Homemade chocolate cake

Homemade Chocolate Cake – A Holiday Delight

The homemade chocolate cake is a classic recipe that combines the intense flavor of chocolate, the fine texture of the sponge, and some of the simplest ingredients. This recipe was passed down to me by my mother, who would make it for birthdays and family celebrations. Every time I make it, I remember the moments spent together in the kitchen, and now, on my sister's birthday, I've decided to share this delicacy with you.

Before we begin, I want to wish a heartfelt "Happy Birthday!" to everyone celebrating today! Now, let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 3 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- 6 tablespoons of milk
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- Rum essence (optional)

For the homemade chocolate:
- 1 package of butter (about 200 g)
- 500 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- 500 g powdered milk
- 50 g cocoa powder

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml heavy cream
- 50 g butter

For decoration:
- Milk powder flowers
- Chocolate grids
- Silver candies

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl you use for whipping the egg whites is clean and dry, with no trace of fat.

2. Whipping the egg whites: Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy and double in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy sponge.

3. Adding the sugar: Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm meringue.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to homogenize the mixture.

5. Adding the wet ingredients: Gently fold in the oil, milk, and rum essence (if using).

6. The dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder, then gradually incorporate them into the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula. It’s important not to overmix to retain the air in the batter.

7. Baking: Pour the mixture into a round cake pan greased with oil and dusted with flour. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) for 20-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling: Allow the sponge to cool completely in the pan, then remove it and cut it into two equal layers.

Step 2: Preparing the Homemade Chocolate

1. Boiling the syrup: In a saucepan, boil the water with the sugar for about 5 minutes. You don’t want to achieve a thick syrup, as the homemade chocolate should not become too hard.

2. Adding the butter: Turn off the heat and add the butter, stirring until it melts completely.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the powdered milk and cocoa powder, mixing well to avoid lumps. If desired, you can add rum essence for a more intense flavor.

4. Assembling the cake: Pour half of the hot chocolate over the first layer of sponge, which can be lightly soaked with a sugar syrup, then place the second layer on top. Pour the remaining chocolate over and let the cake cool until the chocolate solidifies.

Step 3: Glazing the Cake

1. Preparing the glaze: In a small pot, add the broken chocolate, heavy cream, and butter. Place over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth. It’s important not to boil the glaze, just heat it enough to melt.

2. Cooling the glaze: Allow the glaze to cool slightly until it begins to thicken.

3. Decorating the cake: Cover the cake with the glaze, letting it drip slightly over the edges. Decorate with milk powder flowers, chocolate grids, and silver candies for a festive touch.

Serving and Variations

The homemade chocolate cake is perfect to serve alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. You can also pair it with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a refreshing touch, you can add fresh berries on top.

Practical Tips

- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and butter are at room temperature for better homogenization.
- Checking for doneness: Every oven is different, so I recommend checking the sponge 5 minutes before the indicated time.
- Customizing the recipe: You can experiment with different types of chocolate (dark, milk, white) according to your preferences.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains calorie-rich ingredients, making it ideal as an occasional dessert. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants, while powdered milk is a good source of protein and calcium. However, moderation is essential due to the high sugar and fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour?: Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be slightly different.
- Is it possible to omit sugar?: You can use natural sweeteners, but the result may vary in taste and texture.
- How can I store the cake?: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container.

This homemade chocolate cake recipe will not only bring joy to those who savor it but will also create unforgettable memories in your kitchen. So don’t hesitate to try it and add a touch of magic to the lives of your loved ones!