Quick chocolate and puffed rice cake

Quick Chocolate Cake with Puffed Rice

Buying sweets from the store can often be tempting, but there’s nothing more satisfying than making your own dessert at home! Today, I will present you with a simple and delicious recipe for a quick chocolate cake enriched with puffed rice that will surely win you over. It’s an ideal dessert for those who want something sweet yet healthy, perfect for a snack between meals or a dessert at a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 1 bag of puffed rice (approximately 200 g)
- 2 bars of dark chocolate (60% cocoa, 200 g)
- 1 pack of margarine (250 g, preferably coconut oil-based)
- 50 g of raisins
- 50 g of roasted nuts
- 50 g of candied fruits (not too sweet, ideally sugar-free)
- 2-3 tablespoons of brandy or rum (optional, but recommended for flavor)

Recipe History:
This chocolate cake recipe with puffed rice is a reinterpretation of traditional desserts, popularized for its simplicity and versatility. The puffed rice adds a crunchy texture, while the dark chocolate provides an intense flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of the fruits and nuts. It’s a dessert that can be easily adapted to your preferences, making it perfect for all occasions.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Chocolate:
Start by preparing the chocolate. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heat-resistant bowl. Add the cubed margarine. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This is the bain-marie method, which will help the chocolate and margarine melt evenly.

2. Making the Cream:
Stir constantly with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until the chocolate and margarine turn into a smooth cream. Make sure there are no lumps or undissolved chocolate pieces. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use chocolate with 70% cocoa.

3. Adding the Puffed Rice:
Once the chocolate cream is ready, remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool slightly. Add the 4 cups of puffed rice (approximately 200 g) and mix well, ensuring it combines evenly with the chocolate cream.

4. Including Additional Ingredients:
Now, add the candied fruits, roasted nuts, and raisins to the mixture. If you wish, you can soak the raisins in brandy or rum to give them a richer flavor before adding them. Mix everything well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Pouring into the Pan:
Prepare two loaf pans, greased with a little margarine or lined with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pans and level the surface with a spatula. If desired, you can sprinkle a few coconut flakes on top for a more attractive appearance.

6. Cooling:
Cover the pans with plastic wrap and let them cool in the refrigerator for a few hours (at least 2 hours). This step is essential to allow the ingredients to set well and achieve a firm texture.

Serving and Variations:
After the cake has completely cooled, cut it into slices and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a perfect dessert for a gathering with friends or a sweet snack during the day. You can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

If you want a healthier version, you can replace margarine with coconut oil or another type of vegetable fat. You can also add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra nutrients and texture.

Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe is rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate, which can help improve mood and cardiovascular health. Puffed rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Candied fruits and nuts add vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It’s a vegan dessert, easy to prepare, that can be enjoyed without guilt.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but keep in mind that it will result in a sweeter taste and a different texture.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can try adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about a week.

I hope this recipe inspires you to put your culinary skills to work! With each step, you will create a delicious dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!