Strawberry Brownie with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream

Chocolate Cake with Creamy Mascarpone and Vanilla Flavor

Welcome to a world of sweet delights, where chocolate blends with the fresh flavors of strawberries and the creaminess of mascarpone to create a truly unique experience. This chocolate cake and mascarpone cream recipe is not only simple but also refined, perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Moreover, it is a recipe worth celebrating, being the 100th recipe I share with you. So, let’s put on our aprons and start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time:
- 20 minutes (preparation)
- 40-45 minutes (baking)
- Total: 60-65 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients for Brownie:
- 240 g butter or margarine
- 80 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 120 g milk chocolate
- 500 g strawberry jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 g brown sugar (this type of sugar will add extra moisture and a caramelized taste)
- 4 large eggs
- 275 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for mascarpone cream:
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 125 g mascarpone
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder or the seeds from a vanilla pod

Brief history
The brownie is an American creation that quickly gained popularity due to its dense texture and intense chocolate flavor. This version with strawberry jam and mascarpone cream combines tradition with innovation, making it an ideal dessert for chocolate and fruit lovers.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help to homogenize the mixture and achieve a perfect texture. Chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting.

2. Melting the chocolate
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once fully melted, add the dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth, glossy mixture. It is essential not to expose the chocolate to too much heat to avoid burning it.

3. Combining wet ingredients
After the chocolate has melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the strawberry jam and a pinch of salt. Mix well to integrate all flavors.

4. Preparing the eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with both types of sugar (granulated and brown) until frothy. This step is crucial because the incorporated air will make the cake fluffy and easy to enjoy.

5. Combining the mixtures
Add the chocolate mixture to the bowl with the eggs and mix with a spatula until well combined. Then, sift the flour mixed with baking powder and gradually incorporate it, being careful not to overmix.

6. Baking
Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the brownie mixture into the tray, smoothing the surface. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the brownie is ready. Let it cool completely in the tray.

7. Preparing the mascarpone cream
In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until it becomes firm. Lower the speed and add the mascarpone and vanilla powder, mixing gently until well combined. Here, you can also add a bit of powdered sugar if you want a sweeter cream.

8. Assembly
After the brownie has completely cooled, spread the mascarpone cream in an even layer over the cake. Sprinkle cocoa on top for an elegant look and extra flavor.

Practical tips:
- Adjusting the flour: Depending on the texture of the strawberry jam, you may need to adjust the amount of flour. If the jam is too thin, you might need to add a little more flour.
- Toothpick test: It’s always a good idea to check the cake with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. A perfect result should be slightly moist but not liquid.
- Serving: This dessert is delicious served with warm chocolate sauce or alongside some fresh strawberries.

Possible variations:
- Experiment with other types of jam, such as raspberry or peach, for different flavors.
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the brownie mixture for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the dark chocolate, which provides antioxidants, and strawberries, rich in vitamin C. However, it is best enjoyed in moderation, considering the sugar and calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white chocolate? You can, but the taste will be different. White chocolate has no cocoa and will make the cake sweeter.
- How can I store the brownie? It’s best to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature, but not for more than 3-4 days.

This chocolate cake with mascarpone cream and vanilla flavor will surely become a favorite among family and friends! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the joy of making this recipe with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!