Chocolate layer cake with berry jam

Ingredients

Cake Layers

170 grams (6 ounces) butter
100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
300 grams (10.5 ounces) flour
1 egg
30 grams (1 ounce) cocoa
7 grams (0.25 ounces) baking powder
pinch of salt

The Cream

300 grams (10.5 ounces) sour cream
120 grams (4.2 ounces) sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
15 grams (0.53 ounces) vanilla sugar
20 grams (0.7 ounces) cornstarch
180 grams (6.3 ounces) cottage cheese
150 grams (5.3 ounces) mascarpone
200 grams (7 ounces) thick sour jam

Frosting

80 grams (2.8 ounces) mascarpone
120 grams (4.2 ounces) cottage cheese
40 grams (1.4 ounces) powdered sugar
50 grams (1.75 ounces) whipping cream
10 grams (0.35 ounces) cocoa

Equipment

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
Helps to achieve a smooth cream and properly mixed dough. Ensure it's powerful enough to handle thick batters.
Blender or Food Processor
Essential for mashing cottage cheese smoothly. Consider a high-speed option for best results.
Rolling Pin
Needed for rolling out the dough to the correct thickness. A non-stick rolling pin can be especially handy.
16cm Ring Mold or Plate Template
Helpful for cutting the dough into uniform cake layers. Accuracy counts for an even construction!
Baking Sheets & Parchment Paper
Protects your cake layers and ensures they bake evenly. Parchment also makes cleanup a breeze.
Cling Film
Used for covering the cream as it cools to prevent a skin from forming. Make sure it directly touches the surface of the cream.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Step 2

2. Combine softened butter, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for a more even texture.

Step 3

3. Add the egg to the mixture and continue beating until fully incorporated.

Step 4

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, kneading quickly until a soft dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky. You might not need all the flour; add it gradually and check the consistency.

Step 6

6. Divide the dough into 7-8 equal parts and refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.

Step 7

7. Roll out each portion of dough and cut into rings with a diameter of 16 cm (6 inches).

Step 8

8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake each cake layer for 10-12 minutes.

Step 9

9. Allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling. This prevents the cream from melting when you layer the cakes.

Step 10

10. For the cream: In a saucepan, combine sour cream, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, egg yolk, and cornstarch. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid lumps.

Step 11

11. Remove from heat, cover with cling film, and let cool completely.

Step 12

12. Using a blender, mash the cottage cheese until smooth, or pass it through a sieve.

Step 13

13. Combine the cooled custard base, cottage cheese, and mascarpone. Beat with a mixer until well combined and smooth.

Step 14

14. To prepare the frosting, blend the cottage cheese with a blender for a smooth texture.

Step 15

15. Combine mascarpone, blended cottage cheese, powdered sugar, whipping cream, and cocoa. Whip with a mixer until uniform.

Step 16

16. To assemble the cake: Grease each cooled cake layer with the cream mixture. Optionally, divide the cream into 7 equal parts for consistency. This helps you get even layers and a neater presentation.

Step 17

17. Apply a thin layer of sour jam on top of each cream layer, leaving a small margin around the edges.

Step 18

18. Cover the entire cake with the prepared frosting.

Step 19

19. Optionally, decorate the top as desired. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving for best flavor and texture. Refrigerating helps the cake set and flavors to meld together.

Servings

Imagine slicing into this delightful pastry and revealing the stunning layers of cream, jam, and cake. When it comes to serving this masterpiece, the possibilities are endless! 🎉 **For a festive feel**, try garnishing the top with fresh berries and mint leaves – it's not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too! 🍓🌿 **If you’re hosting a brunch**, pair slices with a fresh fruit salad and a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt on the side. It's luxurious yet light enough not to overshadow the main event. 🍇🍓🥭 **For an evening affair**, this pastry is perfectly accompanied by a cup of hot espresso or a glass of dessert wine. The robust flavors complement the rich, creamy texture beautifully. ☕🍷 **A creative tip**: Use this pastry as the centerpiece for a dessert table. Surround it with assorted pastries, mini cheesecakes, and macarons for a visually stunning and mouth-watering display. 🍬🍰 No matter how you slice it, this pastry is sure to wow your guests and make every occasion extra special! 💖

Variations

Craving this dreamy dessert but need a **gluten-free** or **vegan** version? No problem! 🌱 **For a gluten-free option**, substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend – make sure it includes xanthan gum for stability. As for the baking powder, double-check it's gluten-free (most are, but it never hurts to be sure). 🍰 **Going vegan?** Swap the butter for vegan margarine, and use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Replace the sour cream and mascarpone with their vegan counterparts, which are widely available in most grocery stores today. 🥥 Don't let dietary preferences hold you back from enjoying this wonderful pastry! 🌟

Faq

Why do all the ingredients need to be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend more efficiently, yielding a smoother batter and cream, which improves the bake and texture.
How can I prevent the dough from sticking when I roll it out?
Use extra flour on your work surface and rolling pin. Also, consider chilling the dough slightly if it becomes too sticky.
What is the secret to a smooth frosting?
Make sure your mascarpone and cottage cheese are well combined and at room temperature, and whip them until completely smooth and creamy.
How do I ensure the cake layers bake evenly?
Make sure the dough layers are rolled out to an even thickness and bake them on the middle rack of your oven for consistent heat distribution.
Can I prepare the cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cream a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick mix before using.
How do I get a perfectly smooth cake finish?
Use a cake scraper or offset spatula dipped in hot water to smooth the frosting. Wipe the tool clean between each swipe for the best results.