Chocolate cake

Chocolate Cake with Caramelized Oranges

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

This decadent chocolate cake is a true delicacy, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge yourself on the weekend. The combination of intense chocolate flavors with the sweetness of caramelized oranges creates a memorable taste experience. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicious cake!

Ingredients:

For the chocolate sponge:
- 250 g butter, at room temperature
- 6 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 50 g high-quality cocoa powder
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 7 tablespoons of water
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 50 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

For the chocolate cream:
- 250 g of chocolate cream (see above)

For decoration:
- 2 oranges
- 140 ml water
- 200 g sugar

Step by step:

1. Preparing the chocolate cream:
- In a saucepan, mix cocoa with granulated sugar and 7 tablespoons of water. Place the mixture over low heat and stir constantly until the cocoa and sugar completely dissolve. Once the mixture is homogeneous, let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the butter with powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy. Gradually add the yolks, continuing to mix well after each addition. This step is essential to incorporate the necessary air for a fluffy cake.
- Add the cooled cocoa mixture to the butter cream, mixing well until combined.

2. Preparing the sponge:
- Take 1/4 of the chocolate cream and set it aside for later use. In the remaining cream, add melted dark chocolate and mix well.
- In the remaining cream, incorporate one tablespoon of flour to give it consistency. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and carefully fold them into the mixture above, using a spatula and gentle up-and-down motions to preserve the air.

3. Baking the sponge:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a cake pan (approximately 24 cm in diameter) with parchment paper so that the cake can easily be released.
- Pour the mixture into the pan and bake for 30 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 15 minutes to avoid affecting the rise of the sponge.
- Once the sponge is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a plate.

4. Preparing the caramelized oranges:
- In a saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil to make a syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the orange slices and let them cook for 20-25 minutes until they become translucent.
- Remove the orange slices from the syrup with a spatula and place them on parchment paper to cool and harden.

5. Assembling the cake:
- Once the sponge has completely cooled, spread the previously reserved chocolate cream on top of the cake. Artfully arrange the caramelized orange slices on the cake, letting your imagination run free.

Serving suggestions:
This delicious cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee. You can also add a spritz of whipped cream on top for an extra creaminess.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a uniform creaminess.
- Use high-quality cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor.
- If you want a lighter cake, you can replace some of the butter with avocado puree or Greek yogurt.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 450
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 5 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of chocolate? Yes, but make sure the chocolate has a high cocoa content for a rich taste.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days, but it is recommended to be consumed in the first 2 days to enjoy the best texture.

In conclusion, this chocolate cake is more than just a recipe; it is a cooking experience that combines flavors and textures to create a memorable dessert. Don't forget to share this cake with your loved ones, as joy is always greater when enjoyed together. Enjoy!