Chocolate cake with M&M candies.

Chocolate Cake with M&M's: The Delight of the New Year

It is said that a chocolate cake is not just a dessert but an experience that brings together joy and friendship. In this recipe, I will teach you how to prepare a chocolate cake with M&M's, perfect for adding a touch of cheer to your celebrations. This cake was the star of the New Year's party, bringing smiles to everyone's faces. The total preparation and baking time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the recipe is enough for 10 delicious servings. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 10 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 essence of rum (optional)

For the cream:
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 300 g dark chocolate
- 200 g milk chocolate

For decoration:
- 2-3 bags of M&M's
- a few silver dragees

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Cooling time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the 10 eggs. Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in another. It is important to have all ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

2. Beating the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they form a foam. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This step is essential for giving volume to the cake.

3. Adding the yolks: Incorporate the yolks into the meringue, gently folding with a spatula from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the mixture.

4. Including the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Then, add this mixture to the egg composition, carefully mixing until homogeneous.

5. Baking the sponge: Pour the mixture into a 30 cm round cake pan lined with baking paper or greased with oil and dusted with flour. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes. Test with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

Preparing the Syrup

1. Boiling the syrup: In a pot, combine 200 ml of water, 5 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cocoa. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes until the syrup starts to thicken.

2. Cooling the syrup: Once the syrup has thickened, let it cool. Add the rum essence to taste.

Preparing the Cream

1. Heating the cream: In a pot, place the liquid cream over heat, allowing it to reach the boiling point (do not boil).

2. Melting the chocolate: Add the chopped chocolate to the hot cream and stir until completely melted. This will create a rich and velvety cream.

3. Cooling the cream: Pour the cream into a tall bowl and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use a mixer to whip it until fluffy and doubled in volume.

Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the sponge: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two or three layers, depending on your preference.

2. Soaking the sponge: Place the first layer of sponge on a platter, generously soak it with the prepared syrup.

3. Adding the cream: Spread some of the cream on the first layer, then add the second layer of sponge, repeat the soaking procedure, and add the remaining cream. If you have a third layer, repeat the steps.

4. Finishing the cake: Place the last layer of sponge on top, cover the cake with the remaining cream, and decorate with M&M's and silver dragees. These not only add a colorful look but also provide a pleasant contrast between the chocolate and the crunchy sweetness of the M&M's.

Serving Suggestions

This chocolate cake is perfect alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you want to give it a sophisticated touch, try serving it with vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce.

Variations

- You can substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter and more delicate cream.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate cream for a more complex taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Although this cake is an indulgence, chocolate has surprising benefits. Cocoa contains antioxidants and can improve mood. By using quality chocolate and fresh ingredients, you can create a dessert that not only delights but also offers a touch of well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but be careful to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe since milk chocolate is sweeter.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to portion it beforehand and wrap it well.

Now that you have gone through each step of this chocolate cake recipe with M&M's, all that is left is to invite your friends or family for a tasting. Cooking is an art, and this cake is a masterpiece that promises to be appreciated by everyone. Enjoy!