Roxana Cake

Roxana's Cake: Chocolate, Cream Cheese, and Delicious Jellies

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Introduction

Today I will tell you about a special cake, created with love for my niece, Roxana. This cake is a perfect combination of a chocolatey base, a smooth cream cheese filling, and colorful jellies, bringing a touch of joy in every slice. It is ideal for celebrations or simply to add a smile to the faces of your loved ones. The cake recipe is inspired by the famous Andreea Chinesfood and is a true mudcake – moist and gooey, just as Roxana likes it!

Ingredients

*For the base* (using a 20 cm diameter pan):
- 200 g dark chocolate (choose a high cocoa content chocolate for an intense flavor)
- 250 g sugar
- 75 g butter
- 65 g cocoa powder (for an extra chocolate flavor)
- 4 eggs (or 5 if they are small)
- 120 ml buttermilk (add a bit of lemon juice to make it more acidic)
- 140 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Vanilla (a natural essence is best)
- A pinch of salt

*For the cream*:
- 400 g sweet cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained)
- 200 ml 12% fat sour cream
- 200 ml 10% fat yogurt
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml 32% fat whipped cream (use fresh cream for best results)
- 10 g gelatin granules
- Vanilla
- Lemon zest (for an extra flavor)
- Jellies (choose your favorite varieties)

*For the blackberry jelly*:
- 300 g blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

*For decoration*:
- 300 ml whipped cream (for topping)
- Marzipan hearts
- Chocolate balls

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the base:
Start by melting the chocolate together with the butter. Place them in a bowl over a steam bath, stirring constantly until everything is melted. Once melted, let the mixture cool slightly.

Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla using a whisk. There is no need to over-mix; we want to achieve a homogeneous texture, but not overly aerated.

Add the buttermilk to the egg mixture and mix. Incorporate the cooled chocolate mixture. In another bowl, mix the flour with cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda. Then, pour the dry ingredients over the wet ones and gently mix until there are no lumps.

2. Baking:
Prepare the pan with parchment paper at the bottom and dust the sides with cocoa. Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 190 degrees Celsius. Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check with a skewer: it should be slightly moist but not have raw batter sticking to it.

After baking, let the base cool in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove it to a rack to cool completely.

3. Preparing the cream:
Hydrate the gelatin in a little cold water. Whip the cream and place it in the fridge. In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with sugar and sour cream until you achieve a smooth paste. Add the vanilla and lemon zest for flavor.

Warm the yogurt slightly, then melt the gelatin in the microwave (do not let it boil!). Once cooled, incorporate the gelatin into the cream cheese mixture and finally, gently fold in the whipped cream. Place the cream in the fridge for a few hours.

4. Preparing the blackberry jelly:
Place the blackberries in a saucepan with sugar and let them simmer on low heat until they release syrup. Add the cornstarch dissolved in water and stir until thickened. Let the jelly cool.

5. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it horizontally into three layers. On the first two layers, spread blackberry jelly. Then, on the layer with jelly, add the cream cheese and sprinkle colorful jellies. Place the second layer with jelly, cream, and the last layer on top.

6. Decorating:
Decorate the cake with whipped cream, chocolate balls, and marzipan hearts. This decorative detail will give it a festive and playful look!

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is perfect alongside a fruit tea or a creamy cappuccino. Serve it at your niece's birthday party or any special occasion. Encourage guests to help themselves by offering them a slice of this delight.

Useful Tips:
- If you want a taller cake, use a smaller pan or double the quantities.
- You can replace blackberries with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the flavors.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform mixture.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 7 g

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but the flavor of the cake will be different. White chocolate will add a note of sweetness.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream mixtures.

3. What other fruits can I use for jelly?
- Fruits like strawberries or peaches are excellent for making delicious jellies.

Roxana's Cake is more than just a dessert; it is a taste experience, a family story, a reason to celebrate. I encourage you to try it and customize it to your tastes! Enjoy!