Cinderella Cake

Cinderella Cake – A Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures

Who hasn't heard the tale of Cinderella, the beautiful girl who found her happiness despite all obstacles? This cake bears her name, being not just a delicacy but also a true culinary fantasy. With a moist center and an intense chocolate flavor, it perfectly combines aromatic nuts with a fine chocolate glaze, offering an unforgettable sensory experience. Get ready to discover the magic of this chocolate and nut cake!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes
Resting Time: 6 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 185 g dark chocolate (65% cocoa)
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 185 g butter (at room temperature)
- 185 g powdered sugar (brown)
- 185 g raw nuts, ground
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla powder)
- 5 tablespoons brown sugar (powdered)
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 150 g creamy yogurt (10% fat)
- 3-4 tablespoons nut liqueur
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (powdered)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the Chocolate Cream:
Start by softening the butter at room temperature. Place it in a large bowl and add the brown sugar. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth and fluffy cream. It is important for the butter to be soft to incorporate well with the sugar.

2. Enhancing the Flavor:
Gradually add the egg yolks, continuing to mix. This step is crucial to incorporate air into the mixture, which will make the cake fluffier.

3. Crushing the Nuts:
Use a blender to grind the raw nuts. Make sure not to turn them into paste; they should remain ground to add texture to the cake.

4. Melting the Chocolate:
In a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate. Ensure that no water gets into the chocolate, as it will not melt evenly. Once melted, add it to the butter cream and mix well.

5. Incorporating the Nuts:
Fold the ground nuts into the chocolate mixture gently, to avoid losing air from the mixture.

6. Beating the Egg Whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue. It is important for the egg whites to be beaten correctly to give the cake an airy texture.

7. Combining the Ingredients:
Add the beaten egg whites to the chocolate mixture, using a spatula to gently fold them in. Then, sift the cocoa over the top and mix again by folding.

8. Preparing the Pan:
Prepare a 22 cm diameter cake pan. Grease it with butter and place a sheet of parchment paper at the bottom. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 140°C. Bake the cake for 60 minutes. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly. Test with a toothpick, which should come out clean.

10. Preparing the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler, then mix it with the yogurt, nut liqueur, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix well until smooth.

11. Cooling and Decorating:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool slightly, then run a knife around the edges and remove the ring. Invert the cake onto a plate, remove the parchment paper, and glaze with the chocolate mixture. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

12. Serving:
Before serving, decorate with ground nuts or chocolate flakes for an extra touch of elegance. Enjoy each slice of this decadent cake with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea.

Useful Tips

- Choosing Chocolate: Choose a chocolate with a high cocoa content (at least 65%) for an intense flavor. Quality chocolate will make a big difference in the cake.
- Nuts: If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, you can use roasted nuts. They will add an extra layer of aroma and crunch.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you want to avoid gluten, you can omit the cocoa and use almond flour for a unique taste.
- Sweeteners: If you want a healthier option, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener, being careful to adjust the quantity according to the desired sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits

Cinderella Cake, although decadent, also offers nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and may help improve heart health. Nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use white chocolate?
White chocolate will change the flavor and texture of the cake, but you can experiment if you want a sweeter version.

2. How can I store the cake longer?
The cake stores well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to a week.

3. Can I replace the eggs?
Yes, you can use applesauce or Greek yogurt as a substitute for eggs, but note that the texture may be different.

Recommended Pairings

Cinderella Cake pairs perfectly with a strong coffee or herbal tea. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce can add an extra flavor boost.

Enjoy this magical cake in the company of loved ones, turning every meal into a celebration of taste! This recipe is not just a simple dessert but an unforgettable experience that you will want to repeat every time you crave something special. Bon appétit!