Chocolate and Prune Cake

This chocolate and prune cake is a delightful fusion of rich flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds. The deep, velvety chocolate is complemented by the sweet, slightly tart prunes, making for a wonderfully balanced treat. Utilizing brandy-soaked prunes adds a level of sophistication and maturity to the dessert that is sure to impress any guests. The cake's soft, moist interior contrasts beautifully with the crunchy texture provided by hazelnuts, offering a unique mouthfeel. Although the preparation takes some time, the end result is well worth the effort. Perfect for special occasions or as a gourmet indulgence, this cake will please both chocoholics and fruit lovers alike. The addition of a shiny chocolate glaze elevates its presentation, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. You can also get creative with the decoration for a personalized touch. This cake not only satisfies a sweet craving but does so with elegance and flair.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

200 g dried black prunes
125 ml brandy
175 g dark chocolate
125 g butter
125 g sugar
4 eggs
50 g hazelnuts
75 g flour
1 tsp baking powder

Spices

Pinch of salt
Vanilla sugar

Preparation Time

Total time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by halving the prunes and soaking them in brandy. Bring them to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and let them soak for 15 minutes.
While the prunes are soaking, chop the hazelnuts into smaller pieces. Avoid chopping them too finely for a noticeable texture in the cake.
Drain the prunes using a sieve, ensuring they are free from excess liquid.
In a separate bowl, whisk together room temperature butter, egg yolks, and sugar. Add a hint of vanilla sugar for extra flavor.
Melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler to prevent burning.
As the chocolate melts, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a dash of vanilla sugar until stiff peaks form. Make sure your mixer paddles are clean before use.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, gently incorporate it into the butter-egg mixture. Add the chopped hazelnuts and prunes.
Carefully sift in the flour, baking powder, and a tiny sprinkle of salt. Mix until well combined.
Slowly fold in the stiffened egg whites into the batter, taking care not to deflate them.
Grease your baking form and pour the batter in.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the cake for 30 minutes.
Once baked, the center should remain slightly moist—it adds character to the cake.
For a special touch, consider glazing the cake with melted chocolate once it has cooled.
Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and add a few sliced prunes as a garnish.
The cake is delicious as is, but feel free to add a personal twist to the decoration as desired.
Serve it warm or at room temperature, whichever you prefer.
Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a luxurious, sensory experience.
Leftovers can be stored covered, at room temperature, to retain moisture.
This cake is perfect for gifting, effortlessly impressing your friends and family.
Finally, savor each bite and smile, knowing you've crafted a masterpiece.

Tips

Ensure egg whites are free from any yolk to achieve the best volume.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a more intense cocoa flavor.
Replace brandy with orange juice for an alcohol-free version.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 6 g
Fats: 22 g
Carbs: 35 g

Variations

Gluten-free: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour.
Vegan: Swap out eggs with a flaxseed mixture and butter with a vegan alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Best paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Serve alongside a short espresso for an ultimate dessert experience.

Best Places

Café Zéphyr - A cozy spot known for its elegant desserts. Location: 15 Rue des Abbesses, Paris, France.
The Chocolate Room - Renowned for its chocolate-rich menu offerings. Location: 86 Smith St, Brooklyn, USA.
ChocoLovers Café - Offers a variety of chocolate-infused pastries. Location: 3 Plac Nowy, Krakow, Poland.
Sweet Indulgence - Famous for its exquisite cakes and pastries. Location: 80 Adelaide St E, Toronto, Canada.
Cafe Mozart - Combines historic charm with divine desserts. Location: Albertinaplatz 2, Vienna, Austria.
Patisserie Sadaharu AOKI - Showcases French patisserie with a Japanese twist. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, France.
Chocolateria San Ginés - Best for classic hot chocolate and churros. Location: Pasadizo de San Ginés, Madrid, Spain.
B. Patisserie - Praised for its innovative and delightful pastries. Location: 2821 California St, San Francisco, USA.
Confeitaria Colombo - Legendary for its traditional Brazilian sweets. Location: R. Gonçalves Dias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Café Central - A historic café where cake meets Viennese café culture. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.