Strawberry and chocolate cream cake

Strawberry and Chocolate Cream Cake – A Delight for Celebrations

When it comes to celebrating a special moment, like my little Giulia's birthday, there's nothing more beautiful than a delicious cake made with love. This strawberry and chocolate cream cake recipe is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of your loved ones, especially the little ones. Even though I made it in a hurry, it was so appreciated that it quickly vanished from the platter! So, get ready to delight your taste buds with this refined yet easy-to-make dessert.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the sponge cake:
- 5 eggs (at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

For the chocolate mousse:
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml heavy cream
- 10 g butter
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of rum extract

For the strawberry mousse:
- 250 g fresh strawberries
- 80 g sugar
- 50 ml heavy cream
- Juice of half an orange

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (to taste)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Cake

1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in one bowl and the yolks in another.
2. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and begin whisking until they form stiff peaks.
3. In the bowl with the yolks, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix well until the mixture becomes frothy and the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Sift the flour along with the baking powder and gradually fold them into the yolk mixture using a spatula.
5. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites, using upward motions to preserve the air in the mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into a round cake pan (20 cm in diameter) lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and passes the toothpick test. Let it cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Mousse

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil. In a heatproof bowl, add the chocolate, rum, and milk. Place the bowl over the pot of boiling water to create a double boiler.
2. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Finally, add the butter and mix well.
3. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Meanwhile, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
4. Slowly incorporate the melted chocolate into the whipped cream, mixing carefully to avoid deflating the mixture. Refrigerate the mousse.

Step 3: Preparing the Strawberry Mousse

1. Wash the strawberries thoroughly, chop them into pieces, and place them in a bowl with sugar and orange juice. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the strawberries caramelize slightly.
2. Allow the mixture to cool, then blend it until you achieve a thick sauce. Reserve a few tablespoons of the sauce for decoration.
3. Whip the heavy cream and fold it into the cooled strawberry sauce. Refrigerate the mousse to firm up.

Step 4: Preparing the Syrup

1. In a small pot, boil the water with sugar and vanilla extract. Allow it to boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let it cool.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake

1. Once the sponge cake has cooled completely, cut it into three equal layers.
2. Place the first layer on a serving platter and generously soak it with syrup.
3. Add a layer of chocolate mousse, followed by the second layer of sponge cake, which should also be soaked with syrup.
4. Spread the strawberry mousse and a few tablespoons of the reserved strawberry sauce. Place the final layer of sponge cake on top and soak it again.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 6: Decorating the Cake

1. Once the cake has set, cover it with whipped cream for an elegant finish.
2. Decorate with fresh strawberries, either whole or sliced, as desired.

Helpful Tips

- Check the temperature of the ingredients: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier sponge.
- Choose quality chocolate: Use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content for a more intense flavor.
- Try fruit variations: You can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, giving the cake a personal touch.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while dark chocolate contains heart-healthy flavonoids. Therefore, this dessert can be a healthier choice compared to other sugary pastries.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that white chocolate is sweeter and will change the final flavor of the cake.

- How can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a special gluten-free cake mix.

- How long can the cake be stored?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered to prevent drying out.

- What drinks pair best with the cake?
A sweet white wine or a fruit tea are perfect choices to complement the cake's flavors.

Conclusion

This strawberry and chocolate cream cake is an ideal choice for any celebration or special occasion. With its refined taste and fine texture, it will surely become the star of your table. So, don't wait any longer! Put on your apron and prepare this dessert that will undoubtedly impress everyone. Each slice is an explosion of flavors, and every bite will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!