How to Make Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake
I’m a huge supporter of resolutions. Eating well, exercising, learning something new and taking more time to look after yourself are all important in making us feel great. Be the best we can be and all that good stuff. Having said that, I’m also a huge supporter of indulging in the great pleasures of the world, but particularly, those that are chocolaty, rich and completely satisfying. Since we’re in this viciously cold, gloomy month of January, it’s safe to say we’re all in need of a decadent pick-me-up. And what will do the trick better than a mascarpone cheese and raspberry-filled chocolate cake, topped with chocolate ganache and sprinkled with sugar? Nothing. The answer, is nothing.
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What You Need:
<p><strong>For one Chocolate Cake (you'll need two for a tall cake):</strong><br /> Unsalted butter, for pan<br /> 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan<br /> 1 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder<br /> 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar<br /> 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda<br /> 3/4 teaspoon baking powder<br /> 3/4 teaspoon salt<br /> 2 eggs<br /> 3/4 cup warm water<br /> 3/4 cup low-fat buttermilk<br /> 3 Tablespoons canola oil<br /> 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</p> <p><strong>For the Mascarpone Cream Frosting:</strong><br /> 475 grams mascarpone cheese<br /> 7 Tablespoons icing sugar<br /> 2/3 cup + 3 Tablespoons 35% cream</p> <p><strong>For the Raspberry Sauce:</strong><br /> 1/2 cup sugar<br /> 1/4 cup water<br /> 12 ounces <br />Raspberries</p> <p><strong>For the Chocolate Ganache:</strong><br /> 100 grams (3.5 oz) dark chocolate<br /> 1/2 cup 35% cream<br /> 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter</p> <p><strong>The Extras:</strong><br /> Raspberries<br /> Confectioners sugar</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>1. Preheat oven to 350 °F and butter a round cake pan. Sift flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>2. Add eggs, water, buttermilk, canola oil, and vanilla, and beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes or until smooth.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>3. Pour batter into the pan and bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>4. Repeat steps to make a second cake.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>4. Repeat steps to make a second cake.<p> <p>5. Meanwhile, make the mascarpone cheese frosting by whipping the mascarpone, icing sugar and cream until it's thick and spreadable. Be careful not to over-whip!</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>6. For the raspberry sauce, place sugar and water in a small saucepan on high heat. Stir and bring to a boil, and then simmer until sugar is dissolved. Let syrup cool, and place raspberries and syrup in a blender, and puree until smooth.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>7. For the chocolate ganache, place the dark chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring the cream and butter to a light simmer.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>8. Pour the mixture over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, and then stir until smooth and thick. Let it cool to room temperature.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>10. Remove from pan and slice off the top with a serrated knife.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>11. Scoop a dollop of the frosting onto the first layer and gently dab and spread it across the cake. Be careful not to scrape the surface, or you'll have cake bits in the frosting.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>12. Add a fair amount of the frosting, creating a fluffy effect with a butter knife.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>13. Pour the raspberry sauce on top of the frosting and carefully spread it around the surface with a knife.</p> -
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What to Do:
<p>14. Lay the other cake on top of the other and gently press down so the raspberry sauce oozes out, and the cake is securely on top.</p> -
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<p>15. Pour and spread the chocolate ganache on top, again, being careful not to scrape the surface and get cake bits in the mix.</p> -
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<p>16. Place a pile of raspberries on top of the cake.</p> -
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<p>17. Sprinkle the confectioners sugar on top and dig in!</p> -
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Raspberry Mascarpone Black Forest Cake
<p><em><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/blog/author/reneereardin/">Renée Reardin</a> is a lifestyle writer and stylist living in Toronto. To learn more about her visit <a target="_blank" href="http://reneereardin.com/">www.reneereardin.com</a>,<br /> and follow her on Twitter<br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/reneereardin">@reneereardin</a>.</em></p>