Mascarpone cake with fruits and chocolate

Holiday Cake with Mascarpone, Fruits, and Chocolate

Who doesn't love a spectacular cake that delights not only the eyes but also the taste buds? This holiday cake is a perfect combination of a soft and fragrant base, a smooth chocolate cream, and a refreshing fruit filling, all topped with a glossy glaze. It's ideal for any special occasion, whether it's a festive meal or a party with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12-14

Ingredients

For the biscuit base:
- 400 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds, unsalted), ground
- 4 egg yolks
- 250 g melted butter

For cream 1:
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 250 g chocolate (dark or milk, as preferred)

For cream 2:
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 450 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 500 g mascarpone
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 100 ml milk (for pudding)
- 20 g gelatin (3 packets of tort-gel)
- Compote apricots or other preferred fruits

For the glaze:
- 250 ml compote juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin (tort-gel)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and ground nuts. This mixture will give the base a crunchy texture and rich flavor.
2. Add the egg yolks and melted butter. Mix well until you obtain a soft and sticky dough. This dough may seem a bit wet at first, but don't worry, it's perfectly normal.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to handle.
4. After chilling, prepare a 29x42 cm baking tray lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to spread the dough evenly in the tray. Patience is key here! The dough is soft and may be a bit tricky to spread, but the final result is worth the effort.
5. Preheat the oven to 170°C and bake the base for 35-40 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Check for doneness using a cake tester (toothpick); if it comes out clean, the base is ready!

Step 2: Preparing the chocolate cream
1. In a saucepan, add the liquid cream and chocolate. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Pour the chocolate cream over the cooled base, making sure it is evenly distributed. Place the cake in the refrigerator to set.

Step 3: Preparing the mascarpone cream
1. In another bowl, prepare the pudding according to the package instructions, using 100 ml of milk. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool.
2. In another container, mix the mascarpone with the sugar and 100 ml of milk until it becomes a smooth cream. Gradually add the cooled pudding and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the gelatin according to the package instructions and add it to the mascarpone cream. Mix well.
4. Finally, add the diced apricots (or other preferred fruits) to the mascarpone cream, ensuring they are well-drained to avoid cutting the cream.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Pour the mascarpone cream over the chocolate cream, spreading it evenly. Place the cake back in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze
1. In a small saucepan, add the compote juice and sugar. Heat gently, then add the gelatin according to the package instructions. Mix well until completely dissolved.
2. Pour the glaze over the mascarpone cream and leave the cake in the refrigerator for a few more hours or ideally overnight.

Serving and tips
When you're ready to serve, cut the cake with a sharp knife to get nice portions. This cake is delicious on its own, but you can accompany it with a scoop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Helpful tips
- Make sure the gelatin is well dissolved; otherwise, the glaze won't set properly. If you didn't use enough gelatin, you might end up with a runny glaze, but the taste will still be exceptional.
- An interesting variation would be to add a splash of vanilla extract to the mascarpone cream or to replace the apricots with other seasonal fruits like peaches or raspberries.
- If you want to enhance the flavor of the base, you can also add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.

Calories and nutritional benefits
This cake not only looks good but also tastes amazing. However, being rich in ingredients like butter, sugar, and chocolate, it is a treat, so enjoy it in moderation. A serving has approximately 350-400 calories but also contains nutrients from fruits and dairy due to the mascarpone.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of chocolate? Yes, you can experiment with white chocolate or chocolate mixes to achieve a different flavor.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4-5 days.
- Can I freeze the cake? It is not recommended, as the textures of the cream and glaze will not hold up well when thawed.

Enjoy this holiday cake with family and friends! It's a true delicacy that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Bon appétit!