🍪Pan di Stelle Cake with Cocoa and Chocolate Cream🍪
Pan di Stelle Cake with Cocoa and Chocolate Cream is a sweet, chocolatey dessert made with Pan di Stelle biscuits (chocolate cookies with stars). The biscuits are soaked in milk and layered with a creamy filling made of mascarpone cheese, cocoa spread (like Nutella), and whipped cream. It’s a delicious, rich cake perfect for chocolate lovers.
Prepare the Ingredients:
- 300g Pan di Stelle biscuits (chocolate biscuits with stars).
- 250ml milk (for soaking the biscuits).
- 250g cocoa and chocolate spread (like Nutella).
- 250g mascarpone cheese.
- 200ml heavy cream (for whipping).
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for the cream and optional decoration).
- 50g dark chocolate (for decoration).
- In a large bowl, mix 250g mascarpone with 250g cocoa and chocolate spread (like Nutella). Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and mix again.
- In a separate bowl, pour 200ml heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to whip it until stiff peaks form (when you lift the beaters out, the cream should stay in shape).
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
- Pour 250ml milk into a shallow dish and add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional). Stir to mix.
- Quickly dip each Pan di Stelle biscuit into the milk, making sure not to soak them for too long. Just a quick dip to soften them.
- Arrange a layer of soaked Pan di Stelle biscuits at the bottom of a serving dish or cake pan (round or rectangular).
- Spread a layer of the cocoa and chocolate cream over the biscuits, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Continue layering the soaked biscuits and cream until all the ingredients are used up. End with a final layer of the chocolate cream.
- Grate 50g dark chocolate and sprinkle it over the top of the cake.
- Optional: Decorate with whole Pan di Stelle biscuits and dust with a little cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to set and the cake to firm up.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Pan di Stelle Cake with Cocoa and Chocolate Cream .😋
Important Notes:
Soaking the biscuits: Don’t soak the biscuits for too long. A quick dip is enough to soften them without making them soggy.
Refrigeration: Allow the cake to chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to cut.
FAQ
What are the essential ingredients for the Pan di Stelle Cake with Cocoa and Chocolate Cream?
To make this cake, you'll need high-quality cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, flour, and butter. Also, heavy cream, dark chocolate, and a bit of sugar are needed for the chocolate cream. Don't forget the Pan di Stelle biscuits, which are key for the cake's base and add a nice crunch.
What kitchen tools and equipment are needed to make this cake?
You'll need basic baking tools like a mixer, baking pans, and a whisk. You'll also need a pastry brush and a spatula for handling the cake and chocolate cream. Optional tools like a piping bag and tips can help make the cake look professional.
How do you prepare the perfect cocoa cake base?
To make the cocoa cake base, mix together cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, flour, and butter. This creates a smooth batter. Pour the batter into pans and bake until the cake is moist and fluffy. This ensures it stays moist to pair well with the chocolate cream and Pan di Stelle biscuits.
How do you create the signature chocolate cream filling?
To make the chocolate cream, whip heavy cream until stiff. Then, melt dark chocolate and fold it into the whipped cream. It's important to get the right consistency, so the cream is smooth and spreadable but not too thin.
What are some tips for assembling and decorating the cake?
To assemble the cake, place the cocoa cake base on a plate, then add a layer of chocolate cream. Decorate with Pan di Stelle biscuits. For extra flair, use chocolate cream to make borders or patterns, or add fresh fruits for color. Take your time to make the cake look stunning.
How should the Pan di Stelle Cake be stored and served?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh for days. Serve at room temperature to let the flavors blend perfectly. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.