Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe

This decadent chocolate cake is a delightful indulgence for chocolate lovers. Rich and moist, this cake has a unique texture that sets it apart from a traditional sponge cake, featuring layers of luxurious chocolate and creamy filling. The combination of chocolate, cream, and butter provides an exceptionally bold flavor. Perfect for special occasions or a lavish dessert, this cake is not overly sweet, allowing the deep chocolate notes to shine through. Despite its complex taste, the preparation of this cake is straightforward, with each step contributing to the final masterpiece. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or a fresh fruit side, it's bound to make a lasting impression on your guests. This cake is best enjoyed after spending some time in the fridge, which enhances its flavors. Ideal for celebrations, it can also be decorated creatively to suit various themes. With the right ingredients and a bit of patience, this cake transforms any meal into a festive event.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 100 g butter
• 4 eggs
• 5 tbsp sugar
• 100 g dark chocolate
• 50 ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp potato starch
• 4 tbsp flour
• 4 tbsp cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of citric acid

Cream:

• 200 g fresh cheese
• 100 g dark chocolate
• 100 g butter
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 50 ml heavy cream

For Decoration:

• Blended chocolate cookies or wafers
• 50 g chocolate
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• Jelly

Preparation Time

180 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Prepare the sponge cake:** Separate egg whites from yolks. Whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, gradually adding 2 tablespoons of sugar, and whip until stiff peaks form. Add citric acid and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved and firm peaks are maintained.
2. Separately, beat butter with the remaining sugar until creamy. Gradually add egg yolks one at a time, and continue to beat well after each addition.
3. Incorporate cocoa powder and potato starch into the creamed mixture.
4. Gently crush the dark chocolate and melt it in the heavy cream over low heat. Once cooled but still liquid, blend into the butter mixture until smooth.
5. Sift the flour into the mixture, stirring gently. Fold in the egg white peaks carefully with a spatula, using a gentle lifting and folding motion to maintain the airy texture.
6. Pour the cake batter into a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 40 minutes. Test for doneness with a dry knife or skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
7. Cover the baked sponge cake with a damp towel and let it cool completely in the pan before removing it.
8. Once cooled, cut the sponge cake horizontally into two layers. The texture should be moist and dense due to the high fat content, which contributes to the intense chocolate flavor.
9. **Prepare the cream:** In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar and vanilla sugar until creamy. Add the fresh cheese and blend until smooth.
10. Break the chocolate into pieces and melt it in the heavy cream. Allow to cool.
11. Incorporate the melted chocolate into the cream, followed by the cocoa powder, and beat until well combined.
12. Spread the cream over the bottom cake layer, then cover with the second cake layer, and coat the entire cake with the remaining cream.
13. Sprinkle with crushed cookies or wafers and place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
14. Cut out heart shapes from the jelly to garnish the cake. Drizzle with melted chocolate combined with a tablespoon of cream for a glossy finish.
15. Refrigerate until the chocolate sauce sets, creating a luscious outer layer.
16. * The cake weighs approximately 2.5 kg.

Tips

• Ensure that the chocolate is fully melted and cooled before adding to the butter mixture to avoid curdling.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
• For a lighter cake, you can substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce.

Nutrition

Approximately per serving: Calories: 450, Protein: 6g, Fats: 28g, Carbs: 50g

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, replace flour with almond flour.
• Use white chocolate for the cream for a different twist.
• Add a splash of liqueur to the cream for an adult version of the cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh berries for a touch of tartness.
• Serve with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• A cup of espresso complements the rich flavors of the cake beautifully.

Best Places

Here are the top 10 places worldwide where you can find exquisite chocolate desserts:

• Pierre Hermé Paris - Renowned for its artistic pastries and decadent chocolates. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, Paris, France.
• Max Brenner - Offers an immersive chocolate experience with its rich menus. Location: 841 Broadway, New York, USA.
• Harrods Chocolate Hall - A luxury chocolate haven with a vast selection of gourmet treats. Location: 87-135 Brompton Road, London, UK.
• Hofbräuhaus München - Famous for its traditional Bavarian chocolate desserts. Location: Platzl 9, Munich, Germany.
• The Chocolate Line - Known for innovative chocolate creations by master chocolatier Dominique Persoone. Location: Simon Stevinplein 19, Bruges, Belgium.
• Zürich St. Moritz - Offers rich chocolates in a refined, cozy setting. Location: Bahnhofstrasse 21, St. Moritz, Switzerland.
• Chocolatería San Ginés - Offers the best chocolatería experience with churros and thick hot chocolate. Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5, Madrid, Spain.
• Freddie's Chocolaterie - Famous for its handcrafted chocolates and cozy atmosphere. Location: Grote Markt 36, Groningen, Netherlands.
• Fassbender & Rausch - Europe’s largest chocolate shop, renowned for its extensive selection. Location: Charlottenstraße 60, Berlin, Germany.
• Puntarena - Offers world-class chocolate desserts in a luxury setting. Location: Horacio 1480, Mexico City, Mexico.