Dark chocolate cake with whipped cream

Dark chocolate cake with whipped cream: a sweet delight for all occasions

Do you enjoy making desserts that bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones? Then this dark chocolate cake recipe with whipped cream is exactly what you need! It is a decadent dessert, perfect for birthdays, parties, or simply to savor a sweet moment with family and friends. With a moist and rich base, a fluffy cream, and a glossy glaze, this cake is truly a delight.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 10

A brief history of chocolate cake

Chocolate cake, a favorite of many, has deep roots in culinary history. Its origins can be traced back to the 19th century when chocolate began to be used as an ingredient in baked goods. Over time, chocolate cake has become a symbol of celebrations and joyful moments, adapting and evolving according to the tastes and preferences of each generation. Today, this dessert is often associated with special occasions and is frequently customized to reflect the culinary style of each cook.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 200 g quality dark chocolate (choose chocolate with 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 100 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature)
- 5 eggs (preferably fresh)
- 150 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 80 g flour
- 100 g ground nuts (you can substitute with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to ensure a fluffy texture)

For the cream:
- 250 ml whipping cream (use cream with at least 30% fat content)
- 6 tablespoons sugar (adjust the amount according to taste)

For the glaze:
- 200 g dark chocolate (the same chocolate as for the base)
- 2 tablespoons butter

For decoration:
- Colorful candies (choose the ones kids love for a playful look)
- Colored coconut (for an extra texture and color)
- 1 Physalis (an exotic fruit that adds a touch of elegance to the cake)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even baking of the base.

2. Melting the chocolate: In a bowl, add the broken dark chocolate and butter. You can use a double boiler or a microwave to melt them. Make sure to stir constantly to avoid burning the chocolate. Once melted, let the mixture cool slightly.

3. Preparing the base mixture: In a large bowl, beat the 5 egg yolks with the sugar until you obtain a creamy and light-colored mixture. This will add an airy texture to the cake. Pour the melted chocolate over the yolks and mix well.

4. Adding dry ingredients: Add the flour, ground nuts, and baking powder to the chocolate mixture. Gently fold with a spatula to avoid developing gluten, which could make the base dense.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base. Fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture using gentle folding motions to retain air in the mixture.

6. Preparing the pan: Grease a round cake pan with butter and dust it with flour or line it with baking paper to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface.

7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check if the cake is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and slicing: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice the cake in half horizontally to create an upper and lower layer.

Preparing the whipped cream

9. Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the whipping cream with the 6 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it may turn into butter.

10. Filling the cake: Place the first layer of the cake on a serving platter and spread a generous portion of whipped cream on top. Cover with the second layer of cake and repeat the process. You can also add berries between the two layers for an extra burst of flavor.

Preparing the glaze

11. Melting the chocolate for the glaze: In another bowl, melt the dark chocolate with the 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring constantly. Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.

12. Covering the cake: Use a spatula to spread the glaze over the entire surface of the cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for an elegant effect.

Decorating the cake

13. Decorating: Add the colorful candies and coconut on top of the cake. Place a Physalis in the center for a sophisticated and colorful look. This choice not only looks good but also adds a fresh taste that perfectly contrasts with the chocolate.

Serving and pairing

The dark chocolate cake with whipped cream is delicious served plain, but you can also add a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream alongside, to create a contrast of temperatures and textures. A warm drink like a cappuccino or fruit tea will perfectly complement this dessert.

Useful tips

- Choose quality chocolate: The taste of the cake depends heavily on the chocolate used, so invest in quality chocolate.
- Proper cooling: Ensure that the cake is completely cooled before slicing or glazing, otherwise the cream will melt.
- Ingredient variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts or add vanilla or espresso extract to the batter to intensify the flavors.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to a week.

Conclusion

This dark chocolate cake with whipped cream is a simple yet spectacular recipe that will impress any guest. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, you will bring a touch of joy and flavor to every slice. Don't forget to leave your personal touch through decoration and ingredient choices! Happy baking!