Yogurt and strawberry cream cake

Chocolate Cake with Yogurt Cream and Strawberries

If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and refreshing dessert, this chocolate cake with yogurt cream and strawberries is the perfect choice! In our family, this recipe quickly became a favorite due to the perfect combination of chocolate, creamy yogurt, and fresh fruit. I invite you to discover this delight step by step and add it to your recipe repertoire.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

*For the cake:*
- 4 eggs
- 60 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4-5 tablespoons flour
- a pinch of salt

*For the yogurt cream:*
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 300 g yogurt
- 6 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 and 1/2 packets gelatin granules
- 800 g strawberries
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

*For the chocolate glaze:*
- 100 ml milk
- 50 g sugar
- 30 g butter
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Preparation

*Step 1: Making the cake*

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). It's essential that the oven temperature is just right to achieve a fluffy and soft cake.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This step will add air to the batter, giving the cakes a light texture.
3. Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler, making sure it's not hot when you add it to the egg mixture. Gently fold in the melted chocolate.
4. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. These are essential for giving structure and flavor to the cake.
5. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the egg and chocolate mixture. Gently fold using a spatula, just until the ingredients are well combined.
6. Pour the batter into a springform pan lined with parchment paper and greased with a little butter. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.
7. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.

*Practical tips for the cake:*
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using them. This will help with better incorporation.
- You can add vanilla extract to the egg mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavor will intensify.

*Step 2: Making the yogurt cream*

1. Chop the strawberries into small pieces, reserving 5-6 strawberries for decoration. Place them in a strainer to drain well.
2. Hydrate the gelatin in half a cup of water for 10 minutes. Then, heat the gelatin over low heat, without letting it boil. It should become liquid and clear.
3. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. This will give a sweet and aromatic flavor to your cream.
4. Add the warm gelatin to the yogurt mixture, making sure it doesn't cool completely. Mix well to homogenize the composition.
5. Start folding in the whipped cream into the yogurt cream. Use a spatula and mix gently to maintain the air in the whipped cream.
6. Add the well-drained strawberries and mix gently. This step will add a fresh note and delicious flavor to the cream.

*Practical tips for the yogurt cream:*
- You can replace the strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to change the flavor.
- Ensure the gelatin is well dissolved to avoid lumps in the cream.
- Let the cream chill for about 10 minutes to thicken slightly before assembling with the cake.

*Step 3: Making the chocolate glaze*

1. In a small saucepan or a milk pan, combine the milk, butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Bringing the mixture to a boil will create a rich and creamy glaze.
2. Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until completely melted. This will add an intense chocolate flavor to your glaze.

*Practical tips for the glaze:*
- You can add a splash of rum extract for a deeper flavor.
- The glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to reheat it before using it to make it fluid.

*Step 4: Assembling the cake*

1. If you have a cake ring or a springform pan, place the cake on a serving platter and pour the yogurt cream over it. Chill, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.
2. If you don't have a cake ring, line the pan in which you baked the cake with plastic wrap. Pour the yogurt cream, then place the cake on top. Once the cream has set well, invert the cake onto a platter and carefully remove the plastic wrap.
3. Once the cake is assembled, top it with the chocolate glaze and decorate with the reserved strawberries for an appealing look.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake with yogurt cream and strawberries pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce. You can serve it alongside a fragrant coffee or a refreshing green tea to enhance the culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits and Caloric Information

This cake contains simple and healthy ingredients. Yogurt provides a good source of calcium and probiotics, while strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The chocolate cake, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation considering the sugar and calorie content, but it offers a burst of flavor that is worth trying. In total, a serving of cake has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate, but the result will differ in terms of sweetness and flavor intensity.

2. How can I make the cake healthier?
You can replace the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and use whole wheat flour instead of white flour.

3. What other fruits can I use instead of strawberries?
Raspberries, blueberries, or peaches are excellent options that pair well with the yogurt cream.

I encourage you to try this chocolate cake with yogurt cream and strawberries, share the result with your loved ones, and enjoy every delicious slice! Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, and the memories created around this cake will surely remain in the hearts of those who savor it. Enjoy!