Chocolate Cream Dream Cake

Ingredients

The Cake

• 1 + 1/4 cups (150g) All-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup (30g) Unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp (8g) Baking powder

• 1/4 tsp (1g) Salt

• 1/2 cup (120g) Milk (room temp)

• 1/4 cup (55g) Vegetable oil

• 1 tsp (5g) Vanilla extract

• 4 Large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)

• 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar

The Soaking Syrup

• 1/3 cup (80g) Heavy cream

• 2 tbsp (25g) Granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp (6g) Unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2/3 cup (160g) Milk

The Filling

• 1 + 1/3 cups (200g) Milk chocolate (melted and cooled slightly)

• 1 + 1/3 cups (300g) Cream cheese (room temp)

• 1 cup (240g) Heavy cream (cold)

The Ganache

• 1 cup (150g) Milk chocolate

• 1/3 cup (80g) Heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Base

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a rectangular baking pan (approx. 9×13 inch) with parchment paper.

• Whisk Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.

• Mix Liquids: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

• Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites while gradually adding the sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

• Combine: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the dry ingredients. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites in three batches to keep the batter airy.

• Bake: Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let it cool completely, then slice the cake horizontally into two even layers.

2. Make the Soaking Syrup

• In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and milk.

• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and cocoa are dissolved.

• Remove from heat and let it cool.

3. Prepare the Creamy Filling

• Beat Cream Cheese: Whisk the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.

• Add Chocolate: Pour in the melted milk chocolate and mix until combined.

• Whip Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

• Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-cheese mixture until you have a uniform, light mousse.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Place the bottom layer of the cake back into the baking pan or on a serving tray.

• Soak: Brush or pour half of the cocoa syrup evenly over the cake layer.

• Layer: Spread all of the creamy filling over the soaked base.

• Top: Place the second cake layer on top and soak it with the remaining syrup. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

5. Add the Ganache

• Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for 20 seconds (don’t let it boil).

• Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips/pieces. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until shiny and smooth.

• Pour the ganache over the top of the chilled cake and spread evenly.

Pro Tip

For the best flavor and cleanest slices, let the cake rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving. This allows the syrup to fully hydrate the sponge and the filling to firm up.

Nutty Cottage Cheese Dessert Log

A creamy, nutty, and naturally sweet dessert packed with protein, healthy fats, and chewy fruits. Perfect for a wholesome treat or snack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4–6 hours (overnight recommended)
Yield: 8–10 servings

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 12.5 oz (350 g) cottage cheese, smooth or small-curd

• 3.5 oz (100 g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt for extra protein)

• 2.5 oz (70 g) honey (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 tsp vanillin powder or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 0.7 oz (20 g) instant gelatin

• 3–4 tbsp water (to bloom the gelatin)

For the Mix-ins:

• 1.8 oz (50 g) hazelnuts, toasted

• 3.5 oz (100 g) walnuts, toasted

• 1.5 oz (45 g) peeled pistachios

• 3.5 oz (100 g) dried apricots, chopped

• 3.5 oz (100 g) dates, pitted and chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fruit and Nuts

1. Chop the dried apricots and dates into small, bite-sized pieces.

2. Toast the nuts if they are raw:

   • Place nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat.

   • Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

3. Combine all nuts and dried fruits in a bowl and set aside.

2. Bloom the Gelatin

1. Place the instant gelatin in a small heat-proof bowl with 3–4 tablespoons of water.

2. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb water and soften.

3. Melt the gelatin gently:

   • Microwave for 10–15 seconds or use a double boiler.

   • Stir until liquid and clear. Avoid boiling, which reduces gelatin’s setting ability.

3. Make the Smooth Base

1. In a large mixing bowl or blender, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, honey, and vanillin/vanilla extract.

2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Use a whisk if doing by hand, ensuring no large curds remain.

3. Gradually pour in the melted gelatin while blending or whisking continuously. Mix until fully incorporated.

4. Fold in Nuts and Fruits

1. Add the toasted nuts and chopped dried fruits to the cheese mixture.

2. Gently fold with a spatula until evenly distributed.

5. Mold the Dessert Log

Option 1: Using a Plastic Bottle

1. Take a clean, empty plastic water or soda bottle and carefully cut off the top.

2. Pour the mixture into the bottle.

3. Tap firmly on the counter to remove air bubbles and settle the mixture.

Option 2: Using a Loaf Pan

1. Line a standard loaf pan with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang on the sides.

2. Pour the mixture into the pan and tap gently to remove air pockets.

6. Chill Until Firm

1. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours (overnight is best) until fully set.

7. Serve

1. For the bottle: Carefully cut the plastic down the side and peel it away.

2. For the loaf pan: Lift the dessert out using the overhanging plastic wrap.

3. Slice into thick rounds using a sharp knife. Serve chilled.

Tips for Best Results

• Use smooth cottage cheese for a creamier texture; small-curd works too but may be slightly chunkier.

• Adjust honey depending on desired sweetness. You can replace part of it with maple syrup or date syrup.

• For extra flavor, lightly toast the dried fruits in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes.

• Garnish slices with extra chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey before serving.