Simple Dark Chocolate Cake

This simple dark chocolate cake offers a rich and deep flavor that is a treat for chocolate lovers. Perfect for any occasion, it boasts a moist crumb and velvety texture, making it a decadent indulgence with minimal effort. Its preparation doesn't require any special equipment, and is achievable by novice and experienced bakers alike. The cake's dark chocolate ganache coating adds a luxurious finish, enhancing its appeal and taste. With basic ingredients like butter, chocolate, eggs, sugar, and flour, this cake is as classic as it is delicious. Whether you're preparing it for a special event or as a simple dessert after a meal, it never fails to impress. Its richness pairs well with coffee or milk, making it versatile for different serving suggestions. Moreover, the recipe offers room for creative variations, enabling bakers to experiment with flavors. Overall, this cake is a wonderful way to enjoy the deep, complex character of dark chocolate at its best.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 200 g butter
• 200 g "Pergale" dark chocolate
• 3 eggs
• 200 g sugar
• 200 g flour
• Dark chocolate for cake topping

Preparation Time

Total time: 35 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F) to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place the 200 g of dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt them slowly over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once melted, set aside to cool.
3. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 3 eggs with 200 g of sugar until the mixture becomes light and pale, indicating that the sugar has dissolved.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 200 g of flour into the egg and sugar mixture, mixing gently to avoid lumps.
5. Incorporate Chocolate Mixture: Pour the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the batter. Mix thoroughly until everything is completely incorporated, resulting in a smooth batter.
6. Prepare Baking Pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
7. Pour Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
8. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for 20 minutes at 180°C. It's crucial not to open the oven door during baking to maintain a steady temperature.
9. Check Doneness: After 20 minutes, test the cake with a skewer. It should come out with a few moist crumbs to indicate perfect doneness.
10. Cool Down: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
11. Melt Chocolate for Topping: While the cake cools, melt additional dark chocolate using the same method as before.
12. Top the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the melted chocolate over it, evenly covering the top for a glossy finish.
13. Set the Topping: Allow the chocolate to set slightly before serving. This ensures a neat slice and an attractive presentation.
14. Final Touches: Optional sprinkles of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation.
15. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake and serve, ensuring each piece has a bit of the chocolate topping.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Ganache Twist: Add a splash of cream to the melted chocolate for a softer ganache-style topping.
• Nutty Texture: Fold in nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter for added texture.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~380 per slice
• Protein: ~5 g
• Fats: ~22 g
• Carbs: ~45 g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and butter with plant-based alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of regular flour.
• Extra Flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a coffee-chocolate flavor infusion.

Serving Suggestions

• Beverage Pairing: Serve with a strong espresso or a chilled glass of milk.
• Garnish: Add fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.
• Ice Cream Side: Pair with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Best Places

• Café Central - A renowned spot for decadent treats and a historic ambiance. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Angelina Paris - Famous for its rich pastries and elegant setting. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• The Cake Shop - Offers a wide array of chocolate delicacies in a cozy environment. Location: 93 Queen Street, Toronto, Canada.
• Pastelaria Alcôa - Known for its rich traditional pastries. Location: Rua Garrett 37, Lisbon, Portugal.
• The Chocolate Bar at The Langham - Offers a chic setting for chocolate indulgence. Location: 250 Franklin Street, Boston, USA.
• Chocolatería San Ginés - A must-visit for its thick hot chocolate and churros. Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, Madrid, Spain.
• E. Wedel Chocolate Lounge - Known for exquisite chocolate creations. Location: Szpitalna 8, Warsaw, Poland.
• Pierre Hermé - Offers artistic pastries with a focus on chocolate. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Godiva Café - Presents exquisite Belgian chocolate treats in a refined setting. Location: Chaussée de louvain 539, Brussels, Belgium.
• Max Brenner Chocolate Bar - A fun place for creative chocolate dishes. Location: 841 Broadway, New York, USA.