Chocolate cake

Chocolate Cake - An Unforgettable Delight for Chocolate Lovers

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8

If you are a chocolate enthusiast and desire a dessert that will delight your senses, this chocolate cake is the perfect choice. With a moist brownie base and a smooth cream with an intense chocolate flavor, this cake promises to be the star of any meal. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

A Brief History of Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cakes have a fascinating history, being a symbol of refined sweets. The origins of chocolate can be traced back to ancient civilizations, but it wasn't until the 19th century that its widespread use in pastry began. The chocolate cake has evolved over time, becoming a beloved dessert worldwide, with numerous variations ranging from the simplest to the most elaborate.

Ingredients

For the base (brownie):
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 1 cup of warm milk
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 3 tablespoons of jam (apricot or peach, for a fruity note)
- 3 tablespoons of cocoa (use quality cocoa for an intense flavor)

For the cream:
- 2 packets of Dr.Oetker chocolate cream (or a preferred alternative)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Base
1. In a large bowl, start by mixing the egg with the sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a light and fluffy mixture. This will give the bases a fluffy and light texture.
2. Add the oil, warm milk, and jam, continuing to mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and cocoa. Mix well to ensure that the baking soda and cocoa are evenly distributed.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, mixing until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Be careful not to overmix, as this could develop gluten in the flour, making the base denser.

Step 2: Baking the Base
5. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
6. Grease a cake pan with oil and dust it with flour or use parchment paper to ease the removal of the cake after baking.
7. Pour the mixture into the pan and level it evenly.
8. Bake the base for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to avoid affecting the rise of the bases.

Step 3: Preparing the Cream
9. While the base is baking, prepare the cream according to the package instructions. Make sure to use cold milk to achieve a thicker cream.
10. After the base has completely cooled, carefully cut it into two equal parts. Use a serrated knife for an even cut.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
11. Place the first half of the base on a platter and spread a generous layer of chocolate cream. Don't hesitate to be generous, as this chocolate combination will make the cake truly special.
12. Place the other half of the base on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining cream. Use a spatula to achieve a uniform and elegant appearance.

Step 5: Glazing
13. If you want to add an extra glaze, you can use the glaze from Dr.Oetker. Be careful with the proportions of water to achieve the desired consistency. A glaze that is too thin may not set properly, so adjust as necessary.

Serving and Suggestions

The chocolate cake is perfect for serving at a special occasion or simply as a weekend treat. You can decorate the cake with chocolate flakes, chopped nuts, or even fresh fruit for a delicious contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel over the cake can transform the dessert into a true gourmet experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I keep the cake fresh?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it, cut into slices.

2. Can I use other types of jam?
Certainly! You can experiment with different types of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry, to give the cake a different note.

3. How can I make the base less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture of the cake.

Nutritional Benefits

This chocolate cake, besides being delicious, contains ingredients like cocoa, which is rich in antioxidants and may have heart health benefits. However, it is good to know that the cake is a delicacy and should be consumed in moderation.

Calories

A serving of this cake contains approximately 350 calories, but this number may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Make sure to enjoy each slice, but keep portion control in mind.

Possible Variations

- Coffee Cake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee to the batter mix to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Nut Cake: Incorporate chopped nuts into the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Fruit Cake: Add pieces of banana or pear into the batter mixture for extra flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to put on your apron and get cooking! The chocolate cake is more than just a dessert; it's a taste experience that will delight everyone who savors it. So, enjoy every step of the process and don’t hesitate to share the final result with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!