Rich Chocolate Cake Recipe

This rich chocolate cake is a delightful and moist dessert that perfectly balances indulgent flavors with a light touch. With its deep cocoa flavor and a hint of coffee, it offers a sophisticated taste that chocolate lovers will adore. This cake is not only flavorful but also healthier, thanks to the use of whole wheat flour and buttermilk, making it a guilt-free treat. Perfect for special occasions or as a satisfying weeknight dessert, this cake can be beautifully paired with fresh raspberries for an added burst of freshness. The preparation is simple, requiring minimal equipment, which makes it an excellent choice for busy home bakers. Its inviting aroma while baking makes the wait worthwhile, promising a delectable reward once it's done. This cake's texture is delightfully moist but firm enough to support its delicious toppings. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a touch of classic elegance, while its easy-to-follow steps ensure a consistent and satisfying result. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire, offering a perfect balance of texture and taste with each bite.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

80 g whole wheat flour
100 g brown sugar
40 g unsweetened dark cocoa powder
125 ml buttermilk
1 large egg
125 ml strong black coffee
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp canola oil
1 tsp vanilla essence (optionally add 1 tsp almond essence and/or 1 tsp rum essence)
For decoration: powdered sugar and 150 g fresh raspberries

Note: The mentioned quantities are for a round pan with a 23 cm diameter. For a 26 cm pan, it's recommended to make 1.5 times the recipe.

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes (including both prep and cook time).

Step-by-Step Instruction

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a 23 cm round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix until well blended.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: pour in the buttermilk, coffee, egg, canola oil, and vanilla essence. If using almond or rum essence, add it now as well.
Mix the batter: Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and lump-free. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it's evenly spread.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake should remain moist, so avoid overbaking. Test with a toothpick; it should come out mostly clean.
Cool for 10 minutes in the pan on a wire rack, then remove the sides of the pan and allow the cake to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Decorate: Once cooled, sift powdered sugar over the cake using a fine mesh sieve and top with fresh raspberries.
Serve and enjoy! The cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips

For a richer taste, consider adding a few tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to the batter.
Substitute canola oil with coconut oil for an extra hint of flavor.
Make sure the coffee is cooled before adding it to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.

Nutritions

Calories per serving: Approximately 210
Protein: 4 g
Fats: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Replace whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg and use a plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cake with a hot cup of espresso or a glass of dessert wine.
Serve with a side of fresh berries for an added burst of flavor.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the dessert experience.

Best Places

L’Eclair de Génie - Known for its delightful pastries and sweet treats. Location: 32 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires, Paris, France.
Aida Café - Offers a classic Viennese atmosphere with drool-worthy desserts. Location: Singerstraße 1, Vienna, Austria.
Angelina Paris - Famous for its hot chocolate and Mont Blanc cake. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Demel - A legendary bakery renowned for its Viennese cakes. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Café Sacher - Offers the original Sachertorte, a must-try. Location: Philharmoniker Str. 4, Vienna, Austria.
Peggy Porschen Cakes - Instagram-famous for its elegant cakes and cupcakes. Location: 116 Ebury St, Belgravia, London, UK.
Flour + Water - Combines outstanding desserts with an artisan atmosphere. Location: 2401 Harrison St, San Francisco, USA.
Balthazar - A blend of flavors with a classic New York twist. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Offers delicious and sophisticated Milanese pastries. Location: Via Monte Napoleone, 9, Milan, Italy.
Cafe Central - Enjoy a historical ambiance with your superb desserts. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.