Cake Hour 12

Cake Hour 12: An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn't remember the special moments spent with loved ones, surrounded by sweets that delight our souls? Cake Hour 12 is a dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a soft and moist texture, perfect for adding a touch of refinement to any meal. Inspired by traditional recipes, this cake will take you back to sweet memories and unforgettable moments. Let's discover together how we can prepare this wonderful cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 150 g chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 100 ml coconut oil (for a subtle flavor and fine texture)
- 4 tablespoons fructose (a healthy alternative to sugar that sweetens without adding excess calories)
- 4 eggs (ideally, use free-range eggs for a richer taste)
- 100 g ground almonds (for a crunchy note and a nutrient boost)
- 100 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to make the cake fluffy)

For the syrup:
- 100 ml water
- 2 tablespoons fructose
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (provides an intense chocolate flavor)

For the glaze:
- 3 tablespoons sweet cream (for a creamy texture)
- 70 g dark chocolate (choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to intensify the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fructose

For decoration:
- Whipped cream (freshly whipped for a contrast of textures)
- Glazed cherries (for a festive look and sweet taste)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the base: Start by melting the chocolate together with the coconut oil. You can do this in a double boiler or in the microwave, making sure to stir frequently to avoid burning. Once the chocolate has melted, let it cool slightly.

2. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, add the yolks from the 4 eggs and mix them with the fructose until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored foam. This is the moment to incorporate the melted chocolate, mixing gently to avoid losing air in the mixture. Then add the flour, ground almonds, and baking soda, mixing with a spatula.

3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you obtain a stiff foam. This step is essential to give the cake an airy texture. Gradually fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, using gentle folding motions to maintain the air in the egg whites.

4. Baking the base: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a round baking pan with a little oil and pour in the base mixture. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the base passes the toothpick test (remove the toothpick from the center and check if it comes out clean). Once baked, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack.

5. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, add the water, fructose, and cocoa, stirring over low heat until the fructose is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool slightly before using it on the base.

6. Cutting and syruping: Using a round cutter, cut out the cakes from the base. Soak each piece in the cocoa syrup, making sure they are well coated but not overly wet.

7. Preparing the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the sweet cream, dark chocolate, and fructose. Heat them in a double boiler, stirring constantly until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth.

8. Assembling the cake: Spread the glaze evenly over each cake and, for a festive look, decorate with freshly whipped cream and a glazed cherry on top.

Useful tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the base mixture.
- If you want to enrich the aroma, you can add a pinch of salt to the egg whites before beating them.
- Make sure the chocolate used is of high quality, as this will significantly influence the final taste.
- You can replace the almonds with walnuts or pistachios, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains ingredients that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and almonds provide an important supply of vitamins and minerals. Fructose, used as a sweetener, has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar.

Delicious pairings:
Cake Hour 12 pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant fruit tea. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream will perfectly complete the tasting experience.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace fructose with regular sugar?
Yes, you can use white or brown sugar, but you will need to adjust the quantities, as sugar has a greater sweetening power.

2. What can I do if I don't have dark chocolate?
You could use milk chocolate, but the taste will be sweeter and less intense.

3. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within 3-4 days to enjoy its freshness.

Cake Hour 12 is not just a dessert, but an experience, a moment of delight that deserves to be savored with loved ones. I recommend making it on special days or simply to turn an ordinary day into an unforgettable one. Enjoy!