Chocolate Layer Cake for Celebrations

This chocolate layer cake is an indulgent treat designed for special gatherings and festive occasions. The rich blend of chocolate, mascarpone cheese, and apricots creates a symphony of flavors that make each bite unforgettable. The cake layers, infused with dark chocolate, are moist and perfectly complement the creamy apricot filling. A delicate chocolate glaze envelops the entire cake, adding an elegant finish. What makes this dessert stand out is its balanced sweetness, ensuring it satisfies without overwhelming the palate. Garnished with fresh or frozen fruits, this cake is as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or some other special event, this chocolate cake promises to be the star of the show. It's a recipe that captures the essence of celebration and the joy of sharing something homemade and heartfelt. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this masterpiece that tastes just as good as it looks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 375g flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 180g chocolate (50% cocoa content)
• 180g butter
• 150g dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp rum extract
• 3 large eggs
• 125ml plain yogurt

Filling

• 1 packet dried apricots
• 1 kg mascarpone cheese
• 200 ml sweet cream
• Sour jam

Glaze

• 45g butter
• 6 tbsp cocoa powder
• 6 tbsp sugar
• 7 tbsp milk (or 10% sweet cream)

Decoration

• Fruits (or any decoration of choice)

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 240 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Melt the chocolate over a hot water bath, ensuring it's smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
4. Cream the butter and dark brown sugar in a large bowl using a mixer until light and fluffy.
5. Add vanilla and rum extracts, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Slowly mix in the melted chocolate until well combined.
7. Fold in the yogurt and then gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
8. Divide the batter into four equal parts. Bake each layer for approximately 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake layers cool completely on a wire rack.
10. For the filling, rinse the apricots with hot water, pat them dry, and chop into small pieces.
11. Beat the mascarpone cheese with sweet cream until a creamy consistency is reached. Set aside one-third of this mixture.
12. To the remaining mixture, add the apricot pieces and mix.
13. For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, add cocoa powder and sugar, then stir in milk until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
14. Assemble the cake by spreading a thick layer of apricot cream on one cake layer.
15. Add the next layer and spread a thick coating of sour jam.
16. Spread half of the reserved mascarpone cream (without apricots) over the jam layer.
17. Continue layering, adding apricot cream on the next layer and repeating until all layers are stacked.
18. Coat the sides of the cake with the remaining mascarpone cream for a smooth finish.
19. Pour the chocolate glaze over the entire cake and let it set, ensuring it remains creamy.
20. Decorate with fruits or any other preferred decorations before serving. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.

Tips

• For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using a higher cocoa content chocolate.
• If fresh apricots are unavailable, dried apricots soaked in warm water work well.
• For a vegan variant, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 450 per slice (based on 12 slices)
• Protein: 7g
• Fats: 30g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• For a nutty texture, add chopped nuts into the mascarpone cream.
• Substitute flour with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve alongside a glass of sweet dessert wine or coffee for a perfect complement.

Best Places

1. The Chocolate Room - A cozy spot known for its exquisite chocolate desserts. Location: 86 5th Avenue, New York City, USA.
2. Max Brenner - Famous for its chocolate-based creations. Location: 15 Ermou Street, Athens, Greece.
3. Pasticceria Marchesi - Renowned for its classic Italian pastries. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta, 11/a, Milan, Italy.
4. Angelina Paris - Offers a refined and elegant atmosphere. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
5. Häagen-Dazs Café - Known for its luxurious ice creams and desserts. Location: Shibuya Marui, Tokyo, Japan.
6. Demel - A historical café with classic Viennese desserts. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
7. Bottega Louie - Offers a vibrant dining experience. Location: 700 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, USA.
8. Konditorei Oberlaa - Famous for its handcrafted sweets. Location: Neuer Markt 16, Vienna, Austria.
9. Pierre Hermé - Known for exceptional pastries. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
10. Fika - A Swedish café that serves traditional pastries. Location: 824 10th Avenue, New York City, USA.