Chocolate and mint cake

After Eight Cake – A Sweet Experience of Chocolate and Mint

Welcome to the delicious world of desserts! Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for a cake that will take your senses on a flavor journey – the After Eight Cake. This dessert is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and fresh mint, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you're preparing a special lunch or want to treat your family to an extraordinary dessert, this cake is the ideal choice!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices

A Brief History of the Cake

The cake, a moist and dense dessert, has become popular in kitchens around the world due to its versatility. It can be customized in countless ways, combining various flavors and ingredients. From simple vanilla cakes to elaborate ones with chocolate or fruits, each variant brings something special. Today, we will focus on a unique version inspired by After Eight chocolate, known for its unusual combination of mint and chocolate.

Ingredients

- 20 After Eight chocolates
- 4 large eggs
- 230 g pastry flour
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 225 g butter (82% fat)
- 150 ml milk
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Fresh green mint for decoration

Preparing the After Eight Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a homogeneous texture in the batter. Prepare a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melting the Butter and Chocolate

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once completely melted, add the milk and the 8 After Eight chocolates. Stir gently until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes homogeneous. Do not overheat, as it is important that the mixture does not boil.

Step 3: Creating the Egg Base

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar for about 5 minutes. You will obtain a fluffy meringue that will give the cake an airy texture.

Step 4: Combining the Ingredients

Gradually add the milk and butter mixture to the egg meringue, stirring gently. Then, add the cocoa powder and mix again. Finally, incorporate the flour and baking powder, mixing until homogeneous. It is important not to overmix to maintain the lightness of the batter.

Step 5: Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Add the remaining After Eight chocolates, cut into small pieces, into the batter, distributing them evenly. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 60 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving

Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, carefully remove it and slice. This cake is delicious served plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: These mix better and help achieve a finer texture.
- After Eight chocolate: If you don't have it on hand, you can use mint chocolate or combinations of dark chocolate and peppermint essential oil (be careful with the amount, as it is very concentrated).
- Extracting flavors: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few drops of mint extract to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a source of energy due to the sugar and fats from the butter. It also contains protein from the eggs, and cocoa has beneficial antioxidants for health. However, consume it in moderation, considering the calorie content.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I replace the butter with oil?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Butter provides a richer flavor and texture.

2. Can I add fruits to the batter?
Of course! Berries or bananas can add a fresh note, but adjust the baking time, as the extra moisture may affect the consistency.

3. What drinks can I serve with this cake?
Black coffee or mint tea are excellent options. Additionally, a sweet wine could perfectly complement the flavors of the dessert.

Possible Variations

To customize the recipe, try adding ground nuts or coconut flakes to the batter. You can also use white chocolate instead of After Eight for a sweeter cake.

Personal Note

For a special look, decorate the cake with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of cocoa on top. It's not only a treat for the taste buds but also a joy for the eyes!

Now that you have all the necessary information to prepare this After Eight Cake, all that’s left is to get started! Enjoy every step of the process and savor each slice full of flavor. Bon appétit!