Plus, it’s a quick recipe, perfect for beginners!

Total preparation time: 1 hour (including baking and cooling)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons raw sugar (preferably from cane)
- 3 tablespoons flour (whole grain flour for a richer taste is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (make sure it is of good quality)
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g chocolate (preferably 50% cocoa)
- 50 g soft butter (at room temperature)

For the cream:
- 500 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar
- 200 g heavy cream (with a high-fat content for perfect texture)
- 400 g berries (fresh or frozen, depending on the season)
- 2 tablespoons raw sugar (for the fruits)
- 2 packets gelatin (you can use plant-based gelatin for a vegetarian option)

For the syrup:
- Juice from the fruits (reserved from preparing the fruits)
- Water (optional)

For decoration:
- Dark chocolate (for glazing)
- Butter (for glazing)
- Whipped cream (for decoration)
- Grated chocolate (optional, for an elegant touch)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preparing the cake base. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the raw sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue.

In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the soft butter until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg whites using a spatula to avoid losing air.

Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder over the egg mixture and gently mix. Add the grated chocolate and incorporate everything with delicate movements.

Pour the mixture into a large (preferably square for an even appearance) baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick if it is done - it should come out clean. Let the base cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.

2. Preparing the cream:
While the base cools, prepare the cream. In a small pot, combine the berries with the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits release their juice. Let them cool and drain the juice, reserving a quarter of the juice for the syrup.

Whip the cream until firm, then add the mascarpone and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix everything gently, being careful not to curdle the cream. Add the reserved fruit juice and mix again until smooth.

Hydrate the gelatin according to the package instructions and incorporate it into the mascarpone cream, mixing on low speed to avoid lumps.

3. Preparing the syrup:
In a small pot, combine the reserved fruit juice with a little water and gently heat. Do not let it boil, just warm it up.

4. Assembling the cake:
On a serving platter, place the cooled base and secure the removable walls of the pan. Soak the base with the prepared syrup, then add half of the mascarpone cream. Evenly distribute the berries over the cream, then top with the remaining cream.

Place another base on top, soak it, and let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

5. Preparing the glaze:
While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate glaze. Melt the dark chocolate with the butter and milk over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and let it chill in the refrigerator to set.

6. Decorating:
Once the glaze has set, whip the cream until firm and decorate the cake as desired. You can add grated chocolate on top for a more elegant appearance.

Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also serve it with vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of berries?
Of course! You can try peaches, plums, or even bananas for a tropical version.

- How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains nutritious ingredients, such as mascarpone, which provides calcium and protein, while berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Whole grain flour contributes to fiber intake, aiding digestion.

Possible variations:
For a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the batter. Also, experiment with different types of chocolate in the glaze to achieve a variety of flavors.

This light cake with mascarpone and berries is not only a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of joy to any day. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit!