Mascarpone and strawberry cake

Mascarpone and Strawberry Cake – a sweet indulgence that combines fine textures and divine flavors

When it comes to desserts, few recipes can rival a mascarpone and strawberry cake. This cake not only looks stunning but is also an explosion of flavors that will delight any sweet tooth. I invite you to discover with me the necessary steps to create this delicacy, which is perfect for a special occasion or simply for an afternoon spent at home.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 10

Ingredients:

- 6 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of water
- 50 grams of butter
- 100 grams of dark chocolate
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 grams of mascarpone
- 250 grams of cream cheese (or very fatty cheese)
- 400 ml of liquid cream
- 200 grams of fresh strawberries
- 200 grams of mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries)
- 100 grams of powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons of sugar (for syrup)
- water (for syrup)

Recipe history:
The mascarpone and strawberry cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a favorite in many cultures. The mascarpone cream, originating from Italy, adds a touch of elegance, while fresh strawberries provide a delicious contrast. This cake symbolizes refinement and joy, perfect for enjoying with loved ones.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 24 cm diameter baking pan, greased with butter and dusted with flour. This will prevent the base from sticking, ensuring you get a perfect cake.

2. Whipping the egg whites:
In a clean bowl, add the egg whites and the 6 tablespoons of water. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Then, add a pinch of salt and gradually incorporate the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. This is the secret to a light and fluffy base.

3. Incorporating the yolks:
Add the yolks to the egg white mixture, gently folding with a spatula to keep the air in the meringue.

4. Melting the chocolate:
In a container, melt the chocolate together with the butter in a double boiler, stirring constantly. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then incorporate it into the egg mixture.

5. Adding the flour:
Sift the flour and gradually fold it into the mixture, being careful not to lose the air. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the base is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cooling the base:
After baking, remove the base from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Preparing the syrup:
In a saucepan, combine the 5 tablespoons of sugar with 500 ml of water and bring to a boil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Once the syrup has cooled, it is ready to use.

8. Making the mascarpone cream:
In a bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and turns into delicious whipped cream. In another bowl, mix the cream cheese, mascarpone, and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add half of the whipped cream to the cheese mixture and gently fold it in.

9. Assembling the cake:
Cut the base in half horizontally. Soak the first half with the prepared syrup, then spread half of the mascarpone cream. Add the sliced strawberries, followed by another layer of cream. Cover with the second half of the base, soak again, and then frost the cake with the remaining whipped cream.

10. Decoration:
Finally, decorate the cake with mixed berries and any remaining chocolate topping. Here you can get creative and add other fruits or grated chocolate for a more attractive look.

11. Final cooling:
Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, or even overnight, to let the flavors meld.

Practical tips:
- You can use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- If you want a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the mascarpone cream.
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed up to 3 days after preparation.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of mascarpone and strawberry cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while mascarpone provides a source of healthy fats. It’s an indulgent dessert, yet with ingredients that offer many benefits.

Delicious pairings:
This cake pairs wonderfully with a fruit tea or a strong espresso. You might also try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Savor each slice of mascarpone and strawberry cake, and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! This is a recipe that will not only bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones but will surely remain in memories as a memorable dessert created with passion. Bon appétit!