Coffee Black Cake

Coffee Brownie - a decadent and flavorful dessert

Who can resist a delicious dessert that combines the intense taste of chocolate with the captivating aroma of coffee? The coffee brownie is the type of cake that will not only delight your taste buds but will also become the star of any meal. Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or at a special event, this quick and simple dessert will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 195 g butter (at room temperature for easier mixing)
- 320 g sugar (preferably fine sugar for quick dissolving)
- 100 ml milk (you can use whole milk for a richer taste)
- 6 eggs (from free-range hens for extra flavor)
- 255 g flour (sifted white wheat flour to avoid lumps)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (helps the cake rise)
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee (for an intense coffee flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (a great choice to add flavor)
- 1 vial vanilla essence (optional but recommended)

*For the glaze:*
- 50 g butter (to give the glaze a shiny appearance)
- 6 heaping tablespoons sugar (for a sweet and creamy taste)
- 6 tablespoons milk (to thin the glaze)
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder (dark, for an intense chocolate flavor)
- 1 heaping tablespoon instant coffee (to enhance the coffee flavor)

*For decoration:*
- 200 ml liquid cream (whipped, for an elegant look)
- Fresh strawberries (or other seasonal fruits for a color contrast)

Preparing the cake:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth batter. Start by preparing the baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Creaming the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them at medium speed until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture. This step will incorporate air into your cream, making the cake fluffy.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help fully integrate them into the mixture. Don’t skip this step, as the eggs are essential for the cake's structure.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This will help eliminate lumps and ensure an even cake.

5. Combining ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter cream, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; we want the cake to remain airy and fluffy.

6. Adding the coffee: Dissolve the instant coffee in warm milk and add it to the batter. Mix gently until fully combined. Taste a little of the batter; the flavors of coffee and chocolate should already be apparent.

7. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pay attention to the baking time; overbaking can lead to a dry cake.

8. Cooling the cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

Preparing the glaze:

1. Ingredients for the glaze: In a small saucepan, add the cubed butter, sugar, milk, instant coffee, and cocoa powder.

2. Heating: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Do not let the glaze boil; it should be slightly creamy.

3. Cooling the glaze: Once the glaze is well mixed, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly until it becomes slightly viscous.

4. Glazing the cake: When the cake is completely cooled, pour the chocolate glaze over it, ensuring it is evenly covered.

Decoration:

1. Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. You can add a bit of powdered sugar to sweeten it, if desired.

2. Decorating: Use a piping bag to decorate the cake with dollops of whipped cream and add fresh strawberries or other seasonal fruits on top. This detail will not only add a festive look but will also perfectly complement the rich flavor of the cake.

Serving and useful tips:

- Let the glazed cake sit in the fridge for an hour to set the glaze. This step will make it easier to cut each slice.
- Serve the brownie with a cup of fresh coffee or an aromatic tea. The coffee flavor in the cake will intensify when paired with a warm drink.
- If you want to experiment, try adding chopped nuts or ground almonds to the batter for a crunchy texture. You can also replace the instant coffee with freshly brewed coffee for a more intense flavor.
- Another delicious variation is to add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolatey cake.

Nutritional benefits:

This coffee brownie is not only delicious but also packed with energy due to the caffeine content from the instant coffee and eggs, which are an excellent source of protein. Of course, moderation is key – each slice of cake contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the butter? Yes, you can use margarine or coconut oil for a healthier option, but the taste will be slightly different.
2. What can I use instead of instant coffee? You can use instant coffee or even espresso, but make sure it is well dissolved.
3. How do I store the cake? Keep it in a closed container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Prepare this coffee brownie and let yourself be carried away by its enticing aromas. Every bite will be an explosion of flavors that will sweeten your day!