Christmas Black Cake

Christmas Brownie: A Delight for the Soul and Stomach

Christmas brownie is a recipe that, over time, has gathered not only delicious flavors but also precious memories, moments of joy, and holidays spent with loved ones. This moist and rich chocolate cake is perfect for savoring during the winter holidays or any other special moment of the year. Let's discover together how you can prepare this delicacy, step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 16

Ingredients:

- 10 fresh eggs
- 1 lemon (zest)
- 2 packets of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons orange extract
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 400 g flour
- 100 g cocoa
- 2 tablespoons coffee (soluble)
- 100 g butter
- 200 ml oil
- 2 chocolates (bitter dark chocolate)
- Colored decorations for cakes (optional)
- 200 g walnuts (peeled and finely chopped)
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil (for chocolate)

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

We start by ensuring that all the ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with better incorporation. We separate the egg whites from the yolks, putting the whites in a clean, large bowl and the yolks on a plate. It is essential that the bowls are completely clean, without any trace of fat; otherwise, we will not achieve a perfect meringue.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites

We add a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the egg whites. The latter will help stabilize the meringue. Using a mixer or a whisk, we start beating the egg whites. When they become frothy, we gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until we obtain a firm and glossy meringue that forms stiff peaks. This process requires a bit of time and patience, but the result is worth the effort!

Step 3: Combining dry and wet ingredients

In another bowl, we start incorporating the oil into the meringue, using a spatula and gently folding from the bottom up to avoid losing air from the meringue. Then, we gradually add the sifted flour, being careful not to form lumps. It is important to sift the flour to achieve a fine texture. We add the lemon zest, the vanilla and orange extracts, as well as the baking powder dissolved with a few drops of lemon juice.

Step 4: Adding aromatic ingredients

Now, we add the sifted cocoa and the two tablespoons of coffee. We mix carefully to maintain the lightness of the composition. Finally, we fold in the finely chopped walnuts, which will add a crunchy texture and a delicious flavor to the cake.

Step 5: Baking

We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (medium heat) for 20 minutes. We prepare a baking tray by lining it with baking paper. We pour the mixture into the tray and smooth the surface. We bake the brownie for 30 minutes, without opening the oven door in the first 15 minutes, to prevent the cake from collapsing. We check the baking with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and decorating

After baking, we let the cake cool completely in the tray. In the meantime, we melt the chocolate and butter over a double boiler, adding the 2 tablespoons of oil to achieve a smooth glaze. Once the brownie has cooled, we cut it into diamond or square shapes, as preferred, and decorate it with the melted chocolate. If desired, add colored decorations for a festive look.

Practical tips:

- Make sure to use fresh eggs; they will make a significant difference in the texture of the meringue.
- If you want an extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a few drops of almond extract.
- You can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts or pistachios to vary the texture and taste.
- For an extra chocolatey note, add chocolate chips to the mixture.

Nutritional benefits:

This brownie contains protein from eggs and nuts and is a source of antioxidants due to dark chocolate. Although it is a dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture will be slightly different.
- What if I don’t have dark chocolate? You can use milk chocolate, but the final taste will be sweeter.
- How can I store the brownie? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. It can also be refrigerated for longer storage.

Serving suggestions:

The Christmas brownie is delicious served plain, but it can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream. A fragrant coffee or winter tea is perfect to complement this dessert.

Now that you know how to prepare a delicious Christmas brownie, all that’s left is to try it and savor every bite. This is not just a cake, but an unforgettable experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Start cooking and bring a touch of magic into the lives of your loved ones!