Chocolate cake

Decadent Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to romantic dinners. An irresistible combination of dark chocolate and milk chocolate, this quick dessert will delight everyone's taste buds. The following recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a moist, rich, and flavorful cake that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 350 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 150 g milk chocolate
- 250 g butter
- 350 ml milk
- 300 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 400 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the frosting:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 50 g butter
- 75 ml condensed milk

Instructions:

1. Preparing the chocolate: Start by chopping the dark chocolate and milk chocolate into small pieces to facilitate melting. Add them to a bowl and pour the hot milk over them. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and homogenized. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

2. Preheating the oven: While the chocolate cools, preheat the oven to 170°C. Make sure to prepare a 24 cm round cake pan, well greased with butter and lightly dusted with flour to prevent sticking.

3. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and light in color. This is an essential step, as the incorporated air will help achieve a fluffy cake base.

4. Adding the butter: Melt the butter and let it cool slightly. Once the egg mixture is ready, incorporate the melted butter and continue mixing until well combined.

5. Combining dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients will give structure to the cake and ensure even baking. Then, add the cooled chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix, being careful not to deflate the air in the mixture.

6. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out with chocolate traces but not wet.

7. Preparing the frosting: Once the cake has completely cooled, prepare the frosting. Melt the dark chocolate together with the butter and condensed milk in a double boiler. Stir until it becomes a smooth and glossy mixture.

8. Assembling the cake: Pour the warm frosting over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for an elegant effect. You can decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruits for a touch of freshness and a color contrast.

9. Serving: Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Variation suggestions: You can experiment with different types of chocolate or add chopped nuts for extra texture. Also, for a flavor note, you can add a splash of rum essence or almond extract to the batter.

This chocolate cake will surely be a hit at any event and will leave everyone asking for another slice. Its rich delight and moist texture make it a memorable dessert, ideal for chocolate lovers!