Chocolate cake with cream

Chocolate Cream Cake: An Irresistible Delight

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling)
Servings: 8-10 servings

If you’re looking for a dessert that will delight the taste buds and bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, look no further! The chocolate cream cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, a party, or simply a sweet afternoon treat. It’s easy to make, yet the result is absolutely spectacular.

A Bit of History
Chocolate cakes have a fascinating history, with deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. From the simplest combinations of chocolate and flour to the most elaborate pastry creations, chocolate remains a staple ingredient in desserts that bring joy. This recipe is a perfect blend of moist, fluffy cake with a smooth cream that complements every bite.

Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 tablespoons of flour with baking powder
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa (70% cocoa recommended)
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 5 large eggs (whites separated from yolks)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar

For the pastry cream:
- 250 g of pastry cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 125 g of whipped cream
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the chocolate cream:
- 115 g of dessert chocolate (for melting)
- 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of brandy (optional)
- 85 g of unsalted butter, cut into cubes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Cake
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 24 cm (9-inch) round cake pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Mix well and set aside.

2. Beating the Eggs
In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Here’s a tip: add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix after each addition. This will help achieve an airy texture.
Once the egg whites are beaten, add the yolks one at a time, reducing the mixer speed. Then, gently fold in the flour and cocoa mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.

3. Baking
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a tester in the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s done. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a rack.

4. Preparing the Cream
In another bowl, whip the cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla until it thickens. Reserve some whipped cream for decoration, then mix the rest with the pastry cream, ensuring everything is smooth and creamy.

5. Assembling the Cake
Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the pastry cream over it and spread it evenly. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 2 hours, until the cream sets.

6. Preparing the Chocolate Cream
To make the chocolate cream, melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Add the powdered sugar, milk, and brandy, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Add the butter cubes and mix until completely melted. Let it cool slightly, then pour the cream over the cake, covering the surface completely.

7. Decorating and Serving
Decorate the cake with the reserved whipped cream or other preferred toppings, such as fresh fruits or chocolate shavings. It’s best to serve the cake on the same day it was made to enjoy its freshness.

Practical Tips
- For an even moister cake, you can drizzle a sugar and water syrup over the cake before adding the cream.
- If you want to experiment with flavors, try replacing the brandy with rum or adding a few drops of orange extract to the chocolate cream.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- If you don’t have time to make the pastry cream from scratch, a store-bought version is perfectly acceptable and will save you time.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This delicious cake offers approximately 400 calories per serving, but it’s important to remember that indulgences are part of life. Dark chocolate, used in this cake, is rich in antioxidants and has heart health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use cocoa with a lower fat content?
Yes, but the cake may be less intense in flavor. I recommend using high-quality cocoa.
- How can I enhance the chocolate flavor?
You can add a few drops of almond extract to the chocolate cream for a more complex taste.
- What drinks pair well with the cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a sweet red wine or a cup of flavored coffee.

Now that you have all the necessary information, let’s get cooking! The chocolate cream cake will surely become the star of your table. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones!