Chocolate dome cake

Chocolate Dome Cake – A Perfect Indulgence

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Baking time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 3-4 hours
Number of servings: 10-12

The history of the chocolate dome cake is fascinating, with deep roots in European pastry tradition. This rich and decadent delicacy was designed to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones, making every occasion a celebration. With a fine rolled sponge cake filled with creamy chocolate mousse, the dome cake is certainly a perfect choice for any birthday or special event.

Ingredients

For the sponge roll:
- 4 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 8 g)

For the chocolate mousse:
- 400 g milk chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate for a more intense flavor)
- 400 ml heavy cream
- 500 ml whipped cream (use fresh cream for best results)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Sponge Roll

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that no yolk gets into the whites, or they will not whip properly.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm consistency.

3. Adding the yolks: In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the oil. Add this mixture to the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder together, then gradually add them to the egg mixture. Gently fold from the bottom up to avoid deflating the whipped egg whites.

5. Baking the sponge: Line a 33/24 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray and smooth the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cooling the sponge: After baking, let the sponge cool for 5 minutes in the tray. Then, roll it tightly using the parchment paper, forming a roll. Allow it to cool completely in this shape.

Preparing the Chocolate Mousse

1. Melting the chocolate: In a small saucepan, add the chopped milk chocolate and heavy cream. Heat over low, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.

2. Whipping the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Be careful not to overwhip, or it will become grainy.

3. Combining the ingredients: Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream.

4. Chilling the mousse: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to set slightly.

Assembling the Cake

1. Filling the roll: Unroll the cooled sponge and spread 1/4 of the chocolate mousse over its surface. Carefully roll it up again to avoid damaging the mousse. Place the roll in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to firm up.

2. Preparing the bowl: Choose a round-bottomed bowl and line it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap extends up the sides.

3. Arranging the sponge slices: Cut the roll into thin slices and arrange them tightly against the sides of the bowl, creating an attractive decoration.

4. Filling with mousse: Pour the remaining chocolate mousse into the center of the bowl, smoothing the surface. Place a plate on top and add a light weight to help shape the cake.

5. Final chilling: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to set well.

6. Serving: Invert the cake onto a serving platter, remove the plastic wrap, and decorate as desired. Whether you choose to add chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, or a chocolate glaze, each choice will make the cake even more delicious.

Practical Tips

- Chocolate: Always choose good quality chocolate, as the flavor of this cake relies heavily on the ingredients.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even texture.
- Rolling the sponges: Be careful when rolling the sponges to avoid cracking. Parchment paper helps a lot in this process.
- Serving: The chocolate dome cake pairs excellently with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional Information

This chocolate dome cake, served in portions of about 100-120g, contains approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used. It is rich in healthy fats due to the chocolate and cream, but also offers a considerable amount of sugar. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I substitute milk chocolate with dark chocolate? Yes, you can use dark chocolate for a more intense and less sweet flavor.
- How can I make the cake gluten-free? You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour.
- How long can the cake be stored? The chocolate dome cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered.

This chocolate dome cake is not only a visual delight but also a treat for the taste buds. Whether served at a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it will bring joy and smiles to everyone. Enjoy!