This exquisite cocoa cake combines the rich, deep flavors of dark cocoa with a luscious milk chocolate cream filling, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. The base is moist and flavorful, soaked in a light milk syrup that ensures every bite is infused with sweetness, leading up to the creamy and decadent milk chocolate cream. Topped with fresh berries and almond shavings, this cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why You'll Love This: The combination of cocoa and milk chocolate offers a perfect balance between richness and sweetness, making this cake an ideal treat for chocolate lovers. The addition of fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness, while the almond shavings provide a delightful crunch. It's a well-rounded dessert that's sure to satisfy both chocolate aficionados and fruit dessert fans alike.
Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebratory event where you want to impress your guests. It's also suitable for holiday gatherings where a luxurious and eye-catching dessert is desired. The elegant presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner party.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the visual appeal, arrange fresh blueberries and raspberries on top of the cake in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle with almond shavings for an added texture and visual contrast. If available, a drizzle of clear gelatin glaze (tortagel) can add a glossy finish that makes the fruits pop and keeps them fresh.
Ingredients:
- For the Base:
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 90 grams of sugar
- 100 grams of melted butter
- Vanilla extract, to taste
- 180 grams of all-purpose flour
- 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- 100 ml of whole milk
- For the Soak:
- 70 ml of milk
- Granulated sugar, to taste
- For the Filling:
- 150 ml of fresh cream
- 200 grams of milk chocolate
- 3 grams of gelatin sheets
- For Decoration:
- Blueberries, raspberries, almond shavings, and clear gelatin glaze (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Base:
- Whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter until creamy. Gradually mix in sifted flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder alternately with milk until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prepare the Soak:
- Heat the milk and dissolve some granulated sugar in it to taste. Once the cake is slightly cooled, brush this sweet milk over the cake to moisten it.
- Make the Filling:
- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water until soft. Melt the milk chocolate in a double boiler. Warm the fresh cream in a pan and dissolve the softened gelatin in it. Mix the gelatin-cream mixture with the melted chocolate and stir until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate cream over the soaked cake base and refrigerate for at least an hour to set.
- Decorate and Serve:
- Once set, decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries and almond shavings. If using, glaze with clear gelatin for a professional finish.
Enjoy this delectable creation that promises a rich taste experience and an elegant presentation for any special occasion!