Simple cake

Simple Cocoa Cake: An Easy-to-Make Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-65 minutes
Servings: 8-10

The history of cake is fascinating, with this humble dessert having deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Originating from the time when people began experimenting with various ingredient combinations, cake has evolved over the years, becoming one of the most beloved and versatile treats. Today, I will present to you a simple cocoa cake recipe, perfect for serving with coffee or as a dessert after a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of plum jam (or your favorite jam)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (make sure it's good quality)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- A few drops of rum extract
- Flour (enough to achieve a thicker batter than pancake batter)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Ensure that the milk, eggs, and oil are at room temperature to facilitate mixing. This will help achieve a fluffier cake.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, add the two eggs and sugar. Using a mixer or whisk, beat the ingredients together until the mixture becomes a smooth and fluffy paste, and the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients: Add the milk, oil, and rum extract to the bowl. Mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly combined. The aroma of the rum extract will add an extra layer of flavor to your cake.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the cocoa powder. This will help eliminate any lumps and ensure a fine texture for the cake. Add the flour and cocoa mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous composition. The batter should be thicker than pancake batter but not so dense that it cannot be poured.

5. Adding the jam: Fold the plum jam into the batter. This will add a touch of sweetness and moisture, turning the cake into a true delicacy.

6. Preparing the pans: Grease two cake pans with oil, making sure to cover all corners evenly. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.

7. Pouring the batter: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. You can use a spatula to level the surface so that the cake bakes evenly.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the pans with the batter inside. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling: After removing the cakes from the oven, let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s hard to resist the temptation to cut a warm slice, but allowing it to cool will enhance the texture and flavor.

10. Serving: This simple cocoa cake can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Another delicious idea is to serve it with warm chocolate sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical Tips:

- Jam variation: You can experiment with different types of jams, such as apricot or berry jam, each bringing a distinct flavor to the cake.
- Enriching with nuts or chocolate: If you want an even richer cake, add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Storing the cake: This dessert keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. It can also be frozen, sliced, and individually wrapped for later enjoyment.

Nutritional Benefits:

Cocoa cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Cocoa contains antioxidants that may contribute to heart health. By using plum jam, you also add fiber and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to others.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier cake that is richer in fiber.

2. How can I enhance the cake's flavor?
You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to intensify the flavor.

3. Is it possible to make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a ripe banana as a substitute for the eggs. This will also add moisture.

4. What can I pair this cake with?
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but also with a refreshing drink like a fruit smoothie.

This simple cocoa cake is a basic recipe that you can adapt to your tastes and preferences. Cooking is an art form, and each dessert you create carries a unique story. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy the pleasure of creating together!