Chocolate Cake Recipe – A Heavenly Dessert for Chocolate Lovers
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of this Chocolate Cake, a perfect treat for any occasion. This recipe combines the intensity of dark chocolate with the smoothness of butter, making for an irresistible dessert that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply treating yourself, this cake promises to impress with its moist texture and rich flavor. Let’s dive into the details of preparing this luxurious chocolate cake!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa) | 150g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 50g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 180g |
| Granulated Sugar | 180g |
| Eggs | 6 |
| Butter (at room temperature) | 200g |
| Baking Powder | 8g |
| Fine Salt | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Heatproof bowl for melting chocolate
- 9-inch cake pan (greased and floured)
- Sifter or fine mesh strainer
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chocolate
Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces to ensure it melts evenly. You can either melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or use the double-boiler method by placing the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, move on to the butter. Cut the butter into small cubes and place it in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer). Add the granulated sugar to the butter and start mixing at medium speed with the paddle attachment or beaters until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake texture.
Step 3: Adding the Eggs
Once the butter and sugar are creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl, ensuring there are no shells. Add one egg at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. This gradual process ensures the batter remains smooth and homogenous.
Step 4: Incorporating the Melted Chocolate
After the eggs are fully incorporated, pour in the melted dark chocolate (which should be slightly cooled by now) into the mixture. Turn the mixer on low and blend until the chocolate is well mixed with the rest of the ingredients, creating a uniform, glossy batter.
Step 5: Sifting the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Use a fine mesh sieve to sift these dry ingredients into the bowl, which helps to prevent clumps and ensures a smooth batter. Sifting also adds air to the flour, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
Step 6: Mixing the Dry Ingredients into the Wet Mixture
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture in the stand mixer. Start mixing on low speed to prevent the flour from spilling out. Once the dry ingredients are partially incorporated, increase the speed to medium and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
Step 7: Baking the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare your cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it lightly with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to level the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles that may have formed during mixing. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, you can serve it as is or frost it with your favorite icing, such as a rich chocolate ganache or a light whipped cream frosting.
Step 9: Optional Garnishes
For an extra touch of decadence, you can garnish the cake with chocolate shavings, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the cake.
Tips for Success
- Butter Temperature: Be sure to use butter at room temperature. Cold butter will not cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a dense batter.
- Eggs: Always add the eggs one at a time to ensure they emulsify properly into the mixture. This prevents the batter from curdling.
- Melting Chocolate: Allow the melted chocolate to cool to room temperature before adding it to the mixture. If it’s too hot, it could cause the eggs to scramble.
- Flour Measurement: When measuring flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour to the batter. Too much flour can make the cake dense and dry.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it further, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also makes an excellent base for a layered cake with frosting and fillings of your choice.
Storage
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 1 month. Allow the cake to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cake is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with indulgence. With its moist crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and soft texture, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or even just a cozy weekend dessert, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a luxurious topping, this recipe guarantees a delicious experience from start to finish.
