Cakes are perfect for all occasions. Baking one can be one of the most satisfying art forms. Not only is it an enjoyable thing to plan about, but you and your guests get to eat the results of a joyful effort.
People usually depend on a cake book for their cake-making escapades. I too have a good cake book collection but I prefer to make experiments and be creative in my cakes. Try this strawberry-chocolate dream cake and make this your own delicious surprise for any occasion.
You'll need:
- 1 ready prepared deep sandwich cake
- 110g (3 ½ oz) strawberry jam
- 315g (10 oz) milk chocolate
- 13 firm strawberries with stalks, washed and dried
- 110g (3 ½ oz) plain dark chocolate bars
- 12 rose leaves leaves
- 155ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Piping bag with large star-shaped tube
Procedure
Melt milk chocolate. Spread about 2/3 of the melted chocolate over top and sides of cake with a palette knife. Leave until fully set. Using back of knife, mark top of the cake to form 12 equal portions or slices, but do not slice. Meanwhile, dip 12 of the strawberries into remaining milk chocolate until half-covered. Leave to set or until chocolate is firm.
Melt plain dark chocolate then brush melted chocolate over tops of leaves. Set aside to set or until chocolate is firm. Very carefully pull leaves away from chocolate. Make more chocolate leaves than you need in case of breakages. In a large bowl, whip cream with milk until thick, using a whisk or hand-held mixer.
Transfer to prepared piping bag and pipe 12 swirls around edge of cake. Decorate with the half-dipped strawberries and chocolate leaves. Place the plain strawberry in the center.
Enjoy your new chocolate birthday cakes.
