Cake Hour 12

Cake Hour 12: A Delight with a Story

I invite you to discover the recipe for a cake that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every slice: Cake Hour 12. This recipe is a perfect combination of a fluffy cocoa base, a sweet syrup, and a decadent chocolate glaze, all topped with a generous layer of whipped cream. It is a cake that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones and can turn any moment into a special one.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the base:*
- 6 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 30 ml water
- 30 ml oil
- 50 g cocoa (the secret for an intense flavor)
- 10 tablespoons flour

*For the syrup:*
- 200 g sugar
- 400 ml water
- 2 tablespoons honey (for a special taste)
- rum essence (a few drops for a fragrant note)

*For the glaze:*
- 240 g chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate for a perfect taste)
- 50 g butter

*For decoration:*
- 300 ml liquid cream
- grated chocolate (for an elegant finish)

Preparation

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until you get a stiff foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm composition. This is an essential step, as the incorporated air will make the base fluffy.

2. Add the wet ingredients
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil and water. Once you have a homogeneous emulsion, add it to the egg white mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air.

3. Incorporate the dry ingredients
Sift the cocoa and flour over the wet mixture, folding gently from top to bottom until everything is well combined. It is important not to overmix to keep the base light and airy.

4. Bake the base
Pour the mixture into a 25/35 cm tray lined with baking paper. Bake the base in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool on a rack.

5. Prepare the syrup
In a saucepan, caramelize 200 g of sugar until it turns golden. Be careful not to burn it! Extinguish the caramel with the 400 ml of water, stirring continuously until the sugar completely dissolves. Once you have a homogeneous syrup, remove it from the heat and add the honey and rum essence. Let it cool, and the aroma will be truly special.

6. Prepare the glaze
Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl with the butter. Set the bowl over low heat and stir constantly until the chocolate and butter melt and combine into a fine composition. It is important not to let the mixture boil but to ensure it melts evenly.

7. Assemble the cake
Once the base is completely cooled, cut it into 12 equal portions. Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. Generously soak each piece with the prepared syrup. The base will absorb the flavors and become moist and delicious.

8. Glaze the cake
Pour the chocolate glaze over each piece of cake, ensuring you cover the entire surface. Let the cake sit for a few minutes for the glaze to set slightly.

9. Decoration
Whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and use it to make dollops on each piece of cake. Sprinkle grated chocolate on top for an elegant and appetizing finish.

Serving suggestions
Cake Hour 12 enjoys increased popularity at any occasion. You can serve it alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. Additionally, for a more sophisticated dessert, you can accompany each portion with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add ground nuts or candied fruits to the base batter for added texture. You can also try replacing the chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter and more delicate glaze.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but keep in mind that the taste will be sweeter.

2. Can I use alternative sweeteners instead of sugar?
You can experiment with sweeteners, but the final result may vary in texture and taste.

3. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for a few days. However, it is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits
This cake contains ingredients that offer a mix of protein from eggs, antioxidants from cocoa and chocolate, and healthy fats from butter. Although it is a sweet dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Now that you have all this information, I invite you to put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and start your culinary adventure with Cake Hour 12! It is a simple and quick recipe that will leave a lasting impression. Happy cooking!