Chocolate cake with buttercream

Chocolate Cake with Buttercream – an Irresistible Delight

Who doesn't love a chocolate cake? This recipe is a true feast for the taste buds, featuring a soft and moist base topped with a fine and flavorful buttercream. Chocolate cake with buttercream is a perfect choice for any occasion, from birthdays to festive meals. Moreover, the cream is easy to make and much more economical than whipped cream. I will share the secrets of this recipe, which I learned from my sister, Dana, who lives in America, to help you achieve the perfect result!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients

For the buttercream:
- 300 g room temperature butter
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
- a pinch of salt

For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 120 g sugar (or 100 g, depending on your preferences)
- 100 g flour
- 1 tablespoon heaping cocoa powder (approximately 15 g)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 ml liquid cream with 10% fat

Step-by-step Method

1. Preparing the buttercream:
- In a stainless steel bowl, combine the egg whites, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Place the bowl over a double boiler, ensuring the bottom does not touch the water. Stir constantly but gently for 3-4 minutes until the mixture heats to 50°C and the sugar completely dissolves.
- Once you have a homogeneous mixture, remove the bowl from the heat and use a mixer to beat the egg whites until the mixture cools and becomes frothy. This is when you should gradually add the soft butter, continuing to mix at high speed until you obtain a smooth and silky cream.
- You can use the cream immediately or store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. If you choose to store it, remember to let it come to room temperature and mix it again before use.

2. Optional flavors:
- If you want to add a touch of originality to your cream, you can experiment with various flavors. Here are a few suggestions:
- Hazelnut liqueur or rum for a more intense taste.
- 2-3 tablespoons of Grand Marnier or freshly squeezed lemon juice with a bit of grated peel.
- Coffee – add 3 tablespoons of instant coffee dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water, coffee, or rum.
- Fruits – add 3/4 cup of fruit puree (blackberries, blueberries, strawberries) obtained by boiling and straining.

3. Preparing the base:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a 26 cm round cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar for 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder and gradually add them in 3 stages, incorporating them with a wooden spatula. It is important to mix gently to maintain the air in the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for about 35 minutes or until the base is firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Preparing the glaze:
- In a small pot, melt the dark chocolate together with the liquid cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.

5. Assembling the cake:
- Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half (if you want a more elegant effect, you can leave it whole). Apply a generous layer of buttercream between the two halves, then cover the entire cake with the remaining cream.
- Pour the chocolate glaze on top and let it set.

Serving and Suggestions

Chocolate cake with buttercream is delicious both on its own and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce. Add a touch of freshness with some berries on top.

For a special experience, you can serve the cake alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a fragrant tea. It is a perfect dessert for gatherings with friends or to celebrate special moments.

Nutritional Values (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 6 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use margarine instead of regular butter?
- Yes, but the taste and texture of the cream may vary.

2. How can I keep the cake for a longer time?
- The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.

3. What other variations can I try?
- You can add ground nuts to the base or experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze.

This chocolate cake with buttercream will surely become your favorite! A simple, quick, and flavorful recipe, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Butter cream: 300 g butter, 4 egg whites from large eggs, 1 cup of 240 ml sugar, a pinch of salt. For the cake: 100 g flour, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (15 g), 120 g sugar (I used 100), 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 1 baking powder. For the glaze: 100 g dark chocolate, 100 ml liquid cream with 10% fat.

 Tags:  chocolate cake