Brownie Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake for My Birthday

Today we celebrate with a particularly delicious recipe: a chocolate cake that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces, especially if made with love. This cake is perfect for special occasions, but also for those moments when you feel the need for a dessert that delights your soul. With a soft texture and an intense chocolate flavor, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 250 g butter (make sure it’s high quality for a perfect taste)
- 250 g chocolate with nuts (choose chocolate with a high cocoa content to enhance the flavor)
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 150 g flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for added intensity)
- 1 vial of rum essence (optional, but recommended for a more complex flavor)

For the chocolate cream:
- 200 g liquid cream (ideally with a high fat percentage for a rich texture)
- 200 g dark chocolate (again, a high cocoa content is preferable)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for an elegant finish)
- 1 packet instant coffee (for a flavor accent)

Instructions

1. Preparing the cake:
Start by preparing the chocolate and butter. Chop the chocolate into small pieces for even melting. Place the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and put it over low heat, stirring constantly until everything becomes a smooth mixture. Once melted, set aside and let cool slightly.

2. Beat the eggs and sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving an airy cake.

3. Combine the ingredients:
Add the chocolate and butter mixture to the beaten eggs. Gently mix to combine all ingredients. Then, add the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and rum essence. Mix gently with a spatula until all ingredients are well integrated. Be careful not to overmix to retain air in the batter.

4. Baking:
Prepare a baking tray (25x35 cm) lined with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and let the cake bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if it’s baked using the toothpick method: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. After baking, let it cool in the tray.

5. Preparing the cream:
In another pot, heat the liquid cream. When it starts to boil, add the dark chocolate, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and sugar. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth. Let the cream cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, use a mixer to whip the cream slightly, achieving an airy texture.

6. Assembling the cake:
Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the chocolate cream evenly over the cake. Use a spatula to level it out. Let the cake chill for an hour before cutting. This will allow the creaminess to stabilize.

7. Serving:
Cut the cake into squares or rectangles and decorate as desired. You can add chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or seasonal fruits for an extra touch of color and texture.

Useful Tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature for easier mixing and to ensure a uniform texture of the batter.

- Chocolate: You can experiment with different types of chocolate: milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a stronger contrast.

- Variations: You can also add a few drops of vanilla essence for extra flavor or replace the rum essence with orange essence for a fresh note.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This chocolate cake is relatively high in calories due to the chocolate and butter content, having about 350-400 calories per serving. However, dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants and may have heart health benefits. When consumed in moderation, the cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Delicious Combinations

This chocolate cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel. A warm drink, such as an espresso or cappuccino, is also an excellent choice that will perfectly complement the dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- What can I use instead of nut chocolate? You can use plain chocolate, without nuts, or even dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option.

- How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can freeze the cake for longer preservation.

- Can it be made gluten-free? Yes, you can replace the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or oat flour.

I hope this recipe inspires you to make a delicious cake that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and remember that the love with which you cook is the secret ingredient! Enjoy your meal!