Glazed chocolate cake

Glazed Chocolate Cake

Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of a freshly baked cake? Today, I will take you on a culinary journey to prepare a glazed chocolate cake that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but is also perfect for enjoying in the morning alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. This recipe is simple yet has an intense chocolate flavor that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10 slices

Ingredients:

- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 170 g flour
- 125 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g chocolate with 55% cocoa
- 2 teaspoons rum essence

For the glaze:

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 3-4 teaspoons cold water

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chocolate: Start by placing the milk and chopped chocolate in a saucepan. Set the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It is important to keep an eye on the milk and not let it boil too hard. Once the milk begins to boil, remove the saucepan from heat and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture in the cake.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, add the eggs and a pinch of salt. Use a mixer on high speed to beat the eggs. Continue mixing until they become frothy and change to a lighter color. This step will add air to the mixture, making the cake fluffier.

3. Adding the sugar and oil: While continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar, stirring until it completely dissolves. Then, pour the oil in a thin stream while continuing to mix. The oil will add moisture and make the cake richer.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour and baking powder. Then, add these dry ingredients to the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula. It is important not to overmix, to keep the air trapped in the mixture.

5. Adding the melted chocolate: Once the flour is well incorporated, add the rum essence and melted chocolate. Carefully mix until everything is homogeneous. Here you can also add some nuts or hazelnuts for extra texture if you like.

6. Baking the cake: Prepare a small loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 170-175 degrees Celsius and place the pan in the oven. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. Do the toothpick test: if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready!

7. Cooling and glazing: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. Mix the powdered sugar with cold water until you achieve a smooth paste. This glaze will add a shiny and sweet finish to your cake.

8. Serving: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the prepared glaze over it, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges for a decorative effect. Cut it into slices and serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

This chocolate cake is not only delicious but also provides a source of energy due to the compounds in chocolate. Chocolate with 55% cocoa content is a source of antioxidants, and the eggs and oil contribute healthy proteins and fats. It is important to consume moderate portions, considering the caloric content, but this cake will surely be a delightful treat.

Personalized variant:

To add a personal touch, you can try replacing the chocolate with white chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex flavor. Another delicious option would be to add dried fruits or banana pieces to the batter.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be slightly different.

2. What type of chocolate is best?
I recommend chocolate with 55% cocoa content for an ideal balance between sweetness and bitterness.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container. You can also freeze the sliced cake, and when you want to serve it, you can thaw it at room temperature.

In conclusion, this glazed chocolate cake is not just a simple recipe but also an opportunity to share joyful moments with loved ones. Enjoy each slice and don't forget to experiment with ingredients and combinations that delight you!