This homemade chocolate dessert with a rich, creamy filling is sure to bring joy to you and your loved ones. It’s simple to make and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for both adults and children. Follow along with this recipe to create a dessert that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 70 g (2.46 oz) sugar
- 70 g (2.46 oz) flour
- 30 g (1 oz) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Butter (for greasing the pan)
For the Cream Filling:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 80 g (2.8 oz) condensed milk
- 100 g (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese
- 150 ml (5.3 fl oz) whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) strawberries, sliced
- 100 g (3.5 oz) chocolate, melted
- Some warm cream (for mixing with the melted chocolate)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round or rectangular cake pan with butter and set aside.
- Beat the eggs and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs with 70 g of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together 70 g of flour, 30 g of cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, gently folding them together until fully combined and smooth.
- Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling
- Whip the cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whip 150 ml of whipping cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix the condensed milk and ricotta:
- In another bowl, combine 80 g of condensed milk with 100 g of ricotta cheese. Stir in the juice of 1 lemonfor a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Combine the cream and ricotta mixture:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the ricotta mixture until smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the filling light and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
- Slice the cake:
- If using a round cake, slice it horizontally into two layers. If using a rectangular cake, you can leave it whole or slice it in half depending on the desired presentation.
- Spread the cream filling:
- Spread a generous layer of the cream filling over the bottom layer of the cake. If you sliced the cake horizontally, place the second layer on top and spread more cream over the top and sides. If you’re keeping the cake whole, just spread the cream on top.
- Add the fruit:
- Arrange slices of banana and strawberries over the cream layer. Press them gently into the cream to ensure they stick.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt 100 g of chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Mix with warm cream:
- Stir in a small amount of warm cream into the melted chocolate to create a smooth, pourable chocolate sauce.
- Drizzle the chocolate:
- Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the top of the assembled cake, letting it cascade over the sides for an elegant finish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Chill the dessert:
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the cream to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve it chilled. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, fresh fruit, and rich chocolate topping will delight everyone who tries it!
Cook’s Notes
- Fruit: Feel free to use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or kiwi for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate: You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate depending on your preference.
- Whipping Cream: Make sure the cream is cold before whipping to achieve the best results.
Variations
Nutty Chocolate Delight
Add chopped nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts to the cream filling or sprinkle them over the chocolate topping for added crunch and flavor.
Coconut Chocolate Cake
Add a layer of shredded coconut between the cream and fruit layers for a tropical twist.
Coffee-Infused Chocolate Cake
Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee to the cake batter for a mocha flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and cream.
Caramel Drizzle
Instead of or in addition to the chocolate topping, drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cream cheese for a richer filling.
4. What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can use lime juice or even orange juice as a substitute, or omit it for a purely sweet cream filling.
5. Can I freeze this cake?
While the cake itself can be frozen, it’s best to freeze it without the cream and fruit layers. Assemble the dessert after thawing the cake for the freshest taste.
This homemade chocolate dessert with a creamy filling and fresh fruit is a perfect treat for any occasion. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it with family, this dessert will bring joy and satisfaction to everyone who tries it. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious creation
