Chocolate Fruit Cake Delight

This chocolate fruit cake is a delightful blend of rich chocolate and succulent dried fruits, offering a moist and flavorful experience. The combination of raisins, dried plums, and a hint of rum or lemon juice creates a sophisticated and indulgent taste. With the addition of grated zucchini, the cake remains tender and light, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The cake is enhanced by a mixture of yogurt and semolina, which provides a unique texture and depth to the flavor profile. This cake is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for several variations and serving suggestions. It's a dessert that will impress both chocolate lovers and those seeking a fruity, satisfying treat. Ideal for celebrations, this cake pairs well with coffee or tea. Enjoy the delightful harmony of chocolate and fruit in every bite!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 70 g raisins
• 70 g dried plums
• 1 tbsp rum, cognac, or whiskey (or 2 tbsp lemon juice if not using alcohol)
• 1/2 cup semolina
• 1/2 cup yogurt (or sour cream or kefir)
• 250-300 g zucchini
• 100 g butter
• 50 g dark chocolate
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 small eggs
• 1/2 - 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 pack of fresh cheese (like 'Kārums')
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp baking soda or 2 tsp baking powder

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruits: Soak the raisins and dried plums in rum (or lemon juice, if preferred) and set aside to marinate.

2. Semolina Mixture: Combine the semolina with yogurt and let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the semolina to swell.

3. Grate the Zucchini: Use a fine grater to shred the zucchini. This will add moisture and a subtle flavor to the cake.

4. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a small pan, melt the butter and chocolate together over low heat. Allow to cool once melted.

5. Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. This can help provide the cake with volume and lightness.

6. Cheese Integration: Add the fresh cheese to the egg mixture and beat again until smooth.

7. Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooled butter-chocolate mixture and the semolina mixture into the egg mixture. Make sure everything is thoroughly combined.

8. Add Zucchini and Fruits: Mix in the grated zucchini, and then incorporate the soaked raisins and plums. These add flavor and a delightful chewiness.

9. Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the flour mixed with baking powder. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix which may make the cake tough.

10. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a baking dish to ensure the cake doesn’t stick once baked.

11. Pour the Batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.

12. Baking: Preheat the oven to approximately 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

13. Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the baking pan to room temperature. This helps prevent it from breaking apart.

14. Decorate (Optional): If desired, dust the top with powdered sugar for added sweetness and decor.

Tips

• Zucchini: Ensure the zucchini is finely grated to avoid chunks in the cake.
• Flavor Variations: You can replace raisins with cranberries for a tart twist.
• Baking Time: Adjust the baking time based on your oven, checking the cake with a toothpick around 35 minutes.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Vegan: Use a plant-based yogurt and egg replacers.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair With: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Best Places

• The Chocolate Room - A luxurious chocolate café known for its wide variety of chocolate desserts. Location: 203 Westbourne Grove, London, UK.
• Fruity Delight - A cozy café offering an array of fruit-based desserts. Location: 195 Newbury St, Boston, USA.
• Dessert House - Famous for its fusion of fruit and chocolate in unique dessert offerings. Location: 10 Nguyễn Huệ, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
• Sweet Treats Café - Offers a delightful menu of chocolate and fruit cakes. Location: 50 King St, Melbourne, Australia.
• Coco's Delight - Known for chocolate cakes paired with exotic fruit flavors. Location: 156 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Fruit & Chocolate Bar - A trendy spot for creative desserts. Location: Vltavská, Prague, Czech Republic.
• Heavenly Bites - A dessert bar known for its innovative recipes blending chocolate and fruits. Location: 107 Kanala St, Tokyo, Japan.
• The Fruit Basket Cafe - Known for fresh, fruity delights. Location: 32 Transport Rd, Singapore City, Singapore.
• Gourmet Delight - Offers an elegant dining experience with various dessert options. Location: N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, USA.
• ChocoFusion - Known for bold flavor combinations in a chic setting. Location: 15 Stari Grad, Belgrade, Serbia.