Chocolate and coffee cake

Chocolate and Coffee Cake

If you are looking for a birthday cake recipe that will impress and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, you have come to the right place! This heart-shaped cake, rich in chocolate with a pleasant hint of coffee, is perfect for special occasions or simply to indulge your taste buds. Here’s how you can prepare this delicious dessert, step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

Base:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) flour
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 4 tablespoons (40 g) cocoa
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Syrup:
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) weaker coffee, sweetened to taste

Cream 1:
- 200 g unsweetened liquid cream
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 55% fat)
- 170 g sugar
- 150 g butter
- 2 packets of NES (instant coffee)

Cream 2:
- A crumbled piece of the base
- 50 ml liquid coffee
- 50 g soft butter

Decoration:
- 50 g white chocolate
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 10 raspberry jelly candies

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base

Start by preheating the oven to 170-175 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with a mixer at maximum speed until you get a fluffy foam, about 3-4 minutes. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix for good incorporation.

Add the oil and milk, mixing continuously. In another bowl, mix the flour with the cocoa and baking powder, then add this mixture to the liquid composition using a spatula. It is important to mix gently to maintain the air in the base.

Finally, pour in the brewed coffee and mix gently until incorporated. Now, pour a quarter of the mixture into the heart-shaped mold (ideally, use a silicone mold that does not require greasing or baking paper).

Place the mold in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture. Once all the bases are baked, let them cool completely.

2. Preparing Cream 1

In a thicker-bottomed pot, mix the liquid cream with the sugar and place over low heat. Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add the coffee powder and chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.

Add the butter at the end, mixing well to obtain a smooth cream. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. Preparing Cream 2

In a bowl, pour the liquid coffee over the crumbled base and add the soft butter. Mix well until you get a fluffy cream that is easy to spread. If necessary, you can add more butter to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Assembling the Cake

On a plate, place the cut base that you made earlier. Soak it with coffee, then add a layer of chocolate cream and level it. Follow with cream 2, spreading it evenly. Place the next base, which you soak again.

To finish, cover the entire heart with the remaining chocolate cream and refrigerate for a few minutes to set.

5. Decoration

Meanwhile, melt the white chocolate and butter in a bowl in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour the chocolate into a bag with a hole at one end and decorate the cake.

Place the raspberry jelly candies around to add a touch of color and a pleasant contrast with the chocolate. Refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours or, even better, let it sit overnight to intensify the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate and coffee cake is delicious served alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet wine. You can add vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream on each slice for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips and Tricks

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a fluffier base.
- You can use chocolate with a higher cocoa content for a more intense and flavorful taste.
- If you want a coffee-free version, you can replace the brewed coffee with orange juice or mineral water for a fresher cake.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a variety of jellies or fresh fruits on top.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also contains ingredients with nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and coffee can help improve mood and energy. However, it's best to enjoy these treats in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. I recommend freezing it before decorating.

How long can it be kept in the fridge?
The cake can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, but it is best served fresh.

How can I adapt the recipe to make it gluten-free?
You can replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or a gluten-free flour mix.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! This chocolate and coffee cake will surely be the star of any anniversary or party. Enjoy!