Italian Recipes

Decadent Chocolate Cocoa Cake with Whipped Ganache

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Decadent Cocoa Cake (Torta Golosa al Cacao)

Category: Desserts
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Ingredient Quantity
Butter 250g
Powdered sugar 300g
Eggs 8 large
All-purpose flour 300g
Dark chocolate chips 80g
Baking powder 12g
Unsweetened cocoa powder 80g
Vanilla bean 1
Granulated sugar 165g
Heavy cream (liquid) 125g
Water 150g
Glucose syrup 40g
Gelatin sheets 7g
Unsweetened cocoa powder (for glaze) 75g
Heavy cream (liquid) (for glaze) 150g
Dark chocolate (for ganache) 300g

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cocoa Cake:
    Begin by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites.
    In a stand mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Slowly add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well between each addition until fully incorporated.
    Slice open the vanilla bean pod, scrape out the seeds with a knife, and add them to the mixture for a rich, aromatic flavor.

  2. Whip the Egg Whites:
    In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with the granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the butter and sugar mixture, being careful not to deflate the airiness.

  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
    Sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder into the mixture. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients using a spoon or spatula, ensuring the batter remains smooth and uniform.

  4. Add the Chocolate Chips:
    Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips to the batter, distributing them evenly.

  5. Prepare the Cake Pan:
    Grease a 28cm (11-inch) round cake pan with butter. Pour the cake batter into the pan, smoothing it out to an even layer.

  6. Bake the Cake:
    Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.


  1. Prepare the Cocoa Glaze:
    In a small bowl, soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes.
    In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, water, and glucose syrup, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once the cream mixture starts to simmer, remove it from the heat and whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder until fully dissolved.

  2. Incorporate the Gelatin:
    After the gelatin has softened, squeeze out any excess water and stir it into the warm cocoa mixture. Mix until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the glaze is smooth.

  3. Cool the Glaze:
    Let the cocoa glaze cool slightly, then pour it into a tall container. Use an immersion blender to blend the glaze until it becomes slightly frothy and smooth.

  4. Chill the Glaze:
    Allow the glaze to cool in the fridge for at least one hour to set. Once chilled, pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake.

  5. Chill the Cake:
    Place the cake in the fridge for about 15–20 minutes to allow the glaze to firm up.


  1. Prepare the Ganache:
    For the ganache, place the heavy cream in a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Break the dark chocolate into pieces and add it to the cream, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

  2. Cool the Ganache:
    Once the ganache is ready, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. To cool it quickly without altering its texture, place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge.

  3. Whip the Ganache:
    Once chilled, whip the ganache using a stand mixer or handheld electric beaters until it forms stiff peaks.

  4. Decorate the Cake:
    Transfer the whipped ganache to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Pipe decorative swirls around the edge of the cake to create a beautiful border.

  5. Serve:
    Once decorated, the decadent cocoa cake is ready to serve. Enjoy this rich and indulgent dessert with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat.


This Decadent Cocoa Cake is a treat for chocolate lovers, with its rich layers of cocoa-infused cake, a smooth and glossy cocoa glaze, and a creamy, whipped dark chocolate ganache topping. Each bite is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweetest cravings. It’s a perfect choice for birthdays, special occasions, or simply when you want to indulge in something spectacular.

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