Golden Wedding Cake

Golden Wedding Cake: A Delight for an Unforgettable Celebration

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Today, I invite you to discover a special recipe, full of emotion and symbolism: the Golden Wedding Cake. This is not just a dessert, but a true culinary masterpiece, dedicated to eternal love and the celebration of my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. With a decadent chocolate base and a fine chocolate cream, this cake is decorated with 50 red roses dusted with golden powder and two golden wedding rings, symbolizing love and lasting commitment. Let’s see how we can recreate this masterpiece at home, step by step!

Ingredients:

For the chocolate base:
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 150 g butter
- 250 g sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (10 g)
- A pinch of salt

For the chocolate cream:
- 300 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 250 ml whipping cream
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

For decoration:
- 50 red sugar paste roses
- Edible gold powder
- 2 golden sugar paste wedding rings

Preparation Steps:

1. Preparing the bases:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Grease two 23 cm round cake pans with butter and dust them with flour.

1. In a large bowl, melt the dark chocolate together with the butter, either in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until you achieve a smooth mixture.

2. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until fluffy and light in color. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well.

3. Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the chocolate mixture and fold them in with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.

4. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 25 minutes. The bases are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Preparing the chocolate cream:
1. In a saucepan, bring the whipping cream to a boil, then pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until you achieve a smooth cream.

2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Let the cream cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Assembling the cake:
1. When the bases and cream are completely cooled, cut each base in half horizontally, resulting in four layers.

2. Place the first layer on a serving platter. Add a generous layer of chocolate cream, then place the second layer on top. Repeat this process until all layers are assembled.

3. Spread a thin layer of cream over the entire surface of the cake to cover any cracks and create a base for decoration.

4. Decorating the cake:
1. Use the sugar paste roses to decorate the cake, carefully placing them on the surface. Lightly dust them with edible gold powder for an elegant and sparkling look.

2. Place the two sugar paste wedding rings on top of the cake to symbolize the love and commitment of the grandparents.

Practical Tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Use high cocoa content chocolate for a rich and intense flavor.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform emulsion.
- Sugar paste: If you lack experience with sugar paste, you can opt for a simpler decoration, such as fresh fruits or grated chocolate.

Possible Variations:
- Vanilla cake: Replace the chocolate with a vanilla base and add a berry mousse for a fresh note.
- Coffee-flavored cream: Add a few tablespoons of instant coffee to the chocolate cream for an intense and sophisticated taste.

Suitable Pairings:
This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of sparkling wine or a fragrant coffee, to celebrate special moments with loved ones.

Nutritional Benefits:
Although it is an indulgent dessert, dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health in moderate amounts. Remember to enjoy each slice in moderation!

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use white chocolate? Yes, but the taste will be different and sweeter. It is recommended to combine white chocolate with a little dark chocolate for a better balance.
- How long does the cake last? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered to maintain its freshness.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the layers can be frozen separately before being filled and decorated.

This Golden Wedding Cake is not just a dessert, but a declaration of love and a celebration of family. Each bite brings back memories of beautiful moments spent with loved ones. So, get ready to put your culinary skills to the test and bring a touch of magic to your celebration!