Chocolate cream cake

Chocolate Cream Cake – A Dream Dessert

For sweet lovers, chocolate cream cake is a choice that never fails. This recipe combines a fluffy base, a delicious cream, and a tempting glaze, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It's an ideal dessert for special occasions, but also for moments when you crave something sweet.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 430 g flour
- 350 g sugar
- rum essence
- a pinch of salt
- 70 g butter (melted and cooled)

For the cream:
- 1 l milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 300 g sugar
- 1 rum essence
- 1 egg white (beaten until stiff)

For the glaze:
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 150 ml water
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 2 ladyfingers (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. The base: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves. It is essential that the sugar is fully integrated to achieve a fluffy base. Add the yolks one at a time, gently mixing with a spatula or whisk to keep the air in the mixture. Add the rum essence.

2. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour into the egg mixture, gently mixing with a whisk or spatula to avoid lumps. Finally, add the melted and cooled butter, mixing carefully until well combined. It is important not to overmix to keep the mixture light.

3. Baking: Prepare a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pour the base mixture into the tray and level the surface. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test – it should come out clean. After baking, let the base cool completely.

4. The cream: While the base cools, you can prepare the cream. Heat a little milk in a saucepan. In another bowl, beat the egg white with a pinch of salt until foamy. Add the cornstarch, cocoa, and sugar, then gradually incorporate the warm milk, stirring continuously. Pour the mixture into the saucepan and place over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. When the cream thickens, remove it from the heat and add the rum essence. Let it cool slightly.

5. The glaze: In a saucepan, combine the sugar with the water and heat over low heat. When the syrup starts to boil, add the cocoa and margarine, stirring continuously until the margarine completely melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly before using.

6. Assembling the cake: Once the base is completely cooled, cut it into two equal layers. Place the first layer on a platter and lightly soak it with syrup made from water and sugar (you can also add a little rum essence for extra flavor). Spread the chocolate cream evenly over the first layer. Cover with the second layer of base and pour the slightly cooled glaze on top. You can decorate with grated ladyfingers or grated chocolate for an elegant touch.

7. Serving: Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing. This will help the cream set and the flavors meld. Serve the cake with a cup of coffee or a mug of flavored tea for a delightful culinary experience.

Practical tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- You can experiment with different types of essences, such as vanilla or almond, to customize the cake's flavor.
- If you want a more decadent cake, you can add chocolate chips to the chocolate cream.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains protein from eggs and milk, carbohydrates from flour and sugar, and antioxidants from cocoa. It is important to note that due to its sugar and fat content, it is a dessert that should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat flour, but the texture will be different.
2. How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness.
3. Can I add fruits to the cream? Absolutely! Berries or bananas are excellent options that add flavor and freshness.

This chocolate cream cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Try it and enjoy every bite!