Black Cake

Black Cake - A Chocolate Delight That Will Captivate Your Senses

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that combines rich chocolate flavors with a smooth and creamy texture, Black Cake is the perfect choice. This delicious cake is loved by many and proves to be a star on holiday tables. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare it, sharing some tricks and variations that will make it even more special.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 250 g chocolate cookies
- 125 g butter (half a package)
- 2 tbsp cocoa

For the filling:
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (approx. 100 g)
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 2 tbsp powdered vanilla sugar
- 4 tbsp cocoa
- 3-4 tablespoons chocolate cream liqueur (optional)
- 2 packets of gelatin (approx. 20 g)

For the glaze:
- 1 bar of milk chocolate (approx. 100 g)
- 50 ml liquid cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the base

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Make sure not to let it boil, just melt it evenly. Meanwhile, crush the chocolate cookies in a mixer or in a bowl using a rolling pin until you achieve a fine, breadcrumb-like texture.

Helpful tip: If you don’t have a mixer handy, you can use a bowl and a rolling pin to crush the cookies. You can put them in a plastic bag and then crush them with the rolling pin, avoiding mess.

Once the butter is melted, add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa to the crushed cookies and pour the melted butter over them. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom. Place the pan in the fridge to set.

Step 2: Preparing the chocolate filling

In a saucepan, melt the milk chocolate together with 50 ml of the 300 ml of liquid cream. Stir constantly until the chocolate completely melts and becomes a smooth and glossy mixture.

Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pan from the heat and add the remaining butter (125 g), powdered vanilla sugar, the rest of the liquid cream, the 4 tablespoons of cocoa, and the liqueur (if you choose to use it). Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Tip for an intense flavor: Use high-quality chocolate for the filling. The final taste of the cake will be influenced by the quality of the chocolate.

Step 3: Activating the gelatin

In a small bowl, soak the gelatin in 100 ml of cold water for about 5 minutes. After it has soaked, place the gelatin over low heat to dissolve completely without letting it boil.

After dissolving, pour the gelatin into the chocolate mixture and mix well.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

Pour the chocolate mixture over the cookie layer in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, but ideally, let it cool overnight.

Step 5: Preparing the glaze

After the cake has set, remove it from the pan and carefully peel off the plastic wrap.

For the glaze, melt the milk chocolate together with 50 ml of liquid cream, stirring until you obtain a smooth mixture. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges.

Serving suggestion: You can decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or fresh fruits for a contrast of textures and colors.

Tips and Variations

- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of cookies, such as caramel cookies or whole grain ones, to add a distinct note. You can also replace the liqueur with vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.
- Serving: Black Cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can it be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Make sure it is well covered with plastic wrap.
- How long can it be kept in the fridge? The cake can be kept in the fridge for up to a week, but I recommend consuming it sooner to enjoy its freshness.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains ingredients that provide a good source of energy due to the chocolate and cookies, but when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Milk chocolate brings antioxidants, and liquid cream can add a portion of calcium.

Conclusion

Black Cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your face. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely be appreciated by all who taste it. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the cooking process and share the result with your loved ones! Bon appétit!