| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 580 | 29g | 12g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 50g | 4g | 7g | 1.6g |
As a Southern belle, who appreciates her roots and adores indulging in sweet treats, there are few things I love more than the delicate mix of sweetness and tartness, like in this sumptuous ‘Cloudberry and Chocolate Cake’. A dreamy combination that brings together light, fluffy chocolate and the uniquely tangy flavour of cloudberries – it’s the perfect blend of Southern charm and global gourmet. Each bite offers an adventure; an exploration of taste that’s as thrilling as catching the perfect wave or finding that rare gem of a movie.
And here’s a little peek behind the culinary curtain: cloudberries aren’t just delicious – they’re wholesome too! Studies have shown that this vibrant fruit is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants to boost immunity and support overall wellbeing. Serving this cake doesn’t just offer a feast for taste buds, it also provides some nourishing benefits.
A Nod to Tradition, with a Twist
While cloudberries may seem like a peculiar ingredient far from traditional Southern cuisine, that’s precisely the charm of this recipe. It allows me to honor my roots while embracing unexpected global ingredients – something akin to the culinary version of surfing new waters or discovering a foreign film. The method involved in creating this cake echoes the trusted techniques used in many Southern desserts that I’ve mastered over time, from biscuits to pastries. Yet the fusion of chocolate and cloudberry offers an exciting pop of novelty, a gourmet touch to an otherwise classic cake.
A Companionable Cake
This Cloudberry and Chocolate Cake is eminently versatile. Serve it at a Sunday afternoon tea or as the crowning finale to a sumptuous dinner; it stands its ground with aplomb. It pairs exceptionally well with floral teas, its rich, chocolatey goodness, offset by the delicate fragrances of blossoming teas. Try it alongside a scoop of homemade ice cream, perhaps my favourite peach sorbet or a classic vanilla – the cold, creamy texture beautifully complements each rich and fluffy morsel. Indeed, this cake is the perfect addition to any dessert spread and a surefire way to impress your guests.
From its delicate crumb to the luscious cloudberry enrobed in rich chocolate, this cake is a stand-out, one that waves the flag for Southern meets global gourmet. It’s a testament that sometimes, the simple act of baking can become an adventure – a journey that takes your senses far and beyond, all the while keeping you grounded in familiar flavours. In short, this dreamy dessert is why I love this Cloudberry and Chocolate Cake recipe.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- Half teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1.5 cups cloudberry jam
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 pint fresh cloudberries for garnish
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Grease two 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottom with a round of parchment or wax paper and grease the paper.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder, half a teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Then, add 1.5 cups of granulated sugar to the mixture. Stir until well-combined.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs. Add 1 cup of whole milk, 0.5 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together until they’re well-blended.
Step Four
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth. Then, add 1 cup of boiling water to the mixture. Stir again until the batter is well-blended.
Step Five
Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake the cakes for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step Six
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cloudberry jam. Spread 1.5 cups of cloudberry jam between the cooled cake layers.
Step Seven
Chop 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and place it into a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat 0.75 cup of heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for a few minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth.
Step Eight
Pour the chocolate over the jam-filled cake, spreading it out with a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed. Let the chocolate set for a few minutes.
Step Nine
Finally, garnish the top of the cake with fresh cloudberries and serve your delicious Cloudberry and Chocolate Cake. Enjoy!
