Marble cake with strawberry jam and chocolate

Marble cake with strawberry jam and chocolate: a fragrant and slightly sophisticated delight, perfect for any occasion! This cake is not just a simple recipe, but a combination of flavors that will delight your senses and quickly become your favorite. The indulgence of strawberry jam perfectly blends with chocolate, creating an unmatched contrast of textures and tastes.

Historically, marble cakes have been appreciated for their attractive appearance and the way they combine different flavors into a single dessert. This recipe is a modern reinterpretation of a classic, bringing a touch of freshness and a note of originality.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or olive)
- 100 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 150 ml water
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 jar of strawberry jam (about 300 g)
- 100 g chocolate (dark or milk, according to preference)

Step by step for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a large bowl for the egg whites and another for the yolks. Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy meringue.

2. The yolk mixture:
In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil. It is important to achieve a homogeneous composition, similar to mayonnaise, as this will add moisture and extra flavor to the base.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Add the yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites, using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Gently fold from the bottom up to maintain the air in the egg whites. Gradually add the flour mixed with baking powder, continuing to mix gently.

4. Dividing the composition:
Divide the mixture into two bowls. In one of them, add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa and mix well. Now you have two mixtures: one white and one brown.

5. Assembling the cake:
Prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper. Use a spoon to alternately place a spoonful of each mixture, creating a marbled effect. Continue until both mixtures are finished.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. This is an essential trick: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done!

7. Preparing the syrup:
In a small saucepan, caramelize the sugar. Start stirring constantly, being careful not to burn it. Once the sugar turns light brown, gradually add warm water and let it boil until completely melted.

8. Adding flavor:
After the syrup has cooled slightly, add the rum essence for a touch of flavor.

9. Final assembly:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Begin generously soaking it with the prepared syrup. Then, spread the strawberry jam evenly over the cake.

10. Decorating with chocolate:
Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or microwave, adding 1 tablespoon of oil for a smoother texture. Use a spoon or piping bag to create a beautiful lattice on top of the cake.

11. Serving:
Portion the cake and serve it with a glass of cold milk or a cup of aromatic coffee. This marbled cake is perfect for a Sunday afternoon or as a dessert for a festive meal.

Possible variations:
- You can replace the strawberry jam with any other type of jam or preserve, from raspberry, peach to plum jam, depending on your preferences or the season.
- Another interesting idea is to use white chocolate for decoration or even add chopped nuts for an extra crunch.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform composition.
- Do not open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking to avoid affecting the rising process.
- If you have leftover melted chocolate, you can use it to decorate other desserts or even make delicious truffles.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the cake will have a different texture and will be denser.
- What can I do with leftover cake? You can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and the next day it is just as delicious.

This marbled cake with strawberry jam and chocolate is a recipe that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also turn any occasion into a special moment. Enjoy!