# Herb-Infused Chocolate Cakes This Cake Features Fresh Basil Leaves and Creamy Mascarpone Cheese By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-09-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fresh-basil-leaves References: [mynameisyeh](http://mynameisyeh.com/mynameisyeh/2015/9/basil-mascarpone-buttercream-frosted-chocolate-cake-a-giveaway) The Molly Yeh blog put together a recipe for a chocolate cake that features fresh basil leaves and sweet mascarpone cheese. Although basil is used in a variety of savory dishes, it is not often associated with dessert. This recipe uses the herb in an unexpected way by pairing it with chocolate cake. The recipe consists of a rich chocolate cake, which is infused with layers of [creamy buttercream frosting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buttermelt-blush-cake). The frosting is infused with fresh basil and whipped mascarpone cheese. The addition of basil add an earthy flavor to the balance out the overly sweet taste of the chocolate cake. The cake is also finished with a fresh basil leaves for a decorative touch. The herb-infused frosting puts an unexpected twist on a classic cake flavor. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 13% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Herb-infused Desserts:** Introducing herbs in desserts offers a unique flavor profile and expands the possibilities for creative bakers. - **Unconventional Flavor Pairings:** Exploring unexpected flavor combinations like basil and chocolate opens up opportunities for innovative culinary creations. - **Decorative Herb Garnishes:** Using fresh herbs as a decorative element in desserts adds visual appeal and elevates the overall dining experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Bakery and Pastry:** Bakeries and pastry shops can experiment with herb-infused desserts to attract adventurous customers and expand their product offerings. - **Fine Dining Restaurants:** Fine dining establishments can incorporate herb-infused desserts to surprise and delight customers, showcasing their creativity and culinary expertise. - **Gourmet Chocolatiers:** Gourmet chocolatiers can explore unconventional flavor pairings like basil and chocolate to create unique and premium chocolate products that cater to a more refined palate. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Botanical Chocolate Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/botanical-chocolate.md) - [Spicy Pepper Cake Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fly-by-jing-x-the-caker.md) - [Elegant Cake Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flourless-dark-chocolate.md) - [Peppermint Chocolate Chip Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/andes-peppermint-chocolate-chip-cake.md) - [Herbaceous Tomato Chocolates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anis-tomato-chocolate.md) - [Free-From Frozen Yogurt Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frozen-yogurt-cakes.md) - [Collaborative Chocolate Edibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incredibles-x-magnolia-bakery.md) - [Cherry Blossom Crepe Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crepe-cake1.md) - [Textural Plant-Based Chocolate Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2foods-gteau-chocolate.md)