Specula’s Cake with Cherries: A Delicious and Juicy Treat
The Speculoos cake with cherries is a dessert that combines the rich flavors of Speculoos cookies, chocolate, and cherries for a heavenly taste. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. It’s also relatively simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. With a few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a cake that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Speculoos cake with cherries:
For the chocolate base:
- 3 eggs
- 225 grams of sugar (approximately 1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground vanilla
- 4 tablespoons of baking cocoa (about 24 grams)
- 270 milliliters of milk (approximately 1 1/8 cups)
- 1 pack of baking powder
- 270 grams of flour (approximately 2 1/8 cups)
- 180 grams of soft butter (about 3/4 cup)
For the filling:
- 2 glasses of sour cherries (the size of the glasses may vary, so use a standard can of sour cherries, approximately 24 ounces or 680 grams)
- 2 packs of vanilla pudding powder
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (about 25 grams)
- 250 grams of mascarpone cheese (approximately 1 cup)
- 400 grams of whipped cream (approximately 1 3/4 cups)
- 2 packs of cream stiffener
- 80 grams of powdered sugar (approximately 2/3 cup)
- 12 pieces of Speculoos cookies
Instructions for Chocolate Base
Creating the perfect chocolate base is the first step in making this delicious cake. Here’s how you can do it:
- Mix sugar, vanilla, and eggs until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add the butter and mix until fully combined.
- Gradually add milk, flour, baking powder, and cocoa to the mixture, stirring constantly until you have a smooth dough.
- Pour the dough into a square springform pan lined with baking paper.
- Bake the dough for about 30 minutes at 180°C (356°F) using top and bottom heat.
Once the chocolate base is baked, let it cool in the pan before adding the filling.
Instructions for Filling
Creating the filling is where the magic happens. Follow these steps:
- Mix the cherries, juice, and sugar with the vanilla pudding powder in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for one minute, then let it cool.
- Combine the whipped cream, mascarpone, cream stiffener, and powdered sugar in a bowl until it forms a solid mass.
Once the cherry mixture and the cream are ready, you can begin assembling the cake.
Combining the Layers
Now that you have the chocolate base and the filling prepared, it’s time to assemble the cake:
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate base.
- Add the cream on top of the cherry layer, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the Speculoos cookies on top of the cream layer.
This combination of layers creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Chilling the Cake
Once the cake is assembled, it’s important to let it chill to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours or preferably overnight for the best results.
Chilling the cake will ensure that it holds its shape and tastes its best when you serve it.
Serving Suggestions
Once your cake has been chilled and set, it’s time to enjoy your creation! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Slice the cake into squares or rectangles for easy serving.
- Garnish with fresh cherries or whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Your guests will be impressed by the beautiful presentation and delicious taste of this cake.
Conclusion
The Speculoos cake with cherries is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, the creaminess of mascarpone, and the tangy sweetness of cherries. With its easy-to-follow recipe, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or a special celebration, this cake is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.