Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake
Introduction
Summer is the perfect time for fresh berries and light desserts. The Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake is a delightful treat that combines a moist vanilla cake with rich dark chocolate ganache and topped with fresh berries. This cake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delicious taste of summer.
Why Make This Recipe
Making the Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake is a great way to use seasonal fruits. It’s perfect for summer celebrations, picnics, or just as a sweet treat at home. The colorful berries add flavor and a beautiful look to the cake, making it the star of any gathering. Plus, the rich ganache adds a luxurious touch that everyone will love!
How to Make Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 c unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 c granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 c whole milk (room temp)
- 1 1/2 c unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 5 c powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for frosting)
- 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste or extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 1/2 c heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1/2 c dark chocolate chips (for ganache)
- Blackberries (for topping)
- Blueberries (for topping)
- Raspberries (for topping)
- Red currants (for topping)
- Fresh mint leaves (for topping)
- Sliced cured meats (optional, for contrast)
- Optional: macarons, chocolate shards, or fruit jellies
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 22–26 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- For the buttercream frosting, beat the softened unsalted butter in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then add the heavy cream and vanilla. Whip until smooth.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just before boiling. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate chips, let it sit for 1 minute, and then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- To assemble the cake, stack the cooled cake layers, frosting them with buttercream between each layer. Smooth the frosting around the sides of the cake.
- Chill the frosted cake for about 30 minutes to set.
- After chilling, pour the ganache over the edges of the cake for a beautiful drip effect.
- Decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries, mint leaves, and any optional extras like sliced cured meats or macarons.
- Chill briefly to set before serving. Serve at room temperature for the best texture.
How to Serve Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake
Slice the cake into even pieces and serve it on a plate. The beautiful layers and topping will look impressive on your dessert table. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.
How to Store Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Tips to Make Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best blending results.
- Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes if they have domed during baking.
- Chill your layers after frosting them; this helps the ganache to set nicely on the frosted cake.
Variation
You can customize this cake by swapping out the berries for other fruits like peaches or strawberries. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them the next day.
Q: Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the ganache?
A: You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be less rich.
Q: Can I freeze this cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Enjoy making and sharing your Summer Berry Ganache Drip Cake!
