Strawberry cake with white chocolate panna cotta

Strawberry Cake with White Chocolate Panna Cotta – a special recipe, perfect for any festive occasion, from birthdays to elegant parties. This cake is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a true work of art that will catch everyone's eye. Each layer of this cake is a delicious combination of flavors and textures, from the soft and moist base to the creamy panna cotta and fresh strawberries.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Total: 4 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g butter
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1/2 packet baking powder

For the panna cotta:
- 1 kg strawberries
- 400 ml milk
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 60 g sugar
- 400 g white chocolate
- 2 packets gelatin

For decoration:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 50 g milk chocolate
- 50 g white chocolate
- 9-10 strawberries, with leaves

A bit of history

Panna cotta, a classic Italian dessert, originates from the Piemonte region. It literally translates to "cooked cream," and the recipe has evolved over the years, ranging from simple sweet cream cooked with sugar and gelatin to sophisticated combinations, such as the one with white chocolate. This strawberry cake not only honors the tradition of panna cotta but also adds a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast with the fruits.

Preparing the bases

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients for the base. Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation.

2. Boiling the ingredients: In a saucepan, add the milk, butter, sugar, and cocoa. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the butter completely melts and the mixture reaches boiling point. Once it boils, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool.

3. Mixing the composition: After it has cooled, gradually add the egg yolks, mixing well. Then, sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the chocolate mixture.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Including them at the end will make the base extremely fluffy. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture using a spatula and up-and-down movements.

5. Baking: Pour the batter into a round cake pan lined with parchment paper and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. After baking, let it cool completely.

6. Cutting the bases: Once cooled, cut the base horizontally, obtaining two equal layers.

Preparing the white chocolate panna cotta

1. Heating the ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves.

2. Preparing the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the gelatin. Usually, it requires soaking in cold water for a few minutes.

3. Adding the chocolate: Chop the white chocolate and add it to the warm milk, whisking until it completely melts.

4. Incorporating the gelatin: Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, add the activated gelatin in a thin stream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

5. Cooling the composition: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Assembling the cake

1. Preparing the pan: Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil and place the first base.

2. Arranging the strawberries: Wash the strawberries under cold running water, remove the stems, and dry them. Cut the largest strawberries in half and arrange them around the edge of the pan, cut side facing out. Place a few whole strawberries in the center of the base.

3. Pouring the panna cotta: Carefully pour the white chocolate panna cotta over the strawberries, ensuring they are well covered. Save a small portion of the panna cotta for later decoration.

4. Adding the second base: Place the second base on top and gently press down to ensure it is well fixed.

5. Final cooling: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours, but ideally leave it overnight for it to set perfectly.

Decorating the cake

1. Preparing the chocolate for decoration: Melt 50 g of each type of chocolate (white, milk, and dark) in separate bowls.

2. Chocolate-covered strawberries: Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate, then decorate them with patterns from the other types of chocolate, creating an attractive visual effect.

3. Decorating the cake: Once the chocolate has hardened, melt the remaining 150 g of dark chocolate and cover the top of the cake. Arrange the chocolate-covered strawberries on top of the cake, creating an appealing arrangement.

Serving and suggestions

Serving the strawberry cake with white chocolate panna cotta is a true delight. You can accompany it with a caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Serve it alongside a cup of fruit tea or a glass of prosecco for a truly festive experience.

Useful tips

- Chocolate variation: You can experiment with different types of chocolate for the panna cotta, such as dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- Alternative fruits: Instead of strawberries, you can use other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to vary the recipe.
- Quick cooling: If you don't have time to wait for the panna cotta to cool, you can use a bowl of cold water and ice to speed up the process.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the cake be made a day in advance?
Yes, this cake keeps very well and is even recommended to be made a day in advance to allow it to set properly.

2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Of course! Dark chocolate will add a more intense note and a pleasant contrast with the sweet strawberries.

3. How can I avoid the panna cotta from curdling?
Make sure the gelatin is well hydrated and that you do not add it to the hot mixture. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

This strawberry cake with white chocolate panna cotta is truly a culinary gem that brings joy and indulgence to any special moment. Whether you're preparing it for a festive occasion or simply to treat yourself, each slice will be an explosion of delicious flavors and textures. Enjoy!