Chocolate Stick Cake

Chocolate Stick Cake: A Decadent Delight for Sweet Lovers

If you're looking for a cake recipe that impresses both in appearance and taste, you've come to the right place! This chocolate stick cake is perfection in dessert form, combining moist, flavorful layers with two delicious creams. It's a recipe that will turn any occasion into a celebration. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to please everyone.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10 servings

A Brief History

Chocolate cake is a favorite worldwide, often associated with special moments and the celebration of life. Chocolate cream, also known as ganache, is a classic technique that originated in France. This recipe combines tradition with a personal touch, bringing a splash of innovation by using chocolate sticks for a textural contrast that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 tablespoons ground walnuts
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1 baking powder pinch

For cream 1 (white chocolate ganache):
- 200 g white cooking chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream

For cream 2:
- 150-200 ml whipped cream

For syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- rum essence

For decoration:
- 150-200 ml cream
- pieces of white and dark chocolate

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, ground walnuts, and baking powder. This step not only helps eliminate lumps but also improves the texture of the layers.

2. Beating egg whites: In another bowl, add the egg whites with a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of water. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until a firm foam forms. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a glossy foam.

3. Incorporating yolks: Add the yolks mixed with oil to the egg white foam. Gently mix to avoid losing the incorporated air.

4. Combining ingredients: Fold the flour and cocoa mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula to keep the air.

5. Baking: Pour the mixture into a greased and floured baking pan (26 cm diameter). Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 45 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick; it should come out clean.

6. Cooling: After baking, let the base cool completely on a rack, then cut it in half.

Step 2: Preparing the Creams

1. Cream 1 (white chocolate ganache): In a saucepan, heat the liquid cream over steam. When hot, add the chopped white chocolate and stir until smooth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then cool to room temperature and transfer to the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.

2. Cream 2: Whip the cold cream with a mixer until firm. Ensure that the bowl and mixer blades are well chilled to achieve perfect whipped cream.

Step 3: Preparing the Syrup

1. Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water and boil the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the rum essence and let it cool.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Soaking the base: Cut the base in half, then soak the first half with the prepared syrup.

2. Adding the cream: Spread cream 1 (ganache) over the soaked base, then place the chocolate sticks. These will add an intense flavor and a crunchy texture.

3. Adding cream 2: Spread the whipped cream (cream 2) over the chocolate sticks, then cover with the other half of the base.

4. Covering the cake: Cover the entire cake with whipped cream, smoothing the surface with a spatula. This is the perfect time to make it look impeccable!

5. Decorating the cake: Use pieces of white and dark chocolate to decorate the cake, creating an elegant and appetizing appearance.

Useful Tips

- For a moister cake: You can soak the base with a mixture of water and orange juice for a fruity note.
- Variations: Instead of chocolate sticks, you can use fresh or dried fruits for a different flavor.
- Serving: Serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of flavored coffee for a perfect contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Yes, but it will slightly change the taste of the cake, making it sweeter.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? No, but you can adapt the recipe using vegan substitutes for eggs and dairy.

Nutritional Benefits

This chocolate stick cake, despite its decadent taste, contains ingredients that can provide nutritional benefits. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and nuts offer protein and essential fatty acids. However, it's important to consume this dessert in moderation, considering its sugar and fat content.

Conclusion

This chocolate stick cake is not just a simple recipe; it is a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring joy to all who taste it. Try making it and let your imagination run wild, adding your personal touch. Each slice will be a celebration of love for chocolate and passion for cooking!