This recipe takes you through the delightful creation of a decadent cocoa cake layered with a creamy cheese filling, perfectly balanced with a touch of vanilla and a raspberry jam surprise in the middle. The cake is topped off with a luscious milk chocolate glaze, making it a rich and irresistible dessert.
Why You'll Love This: If you're a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts with a twist, this cake is for you! The combination of moist cocoa cake and smooth, creamy cheese filling offers a delightful texture contrast. The subtle hints of vanilla and the sweetness of raspberry jam provide an exquisite flavor complexity that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for any celebration, whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a special family gathering. Its elegant presentation and sophisticated flavors make it a showstopper at any dinner party or festive occasion. It’s also a comforting treat to brighten a regular weekend at home.
Decoration Tips: To beautifully decorate this cake, start by ensuring the chocolate glaze is smooth and glossy. Drizzle it over the cake for a professional finish. Scatter fresh raspberries on top for a burst of color and a nod to the raspberry jam inside. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or edible gold leaf can add an extra touch of glamour. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Cocoa Cake Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 60g butter
- 70g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 80g all-purpose flour
Cheese Filling Ingredients:
- 500g cream cheese
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding mix
- 2 eggs
- 60g sugar
- 50ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- Raspberry jam (for layering)
Chocolate Glaze:
- Milk chocolate, melted with a bit of heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a small loaf pan (approximately 21x12 cm) with parchment paper.
- For the Cocoa Cake: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder, and fold into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Spread most of the cocoa batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- For the Cheese Filling: Blend cream cheese, vanilla pudding mix, eggs, sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour over the cocoa layer in the pan. Dot with teaspoons of raspberry jam, then cover with the remaining cocoa batter. Use a skewer to swirl the top layer gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before glazing.
- For the Glaze: Melt milk chocolate with a little heavy cream and pour over the cooled cake. Allow setting before slicing.
Enjoy! This cocoa cake with creamy cheese filling is not only a treat to your taste buds but also a delightful visual treat that promises to steal the show at any gathering.