Chocolate cake for kids

Chocolate Cake for Kids: A Sweet Delight in Every Slice

Who doesn't love chocolate? This chocolate cake is perfect for celebrating any occasion, especially when it comes to the little ones! Made with love for a special boy, the cake proves to be not only delicious but also a true visual feast. With a fluffy cream and cheerful cookie decoration, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of the little ones and beyond. Let's embark on the adventure of making this quick and simple dessert, which is sure to become a family favorite!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours (minimum)
Total: approximately 4 hours
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon dark cocoa
- 2 tablespoons Nesquik cocoa
- a pinch of salt

For the syrup:
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- 150 ml water

For the cream:
- 200 g unsweetened liquid cream
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g dark chocolate

For decoration:
- 200 g sweetened cream
- 3 tablespoons of the above cream
- chocolate cookies (for decoration)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the cream
To achieve a delicious cream, it is important to prepare it in advance. Start by mixing the liquid cream with the sugar in a saucepan. Place the mixture over medium heat and let it boil, stirring constantly. Once the cream starts to boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate. Mix well until the chocolate is completely melted and homogenized. Let the mixture reach room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours until it thickens.

Step 2: Preparing the sponge
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. Add the sugar and continue mixing for a few minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the yolks, oil, and water, mixing on low speed.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and the two types of cocoa. Start incorporating these dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula, so as not to lose the air from the egg whites. Mix gently until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Baking the sponge
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Pour the sponge mixture into a round cake pan (26 cm) lined with baking paper. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the sponge cool completely before cutting it into three layers.

Step 4: Preparing the syrup
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and water. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. This syrup will add delicious moisture to your sponge.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Once the sponge has cooled, cut it into three equal layers. Soak the first layer with the prepared syrup, then spread half of the chocolate cream. Add the second layer and repeat the process.

To achieve perfect whipped cream, whip the sweetened cream until it becomes firm, then add the 3 tablespoons of chocolate cream and mix gently to combine. This mixture will be used to cover the cake.

Step 6: Decorating the cake
After placing the last layer, cover the entire cake with whipped cream. Use a spatula to create a smooth and pleasing appearance. Once the cake is covered, decorate it with chocolate cookies, creating a cheerful and appealing decoration. This detail will not only make it look beautiful but will also provide a delicious extra texture!

Helpful tips
- Cream: If you want to prepare the cream a day in advance, that’s perfect! It gives extra time for the flavors to develop.
- Sponges: You can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the sponge mixture for an even richer taste.
- Decoration: Be creative with the decoration! You can use fresh berries, chocolate flakes, or even grated chocolate to make the cake even more attractive.
- Flavoring: Experiment with different chocolate or ice cream flavors to customize the cake.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but the result will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar amount according to your preferences.

2. How can I make the cake healthier?
You can replace some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before decorating it. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Calories and nutritional benefits
The chocolate cake has a moderate calorie content, and the ingredients used (eggs, dark chocolate, cream) provide a good amount of protein and healthy fats. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, making it a better choice than milk chocolate.

This chocolate cake for kids is not just a delicious dessert, but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories in the kitchen. Enjoy every step of the preparation and don't forget: love is the secret ingredient in any recipe! So gather your family and bring a little magic into every slice!