Chocolate cake

Spiral Chocolate Cake

If you're looking for a decadent dessert that will impress, this spiral chocolate cake is the perfect choice. With a soft base and rich cream, this recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also adds a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Get ready to delight your family and friends with this cake that, although it looks sophisticated, is easy to make!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla-flavored powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of grated dark chocolate
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the cream:
- 400 g of dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 400 ml of whipping cream
- 300 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the base
- Beating the egg whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. It’s essential to use a clean bowl, free of grease, to achieve perfect peaks.
- Adding sugar: Gradually add sugar to the egg whites while continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and dense foam.
- Incorporating the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the 3 tablespoons of oil until homogeneous. Slowly add this mixture over the egg white foam, gently folding with a spatula, using an up-and-down motion to avoid deflating the egg whites.
- Adding dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder over the egg mixture. Also, add the grated chocolate. Mix gently until well combined.
- Baking the base: Pour the mixture into a large baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes, or until the base feels firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Let it cool on a rack.

2. Preparing the cream
- Melting the chocolate: Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a pot along with the whipping cream. Place the pot over low heat and stir gently until the cream comes to a boil and the chocolate melts completely.
- Adding butter: Once the chocolate is melted, remove the pot from the heat and add the butter. Stir until completely combined.
- Cooling the cream: Allow the cream to cool slightly, then refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight. The cream will firm up but will have a fluffy consistency.
- Whipping the cream: When the cream is well chilled, add the cocoa and mix on low speed to incorporate. Then, increase the speed and whip until the cream is firm and fluffy.

3. Assembling the cake
- Cutting the base: Once the base is completely cooled, cut it into 4 equal strips.
- Filling: On a platter, spread about 2/3 of the cream evenly.
- Forming the spiral: Take one strip of the base and carefully roll it up. Place it on the platter, then continue with the other strips, forming a spiral.
- Decorating: Use the remaining cream to decorate the cake as desired. You can use a spatula or a piping bag to create beautiful shapes.

Useful tips
- Choose quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate will influence the final taste of the cake. Choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for an intense flavor.
- Cooling: Make sure the base is completely cool before adding the cream; otherwise, it will melt.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace wheat flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, but the texture will be different.
- Serving: The cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional information
A serving of this spiral chocolate cake contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fats: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Proteins: 6g

This chocolate cake is not just a delicious treat but also a way to bring joy to your loved ones. Whether served at a birthday, a party, or simply as a little personal indulgence, it will surely be a hit! Don't forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and share the final result with all your loved ones!