Chocolate Cake Base. Preparing a Cake Base - Step by Step
Ingredients: 6 eggs, a pinch of salt, 200 g sugar, 100 g wheat flour, 90 (-100) g starch, 1 packet of chocolate pudding (powder), 1 teaspoon of baking powder
The oven is preheated to a temperature of 180-190 degrees Celsius, and we are preparing to enjoy a delicious cake base, perfect for any occasion. It is essential to ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature so that we achieve a uniform and fluffy composition. The pan we will use should be round, with a diameter of 26-28 cm, which we grease with butter, making sure to cover both the bottom and the sides with baking paper.
To create a sleeve that helps with the even baking of the base, we take a large kitchen towel, wet it, and wring it out well so that no water drips from it. We fold it lengthwise, ensuring that the width is similar to that of the baking pan. This towel will be placed on the outside of the pan, and the ends are secured with a safety pin. This technique helps control the temperature and prevents uneven rising of the dough, which can lead to unsightly cracks.
If you wish to use kitchen paper instead of a towel, ensure that it is long enough to wrap around the cake pan. The paper is moistened just like the towel and folded, and then covered with aluminum foil, thus forming the sleeve. It is important that this technique is used with caution, especially in the case of gas ovens, where the risks of fire are higher.
Now let’s take care of preparing the base. We start by separating the eggs, beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Gradually, we add 200 g of sugar, continuing to beat until we obtain a stiff foam that is firm enough to hold its shape. The egg yolks are added one by one, gently mixing with a whisk to avoid losing air from the mixture.
The flour, cornstarch, chocolate pudding powder, and baking powder are sifted together to eliminate any lumps and are carefully incorporated into the egg mixture. Once we have achieved a homogeneous composition, we pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out. The base is baked in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, and to check if it is done, we use a skewer. If it comes out clean, the base is baked.
After removing it from the pan, we carefully turn it onto a round cooling rack, remove the baking paper, and let it cool completely. It is recommended to let the base rest for at least a day or, ideally, overnight, to make it easier to cut and to enhance its flavors. This process will make the cake tastier and easier to decorate. So, get ready to transform this simple base into an unforgettable dessert!
