French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries

French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries Recipe - Originating from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries. This delightful dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself.

History

The French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations in France. The combination of rich chocolate, nutty almonds, and sweet strawberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please any palate.

Ingredients

Cake

4 eggs
0.75 cup sugar
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp almond extract

Filling

0.75 cup butter
1.5 cup powdered sugar
3 egg yolks
5 tbsp cocoa
0.5 tsp almond extract

Frosting glaze

3 tbsp butter
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
fresh strawberries (to garnish)
slivered almonds (optional)
powdered sugar (optional)

Materials

Wax/Greaseproof paper
2 x 8" round cake pans.

How to prepare

Cake

Place a cake pan on wax paper and trace 2 circles with a pencil, then cut them out.
Grease the bottom of the cake pans and place the wax paper in the pans.
Combine flour, cornstarch, and baking powder; set aside.
In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until fluffy, then add almond extract.
Sift the flour into the mixture and blend well.
Divide the cake mixture evenly into both cake pans.
Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, while considering your own oven variations.

Filling

Beat together butter and sugar until creamy.
Add egg yolks, then cocoa, and mix well.
Stir in almond extract until the mixture is smooth.

Frosting glaze

Melt butter and chocolate in a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan containing boiling water, then let it cool.
Slide a knife around the cake, which should be cooling by now, and remove it from the pan.
Remove the wax paper and place the cake on a cake plate.
Spread the filling over just the top of the first cake.
Place the second cake on top.
Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake and garnish with strawberries and almond slivers (optional), then sprinkle powdered sugar over the top (optional).

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Top the cake with fresh raspberries or blueberries in addition to the strawberries for a colorful presentation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to properly grease and line your cake pans with wax paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes.

- When making the filling, make sure to beat the butter and sugar until creamy to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.

- When drizzling the frosting glaze over the cake, do so slowly and evenly to ensure a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the eggs and sugar until fluffy will help create a light and airy cake texture.

- Melting the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler will ensure a smooth and glossy frosting glaze.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

- If you don't have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cake layers and filling ahead of time and assemble the cake just before serving for a fresh and delicious dessert.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange fresh strawberries and almond slivers on top of the cake in a decorative pattern for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful end to a meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 24g per serving

Saturated Fat: 13g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Contains eggs, dairy, and nuts.

Summary

This French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in calories and fats. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries for a special treat that is sure to impress. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion and will leave your taste buds craving more.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries. It was many years ago, when I was visiting a friend in Paris. We had spent the day exploring the beautiful city, wandering through the charming streets and admiring the architecture. As evening approached, my friend suggested we stop at a local bakery for a sweet treat.

The moment we entered the bakery, I was greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries. The display case was filled with an array of delicious desserts, each more tempting than the last. But it was the French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries that caught my eye. The rich chocolate cake was studded with toasted almonds and topped with fresh strawberries, a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

I knew I had to learn how to make this cake myself, so I asked the baker for the recipe. To my surprise, he was more than happy to share his secret with me. He explained that the key to the cake's success was in the quality of the ingredients and the careful attention to detail in the preparation.

I watched as he demonstrated each step of the process, from melting the chocolate to folding in the almonds and strawberries. I took notes diligently, making sure to capture every detail so that I could recreate the cake at home.

When I returned from my trip to Paris, I wasted no time in putting my newfound knowledge to the test. I gathered the finest ingredients I could find, including rich dark chocolate, toasted almonds, and plump ripe strawberries. I set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe with precision and care.

As the cake baked in the oven, my kitchen was filled with the heavenly scent of chocolate and almonds. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. When the cake emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew I had succeeded. I let it cool slightly before slicing into it, revealing the tender crumb and luscious strawberries nestled within.

The first bite was pure bliss. The richness of the chocolate was perfectly balanced by the subtle nuttiness of the almonds, while the sweet juiciness of the strawberries added a burst of freshness. It was a dessert unlike any I had ever tasted, and I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe.

Since that day, I have made the French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries many times, each time sharing it with friends and family who have all fallen in love with its decadent flavors. I have made a few small modifications to the recipe over the years, adding a splash of almond extract for extra flavor and a dollop of whipped cream on top for a touch of indulgence.

I often think back to that day in Paris when I first discovered the recipe for this delightful cake. It reminds me of the joys of travel, of new experiences, and of the simple pleasures that a delicious dessert can bring. I am grateful to the kind baker who shared his recipe with me and to the city of Paris for inspiring me to create something truly special.

As I sit down to enjoy a slice of French Chocolate Almond Cake with Strawberries, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and the flavors that have enriched my life. And I look forward to many more years of baking and sharing this wonderful recipe with those I love.