Chocolate Apricot and Amaretti Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts | Serves: 6
This decadent Chocolate Apricot and Amaretti Cake is a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate, delicate apricots, and crispy amaretti cookies. The moist texture from the apricots complements the smoothness of the chocolate, while the amaretti adds a crunchy, almond-flavored surprise. Perfect for a special occasion or an indulgent dessert at the end of a cozy meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | 200g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 100g |
| Butter | 150g |
| Whole Milk | 100g |
| Powdered Sugar | 150g |
| Amaretti Cookies | 100g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Canned Apricots | 280g |
| Apricot Jam | 2 tbsp |
Instructions
Preparation Steps:
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Drain Apricots: Start by draining the canned apricots from their syrup. Set them aside to dry and let them release any excess moisture. This will ensure your cake doesn’t become soggy.
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Melt Chocolate: Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it gently. You can use a double boiler or microwave it in short bursts. Once the chocolate has melted, stir it well and gradually add the whole milk. Keep mixing until you get a smooth, lump-free chocolate sauce. Allow it to cool slightly as you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Separate the Eggs: Crack the eggs, separating the yolks from the whites. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with two-thirds of the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
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Prepare the Amaretti: Set aside 12 amaretti cookies for decoration. Take the remaining cookies and crush them into a fine powder using a food processor or a rolling pin.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour into the egg yolk mixture, and then add the ground amaretti powder. Stir everything together until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
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Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and continue whisking until the whites are stiff and glossy.
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Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula and mix carefully from the top to the bottom, making sure the air in the egg whites is preserved.
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Add the Apricots: Cut the drained apricots into small dice, saving eight whole apricots for the top of the cake. Gently fold the diced apricots into the batter.
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Decorate the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 22-24 cm round cake pan. Arrange the whole apricots on the surface, with the curved side facing up. Space them evenly across the top, placing 7 along the edge and one in the center. Alternate these apricots with the 12 reserved amaretti cookies for a festive look.
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Bake the Cake: Place the cake in a preheated oven. If using a static oven, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 45 minutes. If using a fan-assisted oven, reduce the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and bake for around 35 minutes. The cake is done when it is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Prepare the Apricot Jam Glaze: While the cake is baking, heat the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes liquid and smooth. This will be used to glaze the cake once it’s baked.
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Finishing Touches: After the cake has cooled slightly, use a pastry brush to apply the warm apricot jam over the top of the cake. This will give it a beautiful shine and enhance the apricot flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Let the cake cool completely before serving. This Chocolate Apricot and Amaretti Cake is delicious on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Apricots: If you’re lucky enough to have fresh apricots in season, you can substitute them for the canned variety. Just be sure to peel and pit them before using.
- Storage: The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Variations: Try using other fruits like peaches or plums in place of apricots for a different twist.
This rich and indulgent dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a festive celebration. With the sweetness of apricots, the crunch of amaretti, and the deep flavor of chocolate, this cake is sure to impress!
