Cocoa Four-Quarter Cake
Category: Desserts
Servings: 6
This delightful Cocoa Four-Quarter Cake, or Torta Quattro Quarti al Cacao, is a decadent twist on the classic Italian pound cake. With a perfect balance of cocoa, butter, and vanilla, it’s a treat that will melt in your mouth, making it the ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 150g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Butter | 150g |
| All-purpose Flour | 120g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 30g |
| Baking Powder | 8g |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Eggs and Sugar Mixture:
- Begin by cracking the eggs into a bowl. Weigh them to ensure you have the exact amount required for the recipe. Add the sugar to the eggs and whisk until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This step ensures there are no lumps and helps incorporate air into the dry ingredients, which will give the cake a light, airy texture.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to combine everything until smooth and uniform. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake dense.
-
Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Grease and flour a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the sides and help it release easily once baked. You can also line the base with parchment paper for extra assurance.
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Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and level the surface with a spatula. This ensures an even bake. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Enjoy!
This simple yet indulgent Cocoa Four-Quarter Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect for pairing with a cup of coffee or as a sweet treat to share with friends and family. The soft, moist texture, along with the rich chocolatey flavor, makes it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
