Description
A rich chocolate fruit cake layered with silky chocolate ganache and topped with fresh berries, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup hot coffee or water
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 8 oz dark chocolate
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 kiwis, sliced
- 2 peaches, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup chocolate shavings
- Dark chocolate decorations
- Chocolate pearls
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
- Add the eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, then gradually stir in the hot coffee or water to achieve a well-blended batter.
- Divide the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. You can check if the cakes are done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans for approximately 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the cold heavy cream in another bowl until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the chocolate cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving board. Spread a generous amount of the chocolate cream filling over it, then top with the second layer.
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts steaming but not boiling, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate, add the butter, and stir until smooth. Allow it to cool until slightly thickened.
- Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula if necessary to smooth it out evenly across the top and sides.
- Press chocolate shavings around the sides of the cake, and decorate the top with the fresh strawberries, kiwi slices, peach slices, blueberries, and optional chocolate decorations and mint leaves.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve chilled, and enjoy the symphony of flavors!
Notes
Best served chilled for enhanced flavor. Can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, fruit cake, ganache, dessert, celebration cake