Refreshing summer cake

Refreshing Summer Cake with Chocolate and Redcurrants

July 6th is a special day for me - it's my birthday! This year, I wanted to create something truly unique. The kids wanted a classic chocolate cake, but considering the unbearable heat, I decided to combine their wishes with the need for refreshment. So, I created a cake that blends rich chocolate with a refreshing layer of mascarpone cream and redcurrants. The result? An incredibly delicious cake, perfect for summer!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 130 g butter
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 6 eggs (separated)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 125 g flour
- 150 g milk chocolate

For the cream:
- 200 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 300 ml whipped cream
- 1 packet whipped cream stabilizer
- 300-400 g redcurrants

Recipe Background

Chocolate fruit cake is a popular choice in many cultures, often associated with celebrations and special occasions. This combination not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also provides a pleasant contrast between intense chocolate and the freshness of the fruits. Moreover, summer is the perfect season to experiment with seasonal fruits, and redcurrants add a vibrant touch and a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cake:
- Start by melting the milk chocolate in a bain-marie. Make sure the water in the pot below does not touch the bowl with the chocolate to avoid burning it. Stir occasionally until fully melted.
- In another bowl, beat the butter with the powdered sugar using a mixer until you achieve a fluffy and creamy mixture. Add the warm chocolate and mix well.
- Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time, mixing after each addition to achieve a uniform mixture.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the granulated sugar until a firm foam forms. Add one-third of this foam to the chocolate mixture and fold gently with a spatula to retain the air in the egg whites.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing gently. Finally, add the remaining egg white foam and fold delicately to avoid losing air.

2. Baking the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 24 cm diameter cake pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the cake horizontally into two layers.

3. Preparing the Cream:
- In a bowl, mix the mascarpone with the sugar and lemon juice. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth cream.
- Whip the cream with the stabilizer until firm. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone cream, mixing gently.
- Wash the redcurrants and remove them from their stems. Set aside some for decoration, and add the rest to the mascarpone cream, mixing gently.

4. Assembling the Cake:
- Soak each layer of the cake with grape juice, adding moisture and flavor.
- Spread some of the mascarpone cream on the first layer of cake, then cover with the second layer.
- Use the remaining cream to cover the entire cake. Decorate with redcurrants and other seasonal fruits as desired.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve the cake chilled, it can be accompanied by vanilla ice cream or fresh lemonade, perfect for hot summer days. You can also add a chocolate glaze or a fruit sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Cake Storage: If you do not consume the cake immediately, store it in the refrigerator, covered, to prevent drying out.
- Ingredient Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, instead of redcurrants. You can also replace the chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and cream.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, providing a combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats (thanks to the butter and cream). The redcurrants add vitamins and antioxidants, benefiting overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of mascarpone?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but I advise mixing them well to achieve a creamy texture.

2. How can I prevent the cake from becoming too moist?
Make sure to soak the cake moderately and let the cream mixture set in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

This refreshing summer cake with chocolate and redcurrants is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer and moments spent with loved ones. Its delicious taste and appealing appearance will make any occasion special. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy every bite!