This Currant and Cream Cheese Layered Cake is a delightful dessert that combines a buttery cocoa dough, tangy currants, and a rich cream cheese filling. With its layers of flavors and textures, this cake is perfect for special occasions or as a treat to enjoy with family and friends. Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious layered cake.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- Butter: 180g (6.3 oz), softened
- Sugar: 150g (5.3 oz)
- Vanillin: To taste
- Eggs: 2 large
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Flour: 450g (15.9 oz)
- Corn Starch: 2 tablespoons
For the Currant Layer:
- Currants: 300g (10.6 oz)
- Sugar: 50g (1.8 oz)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- Cream Cheese: 1000g (2.2 lbs)
- Sugar: 150g (5.3 oz)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Butter: 100g (3.5 oz), softened
- Corn Starch: 2 tablespoons
Baking Dish:
- Size: 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inches)
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12-15
- Calories per Serving: 350 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 180g (6.3 oz) of softened butter and 150g (5.3 oz) of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients:
- Mix in the vanillin, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 450g (15.9 oz) of flour, and 2 tablespoons of corn starch until a soft dough forms.
- Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
2. Prepare the Currant Layer
- Cook the Currants:
- In a medium saucepan, combine 300g (10.6 oz) of currants and 50g (1.8 oz) of sugar. Cook over medium heat until the currants have softened and released their juices, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat the Cream Cheese:
- In another large mixing bowl, beat 1000g (2.2 lbs) of cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients:
- Add 150g (5.3 oz) of sugar, 4 large eggs, 100g (3.5 oz) of softened butter, and 2 tablespoons of corn starch. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Layer the Cake:
- Roll out the first portion of the dough and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the currant mixture over the dough.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the currants, spreading it evenly.
- Spread the remaining currant mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Roll out the second portion of the dough and place it on top, pressing down gently.
5. Bake the Cake
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cream cheese layer is set.
- Cool:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
6. Serve
- Slice and Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich and flavorful layers of this delightful dessert!
Conclusion
This Currant and Cream Cheese Layered Cake is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy. The combination of cocoa dough, tangy currants, and smooth cream cheese makes for a delicious and impressive dessert. Serve it at your next gathering, or enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a special treat.
