Strawberry and chocolate cake

Strawberry and Chocolate Cake: a delicacy that combines the fresh flavors of strawberries with the richness of chocolate, perfect for any occasion! This recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients
For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 2 g salt

For the cream:
- 400 g strawberry yogurt
- 250 g soft cottage cheese (20% fat)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 10 g gelatin
- 10-12 chocolate truffles

For the glaze:
- 80 g strawberry-flavored pudding powder (2 packets)
- 750 ml milk
- 120 g sugar
- 50 g butter

For decoration:
- 10 strawberries
- 100 g chocolate

A Brief History
Strawberry and chocolate cake became popular due to its combination of textures and the contrast between the sweetness of the fruit and the bitterness of the chocolate. It is a versatile dessert that can be adapted according to the season, and each bite brings an explosion of flavors.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
Start by preparing the sponge. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue to whip until you achieve a firm meringue. In another bowl, mix the yolks with the rum essence. Gently fold the yolks into the egg whites, taking care not to deflate the mixture.

Now, sift the flour in gradually, mixing with a spatula until the batter is smooth. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a springform pan with a bit of oil and line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 20 minutes, until the sponge is golden and passes the toothpick test. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
While the sponge is cooling, let’s move on to the yogurt cream. In a bowl, combine the strawberry yogurt, cottage cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix well until you have a smooth cream. In another container, hydrate the gelatin in 150 ml of cold water, then melt it in a double boiler without boiling it. Once the gelatin is melted, pour it slowly into the yogurt mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
Place the cooled sponge back into the pan you used to bake it. Pour the yogurt cream evenly over the sponge base. Cut the chocolate truffles into quarters and sprinkle them over the yogurt cream. Place the other half of the sponge on top, pressing gently to secure it.

In a small saucepan, prepare the pudding according to the instructions on the packet, adding the butter and mixing well until smooth. Pour the hot pudding over the cake. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 4: Decorating the cake
Once the cake has set, it’s time to decorate! Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and use it to coat halved strawberries. Arrange the glazed strawberries on the cake, and with the remaining chocolate, you can create additional decorations, such as a cute zig-zag on the surface of the cake.

Leave the cake in the fridge for another 30 minutes to let the glaze firm up and allow the flavors to meld.

Serving and Variations
The strawberry and chocolate cake is served chilled, making it perfect alongside a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream next to each slice for a delicious contrast.

If you want to experiment, you can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, or use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter note.

Helpful Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal cream texture.
- The gelatin must be well-hydrated to dissolve completely in the yogurt cream, so don’t skip this step.
- If you want a moister cake, you can soak the sponge with a flavored sugar syrup made with vanilla or rum.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I substitute the strawberry yogurt with another type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use plain yogurt or Greek yogurt, but the taste will be different.

2. Can the cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or rice flour.

3. How long can the cake be stored in the fridge?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

This strawberry and chocolate cake is not just a dessert; it’s a true culinary masterpiece. I invite you to prepare it and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen, as well as each slice savored with your loved ones. Enjoy!