Mascarpone cake with fine chocolate and strawberries

Mascarpone cake with fine chocolate and strawberries - a decadent delicacy

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

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today I will share with you a recipe that perfectly combines the creamy texture of mascarpone with the richness of chocolate and the juiciness of strawberries - a cake that not only looks splendid but also indulges the taste buds. This mascarpone cake with fine chocolate and strawberries is ideal for any special occasion, but you can also enjoy it on ordinary days, without any specific reason. Let's get started!

A brief history of the mascarpone cake

Mascarpone is an Italian cheese, originating from the Lombardy region, which has gained international popularity due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Combined with chocolate and fresh fruits, it is the key ingredient that transforms an ordinary cake into a culinary masterpiece. This recipe blends tradition with innovation, bringing to your table an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 170 g butter (use quality butter for better taste)
- 170 g sugar (white sugar is ideal, but you can also experiment with brown sugar for a caramel note)
- 170 g flour (white flour, type 000, is the most suitable)
- 3 eggs (preferably at room temperature for better mixing)
- 3 tablespoons of milk (whole milk is recommended for a richer texture)
- ½ packet of baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 250 g mascarpone (make sure it is at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 150 g fine chocolate (dark or milk chocolate - the choice depends on personal preferences)
- 100 ml liquid cream (use cream with at least 30% fat content)

*For decoration:*
- 200 ml liquid cream (with cream stabilizer)
- 1 packet of cream stabilizer (helps maintain the shape of the cream)
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar (for sweetness)
- 9-10 strawberries (fresh and juicy)
- Coconut (optional, for a decoration that adds an exotic touch)
- Ground nuts (for added texture)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough
In a medium-sized bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, making the cake fluffier.

2. Mixing the liquid ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk using a whisk. This mixture will bring moisture and help bind the ingredients.

3. Combining the dry ingredients
In a larger bowl, add the flour and baking powder. Mix gently to combine.

4. Merging the compositions
Add the egg and milk mixture to the butter and sugar composition, mixing carefully to avoid curdling. Then, incorporate the flour and baking powder mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix until the ingredients are fully integrated.

5. Baking the cake
Grease a round baking pan with margarine and pour in the dough mixture. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for about 30 minutes. Do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan.

6. Preparing the cream
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, add the liquid cream and continue to stir until the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, incorporate the mascarpone using a spatula, mixing gently.

7. Assembling the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the mascarpone and chocolate cream over it.

8. Decorating
Whip the liquid cream with the cream stabilizer and sugar until firm. Use it to decorate the top of the cake. Wash the strawberries, cut them in half or slices, and then sprinkle them over the cream. Optionally, add coconut and ground nuts for a more attractive look.

9. Final cooling
Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least two hours or, for optimal results, in the freezer for 30 minutes. This step helps the cream to set well, making the cake easier to cut and serve.

Useful tips:

- Choose quality ingredients: The taste of the cake depends greatly on the quality of the chocolate and mascarpone. Choose top-notch options for the best results.
- Experiment with flavors: You can add a little grated orange zest to the dough for a fresh taste, or you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries.
- For a gluten-free version: Use almond flour or rice flour instead of wheat flour.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or an espresso coffee, bringing a pleasant contrast between sweetness and bitterness.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also a source of energy due to the chocolate and strawberries, which provide antioxidants and essential vitamins. Mascarpone adds a source of protein and healthy fats, but it is important to note that, having a high-calorie content, it should be enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

- Can it be prepared a day in advance? Yes, this cake keeps very well in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors become more intense as it sits.
- How can I prevent the cake from drying out? Make sure not to bake it too long and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but make sure to isolate it well to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer.

I hope this recipe will delight you and inspire you to prepare it at home. Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy every bite of this delicacy and let yourself be carried away by the aroma of chocolate and the creamy taste of mascarpone. Enjoy your meal!