Chocolate Cake with Fruit Recipe

 Chocolate Cake with Fruit Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup cocoa powder (50% cocoa or chocolate powder, depending on desired intensity)

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the frosting and filling:

200g melted semisweet chocolate

1 small carton (200g) heavy cream

1 cup chopped fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, kiwis, mangoes, or raspberries, for example)

1/2 cup fruit jam (flavor to match the chosen fruit, such as strawberries or berries)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and flour a round cake pan (22-24 cm in diameter) with butter and flour, or line it with parchment paper.

Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the oil, milk, and vanilla extract (if using), mixing well.

Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk until smooth.

Finally, add the baking powder and mix lightly.

Bake the cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely before unmolding.

Prepare the frosting:

Melt the semisweet chocolate (in a double boiler or in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, stirring well).

Stir the cream into the melted chocolate until a smooth, glossy ganache forms. Set aside.

Assembly:

If you'd like to use a filling, cut the cake in half horizontally. Spread a layer of fruit jam and add a handful of chopped fresh fruit.

Close the cake and cover the surface with the chocolate ganache.

Decorate the top with fresh fruit, distributing it evenly. You can add a touch of chocolate shavings or basil leaves for a sophisticated look.

Serve:

Serve the cake at room temperature or chilled, as preferred. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.