Indulge in the ultimate combination of rich, moist chocolate cake paired with a luscious vanilla cream filling. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for celebrations, or just to satisfy that sweet craving. The deep chocolate flavor and smooth, creamy vanilla filling create a heavenly dessert, sure to impress both family and guests alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
– 100g of sugar
– 4 egg whites
– 1 pinch of salt
– 4 egg yolks
– 80g of sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 100g of water
– 130g of flour
– 30g of cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
For the Vanilla Cream Filling
– 2 eggs
– 60g of sugar
– 100g of condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons of flour
– 250 ml milk
– 250g unsalted butter, softened
For the Moistening Syrup
– 100ml cold milk
– 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
Optional for Decoration
– Whipped cream or frosting of choice
– Fresh fruits, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Chocolate Cake**
1. **Prepare the Egg Whites**: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add the 100g of sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Egg Yolks**: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the 80g of sugar, vanilla extract, and water until pale and fluffy. This will lighten the cake batter.
3. **Combine Mixtures**: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, ensuring you retain as much air as possible to keep the cake light.
4. **Add the Dry Ingredients**: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder together. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
5. **Bake**: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan (preferably 9 inches) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
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**Step 2: Preparing the Vanilla Cream**
1. **Cook the Base**: In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, condensed milk, vanilla extract, flour, and milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
2. **Add the Butter**: Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Gradually beat in the softened butter until the cream becomes smooth and silky. Set aside to cool completely before assembling the cake.
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**Step 3: Preparing the Moistening Syrup**
1. **Mix the Syrup**: Combine the cold milk with powdered sugar in a small bowl, stirring until the sugar dissolves. This will be used to moisten the cake layers, ensuring they stay soft and flavorful.
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**Step 4: Assembling the Cake**
1. **Slice the Cake**: Once the chocolate cake has cooled completely, carefully slice it horizontally into two or three layers, depending on your preference and the height of your cake.
2. **Moisten the Cake**: Using a brush or spoon, gently moisten each cake layer with the milk and powdered sugar syrup. This will prevent the cake from drying out and add extra flavor.
3. **Add the Vanilla Cream**: Spread a generous layer of the prepared vanilla cream filling between each cake layer. Make sure to smooth it out evenly for a professional look.
4. **Final Layer**: Once assembled, cover the entire cake with the remaining vanilla cream or a frosting of your choice. Smooth the top and sides for a polished finish.
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**Step 5: Refrigeration and Decoration**
1. **Chill the Cake**: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the flavors to meld together and the cream to set.
2. **Decorate**: After chilling, feel free to decorate the cake with your favorite frosting, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh fruits, or sprinkles.
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**History of Chocolate Cake**
Chocolate cake, as we know it today, has roots that date back to the 19th century. The development of chocolate as a dessert ingredient came about when cocoa powder was first made available for baking. As chocolate became more widely accessible, chocolate cakes quickly grew in popularity. This particular recipe is a twist on the classic, incorporating a rich vanilla cream to balance the deep, intense chocolate flavor.
**Health Benefits of Chocolate Cake (in Moderation)**
1. **Mood Enhancer**: The cocoa in chocolate releases endorphins in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
2. **Rich in Antioxidants**: Dark chocolate, when used in baking, is packed with antioxidants, which help to protect the heart and improve overall health.
3. **Calcium from Milk**: The milk and cream in the cake provide a good source of calcium, important for bone health.
Although a decadent treat, enjoying chocolate cake in moderation can still provide some health benefits, especially when made with quality ingredients.
### **Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake**
– **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature before starting to bake. This helps in achieving a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
– **Don’t Over-Mix**: When folding the egg whites and dry ingredients into the cake batter, be gentle. Over-mixing can lead to a denser cake.
– **Sift Dry Ingredients**: Sifting the flour and cocoa ensures there are no lumps, leading to a finer texture in the finished cake.
### **Nutritional Information (per slice)**
– Calories: 350-400 (depending on portion size)
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 20g
– Protein: 6g
– Sugar: 30g
– Fiber: 2g
**Why Cake Lovers Will Adore This Recipe**
Cake lovers around the world appreciate the rich, deep chocolate flavor of this cake combined with the creamy, smooth vanilla filling. The contrast between the moist chocolate layers and the light cream makes every bite heavenly. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, this cake is bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
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**Conclusion**
This **Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Cream** is the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and creamy vanilla goodness. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a sweet indulgence, this cake is sure to delight with its moist layers and luscious filling. Refrigerating the cake ensures the cream sets properly, and every bite will be a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Enjoy baking and sharing this timeless treat with loved ones—because nothing brings people together like cake!