Sacher Cake

Sacher Cake - A Chocolate Delight with Apricot Jam

The Sacher cake is undoubtedly a symbol of refinement and culinary tradition. This classic chocolate cake recipe, with a generous layer of apricot jam and a fine chocolate glaze, will delight any dessert lover. Preparing this cake may seem like a challenge, but I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the base:
- 400 g dark chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content)
- 150 g margarine (can be replaced with butter for a richer taste)
- 150 g sugar
- 40 g powdered sugar
- 8 medium eggs
- 150 g flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence

For the filling and glaze:
- 450 g apricot jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 200 g cooking chocolate
- 30 g butter
- 3 tablespoons liquid cream

Preparation:

1. Preparing the chocolate:
Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces using a sharp knife. Place the chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl and melt it in a bain-marie. Make sure the water in the pot does not touch the bottom of the bowl with the chocolate, otherwise, it will burn. Let it cool slightly after melting.

2. Separating the eggs:
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to keep the egg whites in the refrigerator for better whipping. They will add a nice volume to the cake.

3. Creaming the margarine:
In a large bowl, combine the margarine (or butter) with sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix using a mixer or spatula until the mixture becomes a fluffy, light-colored cream. This will be the base for your cake.

4. Incorporating the eggs:
Add the yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the melted chocolate, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.

5. The dry ingredients:
In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently with a spatula.

6. Whipped egg whites:
Take the egg whites out of the refrigerator and whip them with the powdered sugar until firm. They should be stiff enough to hold the air. Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula, so as not to deflate them.

7. Baking the base:
Prepare a round cake pan (approximately 26 cm in diameter) by greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 40 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling and cutting the base:
After baking, let the base cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wooden board or a plate. Cut the base horizontally into two equal parts.

9. Filling with apricot jam:
Heat the apricot jam over low heat to make it more fluid. Spread the warm jam on the first half of the base, then place the other half on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining jam.

10. Preparing the glaze:
In a bain-marie, melt the cooking chocolate together with the butter. Once melted, add the liquid cream and mix until homogeneous. Let the glaze cool slightly, then pour it evenly over the cake, making sure to cover the sides as well.

11. Final cooling:
Leave the cake in the refrigerator for 1 hour for the glaze to set.

Serving:
The Sacher cake is served with freshly whipped cream and a cup of aromatic coffee, providing a perfect contrast between the sweetness of the cake and the bitterness of the coffee.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation.
- Use quality chocolate, as it influences the final taste of the cake.
- You can experiment with different fruit jams, but apricot jam remains the most traditional and appreciated.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate? Although not recommended for the classic recipe, you can experiment with white chocolate, but you will need to adjust the sugar amount as well.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar added to the base and use a less sweet apricot jam.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of Sacher cake contains approximately 350 calories, being rich in antioxidants due to the dark chocolate. It also provides protein from the eggs and healthy fats from butter or margarine.

Possible variations:
For a personal touch, you can add a splash of rum to the batter or sprinkle ground nuts between the layers of base and jam. You can also try adding a cream cheese filling for an interesting contrast of flavors.

The Sacher cake is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience worth savoring. So gather your friends and family, enjoy each slice, and cherish the moments spent together!