Chocolate cake

Chocolate Cake with Dark Chocolate Glaze – A Delight for Any Occasion

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

What could be more delightful than a moist chocolate cake, full of flavor, to indulge your senses? This chocolate cake recipe is not only simple but also extremely versatile. It can be made for a birthday, a party, or simply to treat yourself on the weekend. With a rich texture and a decadent glaze, this cake is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients and Nutritional Benefits

For the cake:
- 350 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa) – rich in antioxidants, dark chocolate helps reduce stress and improve mood.
- 150 g milk chocolate – adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture.
- 250 g butter – provides richness and moisture to the cake.
- 350 ml milk – an essential ingredient for a soft and moist batter.
- 300 g sugar – to add sweetness and balance the bitterness of the chocolate.
- 4 eggs – provide structure and help the cake rise.
- 400 g flour – the base of the batter, giving it consistency.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise.
- A pinch of salt – enhances the overall chocolate flavor.
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar – adds a delicious aroma and flavor.

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate – for a rich and decadent glaze.
- 50 g butter – makes the glaze smooth and shiny.
- 75 ml condensed milk – provides additional sweetness and a creamy texture.

How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Measure them carefully and ensure they are at room temperature, especially the eggs and butter. This will contribute to a more even mixing and a better result.

Step 2: Melt the chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, place the dark chocolate and milk chocolate together with 350 ml of milk. Set the bowl over a pot of hot water (bain-marie) and gently stir until the chocolate is completely melted and homogenized. Once melted, let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the batter
In another bowl, melt 250 g of butter and let it cool. Beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar until fluffy and light yellow. Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and mix well.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients
In a larger bowl, combine the chocolate mixture with the egg composition, gently mixing to avoid losing air from the eggs. Start incorporating the flour mixed with baking powder and salt. Use a spatula to mix, being careful not to overdo it, so the cake remains fluffy.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease a 24 cm diameter cake pan with butter, then pour the batter into the pan. Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with chocolate traces. Don’t panic if the toothpick doesn’t come out completely clean; a perfect chocolate cake can have chocolate traces on it.

Step 6: Prepare the glaze
To make the glaze, place the dark chocolate, butter, and condensed milk in a bowl over a bain-marie. Stir until everything is completely melted and homogenized. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cooled cake. You can use a spatula to help the glaze spread evenly.

Step 7: Decorate
For an extra touch of elegance, decorate the cake with fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruits. This not only adds a color contrast but also a note of freshness to each slice.

Useful Tips and Tricks
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even batter.
- You can adapt the recipe by adding nuts, hazelnuts, or raisins to the batter for added texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by 50 g.
- The cake can be stored in the fridge, but it is recommended to take it out 30 minutes before serving to regain its soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Of course, but keep in mind that the cake will have a different, sweeter taste, and the color will be different.

2. What can I use instead of condensed milk?
- You can replace condensed milk with cooking cream, but the texture of the glaze will be slightly different.

Delicious Pairings
This chocolate cake is perfect paired with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a glass of red wine could perfectly complete the culinary experience.

In conclusion, this chocolate cake is not just a dessert but a pleasant cooking experience that will bring you closer to loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply make it to treat yourself, each slice will bring smiles and joy. So, put on your apron, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy this delight!