Red and Black Cake

Red & Black Cake - An Unforgettable Delight

When it comes to desserts, sometimes all we want is to surprise the taste buds and bring a touch of joy to the lives of our loved ones. This red and black cake recipe is perfect for special occasions or simply to celebrate the beautiful moments in our lives. Whether it’s an anniversary, a family gathering, or a relaxing weekend, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including baking and cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Why is this cake special?
The Red & Black Cake is a delicious combination of intense chocolate and a slightly tart texture from blackberries. The layers are soft and moist, and the white chocolate buttercream blends them perfectly. This recipe is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual spectacle, thanks to the contrast between the two colors.

Necessary ingredients:
For the black layer:
- 200 g good quality dark chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 3 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons raw sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- ½ packet baking powder
- 60 g dark cocoa
- 200 ml strong coffee, cooled

For the red layer:
- 3 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons raw sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- ½ packet baking powder
- 200 ml yogurt or milk
- ½ cup beet juice or red food coloring

For the syrup:
- 500 ml water
- 3-4 tablespoons rum (optional)
- 5 tablespoons honey

For the chocolate cream:
- 400 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g white chocolate
- 200 g powdered sugar
- Seeds from one vanilla pod

For the chocolate glaze:
- 300 g dark chocolate
- 1 cube of butter
- 3-4 tablespoons milk
- Chocolate flakes for decoration
- 600 g fresh blackberries

Preparation method:
1. Preparing the layers:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare two 24 cm diameter baking pans, greased with butter and dusted with flour.
- For the black layer, melt the chocolate with the butter in a bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until it becomes a smooth mixture.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become a homogeneous foam. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa, then incorporate them into the chocolate mixture. Finally, add the coffee and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if the layer is baked; it should come out clean.

2. Preparing the red layer:
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they turn pale. Add the flour and baking powder and mix well.
- Finally, incorporate the yogurt (or milk) and beet juice to achieve that splendid red hue.
- Pour the mixture into the other baking pan and bake for the same amount of time.

3. Cooling the layers:
- After the layers are baked, let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Preparing the syrup:
- Boil the water with the rum (if you choose to use it) and let it boil for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the honey, stirring well until it dissolves. Let the syrup cool.

5. Chocolate cream:
- In a bowl, add the softened butter and vanilla seeds, then mix with the powdered sugar until it becomes a fluffy cream.
- Heat the white chocolate and gradually add it to the buttercream, mixing continuously to obtain a smooth cream.

6. Assembling the cake:
- Cut each layer in half to create four layers.
- Soak each layer with the prepared syrup.
- Start with a black layer, add a thin layer of cream, sprinkle blackberries, and a little chocolate glaze. Continue with a red layer, then repeat the process until all layers are used. The last layer should be a red layer.

7. Glazing the cake:
- Melt the dark chocolate with the butter and milk, stirring until it becomes a smooth mixture.
- Pour the glaze over the cake, covering it completely. Decorate with fresh blackberries and chocolate flakes.
- Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set well.

8. Serving and presentation:
- You can decorate the cake with edible flowers or sugar roses for an elegant look.
- Serve it alongside a glass of sweet wine or fragrant tea to highlight the flavors of chocolate and blackberries.

Useful tips:
- Use good quality chocolate for an intense flavor.
- You can replace blackberries with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the flavors.
- The cake can be frozen, but make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of antioxidants due to the dark chocolate and blackberries, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Despite the richness of the ingredients, moderate portions can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the eggs with vegan alternatives?
Yes, you can use banana puree or applesauce to replace the eggs, although the final texture will be different.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the cream and syrup can help. You can also use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.
3. Is this cake difficult to make?
With a little patience and attention to detail, anyone can make this cake. Each step is simple and can be done in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Let your imagination run wild and don’t hesitate to personalize the recipe to your taste. The Red & Black Cake is a special choice that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!