Chocolate honey cake with black currants

Ingredients

Cake layers

350 grams (12.35 ounces) flour
50 grams (1.76 ounces) cocoa
100 grams (3.53 ounces) butter
50 milliliters (1.7 ounces) milk
100 grams (3.53 ounces) honey
100 grams (3.53 ounces) sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 medium eggs

Cream

600 grams (21.16 ounces) cream cheese
600 milliliters (20.29 ounces) cold cream (33% fat)
100 grams (3.53 ounces) bitter chocolate
50 milliliters (1.7 ounces) hot cream (33% fat)
80 grams (2.82 ounces) condensed milk

Filling

200 grams (7.05 ounces) black currants
80 grams (2.82 ounces) sugar
10 grams (0.35 ounces) starch

Equipment

Mixing Bowls
Choose large, sturdy bowls for easy mixing. Glass or metal are best.
Electric Mixer
A stand mixer or hand mixer will save you time and ensure your cream turns out perfectly fluffy.
Rolling Pin
This is essential to roll out the dough evenly. Dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Baking Sheets
Non-stick sheets or lined with parchment paper will prevent the cake layers from sticking.
Cooling Rack
Use this to cool your cake layers evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Combine the sugar, honey, butter, and milk in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat until all the ingredients dissolve and combine smoothly. Don't boil the mixture; keep the heat gentle to avoid burning the sugar or milk.

Step 2

2. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the baking soda, and stir vigorously. The mixture will foam and increase in volume significantly. Allow it to cool slightly. Make sure the mixture cools down to prevent scrambling the eggs when you add them.

Step 3

3. Add the whipped eggs to the cooled mixture. Gradually incorporate all the dry ingredients and knead the dough until smooth. Don't over-knead the dough; just mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4

4. Refrigerate the dough for about 20 minutes. Divide the dough into 10 equal parts, then roll each one in flour and roll out into circles about 20 cm (7.87 inches) in diameter. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes. Preheat your oven before you start baking the layers for even cooking.

Step 5

5. For the cream, pour hot cream over the chopped bitter chocolate and stir until completely melted and smooth. Refrigerate the ganache for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally while the ganache is cooling to ensure it remains smooth.

Step 6

6. In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled ganache, cream cheese, cold cream, and condensed milk. Whip at high speed until the cream is fluffy and well combined. Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help the cream whip up faster and stay stable longer.

Step 7

7. To make the filling, combine the black currants and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Dilute the starch in a little water, then stir it into the currant mixture. Cook until thickened. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming from the starch.

Step 8

8. Assemble the cake by layering as follows: cake layer, cream, cake layer, cream, currant filling, cake layer, cream, and so on. Add the filling according to your taste. Place the cake in the fridge overnight to let the flavors meld together.

Servings

Are you ready to serve this divine creation? 🥳 Whether it's for a special occasion or an ordinary day made extraordinary, here's how you can elevate your Honey Cake experience! 🍯 Everyday Delight: Pair your Honey Cake with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. The contrast between the rich flavors and the soothing beverage makes for a comforting combo. Party Perfection: This cake steals the spotlight on any dessert table. 🍰 Decorate with fresh berries and mint leaves for an extra pop of color and flavor. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and dinner parties! Kid-Friendly: Kids love the mix of creamy and fruity flavors. 🤩 Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat. Fancy Soirée: Pair with a glass of sweet dessert wine or bubbly champagne. 🥂 The complex honey undertones and the rich cream cheese create a luxurious finish to any sophisticated meal.

Variations

Want to enjoy this amazing dessert but need a gluten-free or vegan option? 🍰🔄 Gluten-Free Variation: Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure to check that the blend includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to maintain that perfect cake texture. Vegan Variation: Replace butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk 🌿. Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream in place of dairy-based cream cheese and cream. With these simple tweaks, everyone can enjoy a slice (or two) of this indulgent treat! 🌟

Faq

Why is my dough too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour while kneading. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the dough tough.
Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil.
How do I prevent my cream from becoming runny?
Ensure your cream cheese and cream are cold before whipping them together. This helps maintain the right texture.
How can I achieve even cake layers?
Weigh your dough equally before rolling it out to ensure each layer has the same thickness and bakes evenly.
Can I substitute black currants with other fruits?
Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even cherries. Adjust the sugar amount based on the tartness of the fruit.
How long can the assembled cake be stored?
The assembled cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s covered well to prevent it from drying out.