Chocolate and Beer Cake Delight

This Chocolate and Beer Cake is a divine treat perfect for anyone looking for a unique and delightful dessert. The combination of rich cocoa and smooth beer forms the base of a moist and flavorful cake. With layers of decadent cocoa cream and a hint of citrus syrup, each bite delivers a symphony of flavors. This cake is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with something out of the ordinary. The recipe includes simple baking techniques that can be a fun challenge for both novice and experienced bakers. You can enjoy this cake with your favorite afternoon tea or as a luxurious dessert after dinner. Moreover, its stunning presentation is sure to catch the eye of anyone who walks by. The flexibility in variations allows you to tailor the cake to your preferences. Garnishing with a touch of creativity makes it even more appealing, becoming the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 ml beer (Tērvetes)
250 g butter
75 g cocoa
400 g sugar
142 ml sour cream
2 eggs
275 g flour
1 tsp vanilla sugar
2 tsp baking soda

Cocoa Cream

1 pack cream cheese (Rasa)
300 g whipping cream
3 tbsp cocoa
A few tablespoons hot water
Sugar to taste

Citrus Syrup

1/2 lemon juice
Brown sugar

Preparation Time

Total time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by warming the beer with butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Stir in the cocoa and sugar until combined into a smooth mixture. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
Beat the eggs with the sour cream and vanilla sugar in a mixing bowl until well blended.
Integrate the cooled cocoa mixture with the egg mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Sift the flour and baking soda into the chocolate mixture, blending thoroughly with a mixer.
Pour the batter into a baking tin lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for approximately 50 minutes.
Once baked, let the sponge cake cool down. It’s normal for it to rise and brown slightly, so consider wrapping the tin’s edges in foil for more even baking.
Cut the cooled sponge into two or three layers, depending on preference. Trim any overly browned tops and save the crumbs.
Prepare a citrus syrup by combining water, lemon juice, and brown sugar. This will contrast nicely with the cake's rich chocolate flavors.
Whip room temperature cream cheese with sugar. In another bowl, mix cocoa powder with hot water to make a paste and combine it with the cream cheese mixture.
Whip the heavy cream and fold it into the cocoa-cream cheese mixture.
Cut and use any browned dome from the cake to form an additional layer when assembling.
Brush each cake layer with citrus syrup, ensuring moistness. Moisten the top layer on the underside.
Assemble the cake by layering the sponge, then a portion of the cocoa cream, followed by the crumbled layer coated with cream, and finishing with the remaining sponge layer.
The cake may exhibit gaps between layers. Fill them by mixing a few spoonfuls of cream with cake crumbs.
Spread this mixture over the sides to create a seamless finish.
Cover the cake entirely with the remaining cream.
Decorate creatively using crumbs, chocolate shavings, or fruit slices for a simple flair.
For a more sophisticated look, try glazing the top with a neutral glaze made from sugar syrup, sea buckthorn juice, and gelatin.
For the finishing touch, add any desired decorative elements like chocolate or fruit slices.
Refrigerate the cake to set the flavors before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends!

Tips

Butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better blending.
Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer taste.
For a smoother texture, sift all dry ingredients before mixing.

Nutritions

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 6g
Fats: 25g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

Substitute the beer with coffee for a non-alcoholic version.
Add a layer of fruit jam for a fruity spin.
Use gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers.
Serve with a frothy cappuccino or black tea.

Best Places

Patinoire Royale - Cake Kokkelerie - A chic patisserie known for unique flavor combinations. Location: Contemporary Art Center, Brussels, Belgium.
Café Sacher - Famous for its classic chocolate cakes, providing indulgence with an authentic flair. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, Vienna, Austria.
Hummingbird Bakery - Delightful spot for rich cakes and vibrant frostings. Location: 133 Portobello Rd, London, UK.
Magnolia Bakery - Offers a scrumptious array of cake options with a cozy atmosphere. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
Black Star Pastry - Known for their inventive cakes and luxurious textures. Location: 276 Regent St, Sydney, Australia.
The Cake Shop - Provides an array of satisfying confections and comforting spaces. Location: 12, Haidian Map, Shanghai, China.
Ladurée - Famed for both its social setting and delectable offerings. Location: 16-18, rue Royale, Paris, France.
Pastéis de Belém - Renowned for its pastries and cakes with a unique heritage touch. Location: Rua de Belém nº 84 a 92, Lisbon, Portugal.
Princi - Blends traditional Italian baking with innovative flavors. Location: 135 Wardour St, London, UK.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers exquisite Italian cake craftsmanship. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.