Chocolate Cranberry Cake

The Chocolate Cranberry Cake is an indulgent dessert that combines the rich taste of dark chocolate with the tartness of cranberries. Imagine biting into a moist cake that perfectly balances sweetness and bitterness, enhanced by the smoothness of butter and the distinct flavor of honey. As you take a closer look, the cake's decoration stands out, with a glossy layer of marmalade and a crunchy touch from assorted nuts. Ideal for festive occasions, this cake can add a touch of elegance to any gathering. The preparation is straightforward, using basic ingredients, yet the result is impressively sophisticated. The process invites you to melt chocolate and butter together for a silky base, while whipped egg whites add volume and lightness to the batter. Dusted with powdered sugar, it presents an aesthetically pleasing finish. Not only does this dessert taste divine, but it's also a wonderful way to surprise guests or simply to treat yourself after a long day. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 30 g flour
• 60 g granulated sugar
• 85 g butter
• 3 large eggs
• 140 g dark chocolate

Spices and Sauces

• Honey, for glazing
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Decorations

• Frozen or fresh cranberries
• Marmalade and assorted nuts (optional), for decoration

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes (including prep and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Add the butter and set the bowl over a pot of hot water, stirring until both ingredients are fully melted and combined.

2. Cool Mixture: Remove the bowl from the heat and allow the chocolate-butter mixture to cool for about 10 minutes to prevent curdling when adding eggs.

3. Prepare Eggs: Separate the egg yolks from the whites.

4. Mix Yolks: Add the yolks to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, sift in the flour, and mix until a smooth batter forms.

5. Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.

6. Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture, ensuring the volume is maintained.

7. Prepare Baking Pan: Grease a bundt pan with butter, focusing on the center hole to help maintain the cake's shape.

8. Pour the Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and bake the cake for approximately 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan after removing it from the oven to maintain its structure.

11. Decorate: Once cooled, glaze the cake with honey or dust it with powdered sugar and decorate with cranberries, marmalade, and nuts for added texture.

12. Serve: Slice with a sharp knife and serve to enjoy its lush texture.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free alternative.
• Techniques: Ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks to provide the cake with the right structure.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 4 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g

Variations

• Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts in the decoration to make it suitable for those with nut allergies.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the cake with fresh cream or ice cream for added richness.
• Serve alongside a fresh fruit platter to balance the flavors with a refreshing touch.

Best Places

• La Maison du Chocolat - Renowned for its exquisite chocolates and pastries. Location: 225 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris, France.
• Café Demel - Famous for its classic Viennese cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Choccywoccydoodah - Known for its theatrical cake displays. Location: 3 Meeting House Ln, Brighton, UK.
• Sundae School Ice Cream - A creative spot for unique desserts. Location: 381 Lower County Rd, Dennis Port, USA.
• Tartine Bakery - Famous for its artisanal bread and sweets. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
• Pump Room Restaurant - Offers rich and decadent desserts. Location: The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath, England.
• Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki - A fusion of Japanese and French pastry techniques. Location: 35 rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
• Konditorei Oberlaa - Known for exquisite sweets and pastries. Location: 1010 Neuer Markt 16, Vienna, Austria.
• Max Brenner - A loved destination for chocolate lovers. Location: 841 Broadway, New York, USA.
• The Chocolate Room - Provides a cozy ambiance for chocolate indulgence. Location: 269 5th Ave, Brooklyn, USA.