Chocolate cake with ganache cream

Chocolate brownie with ganache cream: a decadent dessert for indulgent moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 16 slices

Who doesn't love a soft and fluffy cake with an intense chocolate flavor? The chocolate brownie with ganache cream is that quick and simple dessert, perfect to be enjoyed alongside a fragrant coffee in the morning or during an afternoon tea. This cake is a delicious combination of a moist chocolate base and a fine cream that will satisfy even the most demanding tastes.

Short history
The brownie has its roots in the tradition of chocolate cakes, being a denser and moister variant than other cakes. Its popularity has grown due to its rich taste and ease of preparation. In various cultures, the brownie has evolved, having variations that include ingredients like nuts, fruits, or even caramel.

Necessary ingredients
For a perfect brownie base, you need the following ingredients:

Base:
- 170 g chocolate (preferably high-quality, with a high cocoa content)
- 170 g butter (at room temperature)
- 200-250 g sugar (depending on preferences; for a less sweet taste, choose 200 g)
- 3 eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 120 g flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- 5 g baking powder (for a fluffy texture)

Ganache cream:
- 150 g chocolate (also, good quality)
- 150 g liquid cream (with a fat content of 30% or more, for a richer cream)

Decoration:
- Nuts (roasted and chopped, for a crunchy contrast)
- Fresh fruits (e.g., raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- Mint leaves (for a fresh and aromatic look)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 24x24 cm square baking pan by greasing it with butter and lining it with baking paper. This step will ensure that the brownie releases easily after baking.

2. Melting the chocolate
In a bowl, break the chocolate into small pieces and add the butter. Place the bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave on medium power, stirring until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.

3. Mixing the ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy and light-colored mixture. Then, add the chocolate and butter mixture, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.

4. Incorporating the flour
Sift the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it over the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon, just until there are no traces of flour. Avoid overmixing to keep the base fluffy.

5. Baking the base
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. For the first 5-7 minutes, bake at high heat, then reduce the temperature to medium. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is ready. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the brownie cool inside for about 10 minutes.

6. Preparing the ganache cream
While the base is cooling, prepare the ganache cream. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a saucepan with the liquid cream. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Make sure the mixture does not reach boiling point; this could affect the final texture of the cream. After the chocolate has melted, transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30-40 minutes.

7. Finishing the cake
Once the base has completely cooled, spread the ganache cream evenly on top. Put the cake back in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the cream to set a little.

8. Serving
Cut the brownie into squares or rectangles and decorate with roasted nuts, fresh fruits, or mint leaves. This is an excellent choice for a festive cake or simply for indulging yourself.

Useful tips
- Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to achieve an intense flavor.
- If you want to personalize the recipe, you can add nuts or coconut flakes to the batter mixture.
- The ganache cream can also be flavored with vanilla or coffee extracts for an added complexity.
- The brownie can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is just as delicious at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions
- Can the brownie with ganache cream be frozen?
Yes, but it is recommended to remove the ganache cream before freezing. You can freeze the base, and once thawed, add freshly made cream.

- Can I use white chocolate?
Yes, but the taste will be different. White chocolate will add a sweeter note, so adjust the amount of sugar in the base accordingly.

- What drinks pair well with the brownie?
An espresso or cappuccino will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the brownie. Also, a red fruit tea can provide a pleasant contrast.

Now that you have this delicious brownie recipe with ganache cream, you're ready to impress your family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and let yourself be inspired by the aroma of chocolate that will spread throughout the house. Enjoy!