Old Fashioned Cake

Old Fashion Cake: A Classic Chocolate Delight

The Old Fashion Cake is a dessert that evokes memories of the past, when simple recipes and quality ingredients came together to create unforgettable dishes. This cake, with its fluffy base and rich chocolate cream, is perfect for any occasion. I will present you with a detailed recipe, full of useful tips and tricks that will help you achieve a perfect result.

Total preparation time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including cooling and freezing time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 125 g sugar
- 30 g cocoa (choose a cocoa with 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 125 g flour
- 5 eggs (ideally at room temperature)

For the syrup:
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- 80 ml brandy (optional, you can use water or fruit juice for a non-alcoholic version)

For the chocolate cream:
- 600 g cooking chocolate (choose a quality chocolate)
- 500 g cream (use whipping cream with a high-fat content)
- 250 ml milk (preferably whole)

For decoration:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- A piece of plastic the diameter of the cake (approximately 24 cm)

Preparing the Old Fashion Cake

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by preparing the base. In the mixer bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Beat them on high speed until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This is a crucial step to achieve a fluffy base, as the incorporated air will help it rise.

In another bowl, mix the flour with the cocoa. It is advisable to sift the mixture to aerate it and prevent lumps from forming. Add the flour and cocoa mixture to the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid using the mixer at this step, as you want to maintain the air in the mixture.

Grease a cake pan with butter and dust with a little flour to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Preheat the oven to 160°C and bake the base for 25-30 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is perfect.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
While the base is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Let it simmer on low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once it comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and let it cool. When it’s cold, add the brandy if you choose to use it.

Step 3: Preparing the chocolate cream
For the delicious cream, chop the chocolate into small pieces. Heat the milk in a saucepan, being careful not to let it reach boiling point. When it’s warm, pour it over the chopped chocolate and mix well until the chocolate is completely melted. You can use a hand mixer to ensure everything is smooth.

Whip the cream in a mixer until it becomes firm, then fold it into the chocolate mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix so that you don’t lose the air in the cream.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
Let the base cool completely before cutting it into three equal layers. Use a sharp knife or a special tool to achieve precise cuts. On a tray, place the ring from the cake pan and put the first layer of the base. Use a brush to soak the base with syrup, then add a generous layer of cream. Repeat the process with the second layer of the base, syrup, and cream. Finally, just add syrup to the last layer of the base. Place the cake in the freezer for 1-2 hours to firm it up.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
To decorate the cake, melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie. To achieve a perfect glaze, ensure that the chocolate temperature is warm, but not hot. Pour the melted chocolate onto a marble slab and mix with a spatula to achieve a uniform consistency.

Prepare the plastic strip, making sure it is slightly larger than the cake. Pour the chocolate onto the strip and quickly wrap it around the cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 1 hour for the chocolate to set. When it’s ready, gently pull on one end of the plastic to release the cake.

To decorate the cake, use the remaining cream and a piping bag. You can create various shapes or simply decorate with a few meringues or berries for a more vibrant look.

Useful tips and variations
- If you want to keep the cake healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar added to the base and syrup.
- Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a different flavor.
- The cake is perfect to be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce.

Nutritional benefits
This cake, although a dessert, can also offer benefits. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants and can contribute to better cardiovascular health. Eggs provide quality protein, and cream and chocolate can offer healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of alcohol in the syrup?
Yes, you can use rum or whiskey to give a unique flavor to the syrup.

2. Is it necessary to let the base cool completely?
Yes, this step is essential to prevent the cream from melting when assembling the cake.

3. How can I keep the cake longer?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for a longer period.

4. What can I do if I don’t have cooking chocolate?
You can use table chocolate, but make sure it is of good quality to achieve a delicious cream.

The Old Fashion Cake is undoubtedly a dessert that will impress any guest and bring a touch of nostalgia to any meal. Try it and enjoy every bite!