Chocolate Easter Cake
Chocolate Pasca – A Traditional Delicacy for Holidays
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings
Easter holidays are a wonderful occasion to reunite with loved ones, and this chocolate pasca recipe is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness and joy to the festive table. The recipe comes from my dear friend Mihaela, who shared it with me with great love. It is simple, requires few ingredients, and is always a hit, especially for Robert, who loves it!
Ingredients needed:
For the dough:
- A handful of sweet bread dough (approximately 300-400 g). It is ideal to use leftover dough from a previous recipe or to prepare a fresh batch.
For the filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 100 g high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup (250 ml) warm milk
- Vanilla or rum essence (to taste)
- A pinch of salt
Preparation of the chocolate pasca:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by preparing the sweet bread dough. If you don't have leftover dough, you can make a simple one from flour, water, yeast, sugar, and a bit of salt. Knead until it becomes elastic and let it rise until it doubles in volume. Once you have the dough, roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to get a very thin sheet that covers not only the bottom but also the sides of the baking pan (preferably 24-26 cm).
2. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. When the sugar has completely dissolved, add the melted chocolate (you can melt the chocolate either in a double boiler or in the microwave, being careful not to burn it). Then, add the cocoa powder, the 2 tablespoons of flour, and the warm milk gradually, stirring continuously until you obtain a smooth mixture.
3. Finalizing the filling: Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. When it is still a bit warm, add the butter cut into cubes, the other 2 tablespoons of flour, the essences, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to integrate all the ingredients.
4. Assembling the pasca: Pour the chocolate filling over the dough in the pan, ensuring the mixture is evenly distributed. A delicious option is to brush the surface with a beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of honey for a glossy appearance and enriched taste.
5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 150°C and bake the pasca for 50 minutes. Check if it is baked by performing a simple test: insert a knife in the middle, and if it comes out clean, it is ready. Let it cool well in the pan before removing it.
6. Serving: Once the pasca has cooled, I recommend serving it with a splash of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will also pair perfectly with your delicious pasca.
Useful tips:
- Use quality chocolate, as the final taste will depend a lot on it. Good chocolate will bring an extra refinement to your pasca.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g.
- Instead of cocoa, you can experiment with carob powder for a different flavor and increased nutritional value.
Nutritional benefits:
This chocolate pasca offers a good source of energy due to the content of eggs and chocolate, which is rich in antioxidants. Additionally, butter and milk provide healthy fats and calcium. If you use dark chocolate, you also benefit from flavonoids, which are excellent for heart health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of milk? Of course! Almond or coconut milk can add an interesting flavor.
- How can I store the pasca? You can keep it in the fridge in a closed container for 3-4 days or freeze it.
- Is it possible to add fruits to the filling? Certainly! Dried or fresh fruits (like raspberries or cherries) can add a delicious taste.
This chocolate pasca is not just a simple dessert, but a culinary experience that brings beautiful memories and unforgettable moments. Whether you prepare it for the holidays or simply to pamper your family, I know it will be appreciated by all. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the result of your hard work!
Ingredients: For the dough: a handful of brioche dough. For the filling: 4 eggs, 250 g sugar, 100 g chocolate, 100 g butter at room temperature, 2 tablespoons of cocoa, 4 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of milk, essences.
