Black Cake

Black Cake - A Chocolate Delicacy with a Dash of Cognac

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 12-24 hours
Number of servings: 12

Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that will turn any ordinary day into a celebration of flavor: Black Cake. This decadent cake, with a generous layer of chocolate and a crunchy cocoa biscuit base, will delight any sweet lover. So, gather your ingredients and let’s begin our culinary adventure!

A Brief Story About Black Cake

Black Cake is a classic recipe, loved by generations. Although the origins of this cake are shrouded in mystery, it is clear that it has managed to capture the hearts of many with its combination of rich chocolate and subtle flavors. With each bite, you will feel the chocolate melt in your mouth, and the taste of cognac adds a sophisticated and delicious note. It is a perfect dessert for special occasions or simply for those moments when you want to indulge yourself.

Necessary Ingredients

To prepare this wonderful cake, you will need the following ingredients:

- 150 g butter (ideally at room temperature)
- 160 g cocoa biscuits (choose quality biscuits for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons cognac (preferably Napoleon, for a refined taste)
- 250 ml liquid cream (make sure it is well chilled for easy whipping)
- 15 g gelatin (make sure it is sheet or granulated gelatin, depending on preference)
- For decoration:
- 50 g dark chocolate (choose chocolate with 70% cocoa for a deep flavor)
- 50 ml milk
- Coconut flakes (enough to sprinkle on top for a decorative look)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the biscuit base
Start by crushing the cocoa biscuits. If you have a food processor, feel free to use it. For those without such a device, don’t worry! Place the biscuits in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Aim for a fine consistency, similar to biscuit powder.

Once you have crushed the biscuits, mix them with 75 g of melted butter. Ensure the mixture is homogeneous. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan lined with food wrap, leveling it well with a spatula. Now, refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes to set.

2. Preparing the chocolate cream
In a bowl, melt 100 g of chocolate (reserve 50 g for decoration) together with 50 ml of liquid cream. Use a double boiler to achieve a smooth and homogeneous composition. While the chocolate is melting, prepare the gelatin. Soak the gelatin in cold water for 5-10 minutes until it becomes spongy. After it has swollen, gently melt it over a double boiler and add it to the melted chocolate, mixing well.

3. Whipping the cream
In another bowl, whip the remaining 200 ml of liquid cream until it becomes firm. Add the chocolate cream (which should now be cooled) and gently mix with a spatula to avoid losing air from the cream. Then, add the 2 tablespoons of cognac and mix again.

4. Assembling the cake
Pour the chocolate cream over the biscuit crust, smoothing it out well. Cover the pan and let the cake chill in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. If you have patience, let it cool overnight, as the flavor will intensify.

5. Decorating the cake
The next morning, melt the reserved 50 g of chocolate together with 50 ml of milk. Pour the warm chocolate over the cake, ensuring it is evenly covered. Sprinkle the coconut flakes on top for a fine and appetizing look. Let the cake cool slightly, then cut it into portions.

Serving Suggestions
Black Cake is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream for a pleasant contrast. A cup of coffee or a glass of sweet wine would perfectly complement this decadent dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
Although Black Cake is a calorie-rich dessert, its ingredients also have benefits. Dark chocolate, for example, is rich in antioxidants and can help improve mood. Cream, while caloric, brings a note of creaminess and flavor. Consumed in moderation, this cake can be a delicacy that brings joy in special moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of biscuits?
Of course! Butter biscuits or even digestive biscuits can be an excellent alternative, but the taste will be slightly different.

2. Is it possible to omit the cognac?
Yes, you can omit the cognac or replace it with vanilla essence or rum for a distinct flavor.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage and reduce the amount of sugar in the cream, if necessary.

4. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, Black Cake can be frozen. Make sure to pack it well to avoid freezer burn.

5. What is the best way to cut the cake?
Use a warm knife to achieve clean and precise cuts.

I hope you enjoyed discovering the Black Cake recipe. Indulge yourself and your loved ones with this overwhelming delicacy that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces! Enjoy your meal!