Chocolate Sponge Cake Delight

This delicious chocolate sponge cake is a delightful treat for any occasion. Featuring a fluffy and moist texture, it combines rich cocoa with a creamy filling to create a truly indulgent dessert. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake offers a balance of flavors with a touch of vanilla and a hint of bitterness from the cocoa. It’s layered with a smooth cream made from cottage cheese and sour cream, adding a refreshing component to the cake. The entire creation is elegantly finished with whipped cream and grated chocolate, making it a visual and culinary masterpiece. Suitable for family gatherings or celebratory dinners, this cake is sure to impress. It's easy to prepare with commonly found ingredients, and the result is a rewarding experience for both amateur and experienced bakers. Read on to discover how to make this delightful dessert yourself.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 packet baking powder
• 2 cups flour

Filling:

• 600 g cottage cheese
• 300 g sour cream

Decoration:

• 400 g sweet cream (liquid)
• 1 milk chocolate bar
• 20 g cocoa powder

Preparation Time

Total: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
2. Blend Core Ingredients: Add in the vegetable oil, milk, and cocoa powder. Mix until fully integrated.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, folding gently.
4. Mix Batter: Use a mixer to ensure everything is well combined, forming a smooth batter.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased baking mold. Preheat your oven to 180°C and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Cool the Sponge: Once baked, allow the sponge cake to cool down completely before handling.
7. Slice the Cake: After cooling, slice the sponge horizontally into three equal layers.
8. Create the Filling: Mix the cottage cheese and sour cream in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
9. Assemble the Cake: Spread a portion of the filling on the bottom layer of the sponge, cover with the middle layer, apply more filling, and top with the final sponge layer.
10. Prepare Whipped Cream: Whip the sweet cream into stiff peaks. Divide into two portions.
11. Make Cocoa Cream: Mix a small amount of cocoa powder into one portion of the whipped cream to achieve a light chocolate flavor and color.
12. Decorate the Cake: Use the cocoa whipped cream for the top layer. Decorate with the remaining plain whipped cream.
13. Add Chocolate Topping: Grate the milk chocolate and sprinkle it over the cake for added texture and flavor.
14. Final Touch: Dust with a bit of extra cocoa powder for a gourmet look.
15. Refrigerate: For best results, let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
16. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into slices and enjoy.

Tips

• Ensure Ingredients are at Room Temperature: This helps the batter mix more smoothly.
• Substitute Options: Use almond milk for a dairy-free option or replace sugar with a sugar substitute for a reduced-calorie version.
• Decorating Ideas: Use fresh berries or mint leaves for an added visual appeal.

Nutritions

• Calories: 500 per serving
• Protein: 8g
• Fats: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a mix of almond flour and coconut flour instead of regular flour.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal and use coconut cream instead of dairy cream.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
• Pair it with a strong espresso or a glass of dessert wine for an ultimate treat.

Best Places

1. Café Central - Famous for traditional cakes and pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
2. Ladurée - Known for luxurious desserts and pastries. Location: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris, France.
3. Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers exquisite pastries and cakes. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.
4. Dominique Ansel Bakery - Renowned for inventive pastries. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, USA.
5. Zoë’s Ghana Kitchen - A fusion spot with an emphasis on African desserts. Location: Pop Brixton, 49 Brixton Station Road, London, UK.
6. Demel - A regal experience with historic cakes and confectionaries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
7. Tartine Bakery - Celebrated for artisanal breads and desserts. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
8. Conditorei Schober - A charming old-world coffee house. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
9. Café Sacher - Home of the original Sachertorte. Location: Philharmonikerstraße 4, Vienna, Austria.
10. Chocolatería San Ginés - Traditional setting for classic chocolateria must-haves. Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés 5, Madrid, Spain.

Enjoy exploring the art of baking and savoring each luscious bite of your homemade chocolate sponge cake.