Chocolate cake

Chocolate Cake with Delicious Frosting: A Treat for the Holidays

Get ready to delight your taste buds with an incredibly easy-to-make chocolate cake, perfect for name days, Christmas, or New Year's Eve. This chocolate cake recipe is not only simple but also brings a level of sophistication that will impress family and friends. With a decadent chocolate frosting, this quick dessert is sure to be the star of any festive meal!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Cake:
- 3 eggs
- 275 ml milk
- 80 ml vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 225 g sugar
- 320 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream:
- 350 ml liquid cream (whipping cream)
- 125 g milk chocolate
- 3 tablespoons Nutella

For the Frosting:
- 30 g butter
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream

A Brief History:

Chocolate cake is a dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many cultures over time. This cake symbolizes not only joy and celebration but also culinary craftsmanship. In various forms, it has been served on special occasions, bringing loved ones together. A cake like this is not just a dessert but an unforgettable experience.

Making the Cake:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no yolk gets into the egg whites to achieve a perfect meringue.

2. Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with 225 g of sugar until you achieve a firm meringue that no longer contains sugar crystals. This step is crucial for ensuring an airy texture for the cake.

3. Adding the yolks: Once the egg whites are whipped, gradually add the yolks, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid deflating the meringue.

4. Combining wet and dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the oil and milk to the egg mixture, alternating with the dry ingredients. Mix well until you achieve a smooth batter.

5. Preparing the pan: Prepare a detachable cake pan with a diameter of about 26 cm, lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

6. Baking: Pour the batter into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Perform the toothpick test before removing the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Making the Cream:

1. Melting the chocolate: In a small saucepan, add 50 ml of liquid cream, chopped milk chocolate, and the 3 tablespoons of Nutella. You can melt them either in a double boiler or over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

2. Whipping the cream: In a bowl, whip the remaining 300 ml of liquid cream until firm. Add the chocolate mixture and gently fold with a spatula.

3. Assembling the cake: Reserve 5-6 tablespoons of the chocolate cream for decoration. Fill the cake with the remaining cream between the two layers and refrigerate for one hour to firm up the cream.

Making the Frosting:

1. Melting the ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate along with the liquid cream. Stir continuously until you achieve a smooth frosting.

2. Frosting the cake: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour the frosting evenly over it. Use a wide knife, moistened with cold water, to spread the frosting evenly. This will help the frosting to settle nicely on the cake.

3. Decorating: Once the frosting has set, decorate the cake with the reserved chocolate cream.

Practical Tips:

- Adjusting sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can replace the milk chocolate with dark chocolate.
- Cutting the cake: Using a piece of thread to cut the cake is a simple and effective technique. Ensure you have a smooth and even cut.
- Serving: This chocolate cake is delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon!

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, white chocolate will provide a creamy texture and sweet flavor, perfectly complementing the cake.
- How can I store the cake? Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, but you can adapt it using vegan substitutes for eggs and milk.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This chocolate cake has approximately 350 calories per serving, and its ingredients provide benefits such as antioxidants from dark chocolate and nutrients from the eggs and dairy used. When consumed in moderation, this cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion: This chocolate cake recipe with frosting is not only simple but also an excellent way to bring joy and flavor to any occasion. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious dessert! Enjoy!