Mon Chéri Cake Recipe: A Decadent Delight for Praline Lovers 🍒✨
The Mon Chéri cake is a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for those who adore the luscious combination of chocolate, cherries, and pralines. A blend of moist chocolate sponge, tangy cherries, and creamy layers makes it a showstopper for any celebration. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to create a cake that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 5 eggs (size M)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- 85 g wheat flour (type 405)
- 20 g cornstarch
- 35 g baking cocoa
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 100 g dark chocolate shavings
For the Filling:
- 1 jar of sour cherries (drained weight 350 g)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 10 cherry pralines
For the Decoration:
- 600 g cream
- 3 packs of cream stiffener
- 2 packs of vanilla sugar
- 100 g chocolate shavings
- 6 cherries
- 6 cherry pralines
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (top/bottom heat) or 160°C (fan). Line a springform pan (Ø 26 cm) with baking paper.
- Separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites with sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Sift the flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Gradually fold into the egg mixture in three portions.
- Fold in the chocolate shavings carefully. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
- Drain the sour cherries, reserving the juice.
- In a small saucepan, mix 3 tablespoons of cherry juice with sugar and cornstarch until smooth.
- Bring the remaining cherry juice to a boil, add the cornstarch mixture, and cook for 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Stir in the cherries and chopped cherry pralines. Let the mixture cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Slice the cooled sponge cake horizontally into two layers. Place the first layer on a serving plate and secure it with a cake ring.
- Spread the cherry filling evenly over the first layer. Top with the second layer of sponge cake.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
- Whip the cream with cream stiffener and vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with chocolate shavings, cherries, and cherry pralines.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs: Common Questions About Making Mon Chéri Cake
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned ones?
A: Yes! If using fresh cherries, pit them and cook with a little water and sugar to create a syrup before following the recipe.
Q: What if my sponge cake doesn’t rise?
A: Ensure you beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, and fold the dry ingredients gently to retain air in the batter.
Q: How do I avoid the whipped cream from melting?
A: Always chill your cream, bowl, and beaters before whipping. Use cream stiffener to maintain firmness.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing deflates the air bubbles, resulting in a dense cake. Gently fold the ingredients.
- Not Chilling the Cake: Allow the cake to set in the fridge for at least 2 hours for perfect slicing and flavor melding.
- Uneven Layers: Use a serrated knife to slice the cake evenly for a professional look.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio