Berry Chocolate Cake is my go-to dessert for warm sunny days. This recipe balances decadent sweetness with natural fruitiness perfectly. It makes summer gatherings even more special.
Contents
Berry chocolate cake recipe
Berry Chocolate Cake combines rich chocolate flavors with the sweetness of berries. This berry-filled chocolate cake is one of the best chocolate desserts I’ve made.
I used dark chocolate and cocoa powder in the batter. This creates a rich, dark, and not overly sweet base. I added a mix of caster sugar and muscovado sugar. It provides depth and makes it a more sophisticated treat suitable for adults.
The filling is made with creme fraiche and double cream. It balances the darkness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the berries. The combination ensures a smooth and refined taste. This means the chocolate berry cake must be refrigerated to prevent the cream from spoiling.
I opted for chocolate ganache for the topping. It offers a luxurious and less sweet alternative to traditional chocolate icing. Leftover ganache can be used to make chocolate truffles. Here is how to make chocolate berry cake:
Summer Berry Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 200 g butter
- 100 g caster sugar
- 80 g dark muscovado sugar
- 225 g self-raising flour I used a gluten-free blend
- 50 g dark cocoa
- 50 g good-quality dark chocolate
- 3 eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
For the filling
- 100 ml creme fraiche
- 80 ml double cream
- 200 g strawberries
- 80 g blueberries
- 80 g blackcurrants
For the Topping
- 100 g good-quality dark chocolate
- 100 ml double cream
- A few berries to decorate.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180oC and line a 9-10 inch cake tin.
- Melt the dark chocolate over a bain-marie.
- To make the cake, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, with a little flour to prevent the mixture from curdling.
- Sieve in the flour and cocoa and fold in, then add the melted chocolate and milk and stir lightly to combine everything.
- Pour into the prepared tin and bake for about 40 mins, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5 mins, then turn it out on a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the filling, whisk together the creme fraiche and double cream until stiff.
- Cut the cake into halves and spread one half with the cream, then cover completely with the chopped strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants. Put the top half back on.
- To make the ganache, melt the rest of the dark chocolate over a bain marie, then stir in the rest of the double cream until warmed through. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Spread the ganache over the top of the cake, then decorate with the remaining fruit. Sprinkle the fruit with a little icing sugar.
- Serve the same day, or keep in the fridge for a couple of days.
Notes
Nutrition
SIMILAR RECIPES
Pairing suggestions
Here are some excellent drink options to pair with the berry chocolate cake:
- Cocktails:
- Irish coffee is a rich option.
- Espresso Martini combines coffee, vodka, and liqueur. This cocktail enhances chocolate flavors.
- French 75 contrasts with cake sweetness. It adds a bubbly element.
- Maraschino Cherry Manhattan pairs with chocolate desserts. This cocktail enhances chocolate and berry flavors.
- Whisky Hot Chocolate complements cake’s richness and tartness.
- Liqueurs:
- Chocolate liqueurs are a great pairing.
- Grand Marnier adds an orange note.
- Non-Alcoholic Options:
- Freshly brewed coffee contrasts with cake richness.
- Milk complements chocolate desserts.
- Espresso pairs well with chocolate desserts.
- Dessert Wines:
- Sweet wines include Madeira, Port, Muscat, and Riesling.
- These wines balance cake sweetness and provide refreshing acidity.
- Acidity prevents cloying flavors.
- Red Wine:
- Light red wines complement the berry elements in the cake.
- Options include Pinot Noir and fruity Zinfandel.
Variations
Berry chocolate cake variations offer a delightful combination of rich chocolate flavors and the freshness of berries. Here are some popular variations:
- Berry Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting features an eggless chocolate base layered with cream cheese frosting and fresh berries. The frosting adds a cheesecake-like flavor to the moist, chocolaty cake.
- Chocolate Cake with Mixed Berry and Cream Cheese Filling contains five layers with mixed berry and cream cheese fillings. It is topped with chocolate ganache and fresh strawberries for a decadent finish.
- Dark Chocolate Cake with Berries & Coconut Cream pairs dark chocolate layers with mixed fresh berries and whipped coconut cream. The combination offers a lighter yet indulgent dessert option.
- Healthy Chocolate Berry Cake features a moist texture with rich chocolate flavor and lower saturated fat. Applesauce replaces traditional fat sources and fresh or frozen berries add natural sweetness.
- Easy Melt-and-Mix Chocolate Berry Cake combines melted chocolate bits and berries directly into the batter. The cake is quick to prepare and ideal for casual gatherings.