Imagine biting into a slice that is moist, rich, and perfectly decadent. This Summer Chocolate Fruit Cake has a luscious layer of whipped cream with all the fruit that summer has to offer. Fresh summer fruits like strawberries, mixed berries, and slices of sweet stone fruit. The contrast between the dense, dark chocolate and the juicy, vibrant fruits creates a taste sensation that is both satisfying and refreshing.
The Perfect Recipe
Creating a summer chocolate fruit cake doesn't have to be complicated. To begin, start with a classic chocolate cake recipe, enriched with cocoa and perhaps a hint of coffee to deepen the flavor. Using fresh fruits that are in season is crucial; not only do they taste better, but they also add a natural brightness to the cake. After baking, top off the cake with freshly whipped cream, and artfully arrange the fruits on top.
Fruit Topping Ideas:
- Fresh mixed berries
- Cherries (sweet or sour cherries)
- Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots
- Tropical Fruit (Kiwi, Mango, Pineapple)
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder to ensure a rich, intense chocolate flavor. I like to use Dutch process chocolate powder.
- Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cake batter depending on the sweetness of your fruits. You want a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best taste and texture. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Serve with Finesse: Garnish your chocolate fruit cake with a luscious layer of whipped cream. You can even add some drizzles of chocolate ganache, or honey. A little touch of fresh mint leaves for garnish. These finishing touches elevate the dessert and make it visually appealing.
Unlike traditional fruit cakes, which can be heavy and dense, this summer chocolate fruit cake lightens things up while celebrating seasonal abundance. It's perfect for picnics, garden parties, or simply enjoying it on a warm evening with friends and family. Plus, the combination of antioxidants from the dark chocolate and vitamins from the fruits gives you an excuse to indulge guilt-free! π
Other Summer Cake Recipes You Might Like
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Recipe
Summer Fruit Cake
Ingredients
- Β½ cup water
- Β½ cup butter (unsalted)
- ΒΌ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ΒΌ cup buttermilk (substitude ΒΌ cup milk with 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch salt
- ΒΎ cup sugar
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 Β½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ΒΌ cup powdered sugar
- 1 package Whipped cream stabilizer
- 2 cups mixed fruit (strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, cherry, apricot, nectarine)
Instructions
Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven to 350 Β° F1. Add water and butter to a medium saucepan and bring to a quick boil. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.2. To a medium bowl add the cocoa powder, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk, then add the cooled water/butter mixture. Whisk until smooth.3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a sieve, and add add to the wet ingrediets. With a silicon spatula mix all ingredients together into a smooth batter. Pour batter into a 9 x 13 inch (22 x 30 cm) with parchment paper prepared cake pan.Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting:
- To a standmixer or handheld mixer with a whisk attachment, add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar and stabilizer, and whip until soft peaks form. Spread evenly over the cooled sheet cake. Top with your favorite fruit.
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