Chocolate cake

Decadent chocolate cake

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Cooling time: at least 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 4

The history of chocolate cake is a fascinating one, with deep roots in culinary traditions that celebrate sweetness. Over time, chocolate has evolved from a simple luxury ingredient to a star of desserts around the world. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a simple yet impressive chocolate cake that will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Ingredients for the base:
- 2 large eggs
- 55 g sugar
- 25 g flour
- 25 g cocoa

Ingredients for the cream:
- 250 g baking chocolate (choose a quality variety with a high cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 600 ml whipping cream
- 1 packet of Royal flan (for a creamy texture and an extra touch of delight)
- 50 g hazelnuts (roasted and chopped)

Preparing the base:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius, setting the heat from the top and bottom. This step is essential for achieving an evenly baked base.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer or food processor. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes frothy and takes on a whitish color, indicating that air has been properly incorporated.
3. Sift the flour and cocoa over the egg mixture. With a spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix, so as not to lose the air in the batter.
4. Grease a cake pan with a little oil and pour the batter into it, leveling the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. The base is ready when it is firm to the touch, but do not let it bake too long.
5. After removing the base from the oven, let it cool completely in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool.

Preparing the cream:
1. If you have a food processor, use it to chop the hazelnuts until they become powder. If not, a mortar and pestle will do just as well - just make sure they are finely ground.
2. In a small container, place the baking chocolate to melt. Use a microwave, set on low power, to avoid burning the chocolate. Melt gradually, stirring occasionally.
3. In a saucepan, add the cream and the packet of Royal flan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it starts to warm up. When the cream is almost boiling, add the melted chocolate and the ground hazelnuts. Mix well with a whisk to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to boil. Once it reaches this consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Pour the chocolate cream over the cooled base, leveling the surface. Allow the cake to cool at room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight.

Serving:
To add an extra touch of flavor and presentation, you can decorate the cake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a few roasted hazelnuts. It is a dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, a fragrant tea, or even a glass of sweet wine.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This helps with better homogenization of the batter.
- Look for high-quality chocolate; the taste of the cake will be significantly improved.
- If you want a moister cake, you can add a chocolate glaze on top of the cake before serving.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that the cake will be sweeter. Choose a good quality chocolate for the best results.

2. What if I don't have Royal flan?
You can replace the flan with a pudding mix, and the cream will have a similar texture.

3. Can I add other dried fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! You can experiment with pecans, almonds, or even raisins to vary the flavor of the cake.

Nutritional benefits:
This chocolate cake, while being a dessert, also offers some benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, and hazelnuts contain healthy fats and proteins. Additionally, with a moderate sugar content, it is a better choice compared to many other desserts.

Enjoy every slice of this decadent chocolate cake, which not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy to every special moment!