Diva Cake (revisited marbled cake of the Diva in the kitchen)

Diva Cake - A Marbled Delight with Orange Flavor

Discover our Diva Cake recipe, a dessert that perfectly combines the flavors of chocolate and orange for a fluffy and delicious result. This revisited recipe will bring joy with every slice and transform any meal into a true celebration. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this culinary masterpiece!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the cake:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 125 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- Juice from 1 large orange (about 10-11 tablespoons)
- Zest from ½ orange (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- 50 g dark chocolate (for an intense taste)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt

For the ganache:
- 100 g chocolate
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This step will help achieve a homogeneous mixture. Place the butter, sugar, eggs, and orange juice on the work surface.

2. Creating the cake base: In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored cream. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, making the cake fluffy.

3. Adding the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This will help form a stable emulsion.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients: Pour 5-6 tablespoons of orange juice into the butter and egg mixture, continuing to mix.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed until it becomes a homogeneous composition.

6. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. In one part, add 4 tablespoons of orange juice and the orange essence, while in the other, add the melted chocolate (previously melted) and cocoa. Mix each composition until homogeneous.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a pan (round or square) with butter and dust it with flour. This step will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

8. Pouring the dough into the pan: Pour the white mixture into the pan, followed by the cocoa mixture. You can gently swirl the two mixtures with a spatula to create a marbled effect, but don't overdo it to avoid completely combining them.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly.

10. Checking for doneness: At the end of the baking time, check if the cake is baked using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it means it is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

11. Preparing the ganache: In a saucepan, melt the chocolate together with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly. When the chocolate has completely melted and the mixture is homogeneous, remove from heat.

12. Finishing the cake: Cut the cake into slices or wedges, depending on the chosen shape. Pour the chocolate ganache over each slice or over the entire surface of the cake for an elegant look.

13. Serving: Let the ganache set slightly, then serve the cake with fresh orange slices on the side. They add a pleasant contrast and a note of freshness.

Practical tips:
- If you want an even more intense orange flavor, add some grated orange zest to the cake mixture.
- You can experiment with other flavors, such as vanilla or almonds, for an interesting variation.
- Make sure the dark chocolate used is of good quality for a delicious ganache.
- If you want a moister cake, you can replace some of the flour with almond flour.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains healthy ingredients, such as protein-rich eggs and oranges, which are an excellent source of vitamin C. Dark chocolate brings antioxidants, and butter provides healthy fats (in moderation). It is a dessert you can enjoy guilt-free, especially when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower or coconut oil, but the final texture of the cake will be slightly different.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. What other drinks pair well with this cake?
A fruit tea or a cappuccino are excellent options that perfectly complement the flavors of this dessert.

This Diva Cake is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. Whether you enjoy it with a morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, each slice will be a true pleasure! Enjoy!