Chocolate Cake with Kadayif and Pistachio Filling

This decadent chocolate cake combines the rich flavors of cocoa with a delightful filling made of crunchy kadayif, pistachio butter, and a touch of tahini. Topped with a smooth milk chocolate ganache, this cake is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or as a luxurious dessert for yourself, each bite offers a satisfying mix of soft cake, crunchy filling, and creamy ganache.

Why You’ll Love This:

You’ll love this cake because it combines the moistness of a classic chocolate cake with a unique, crunchy kadayif and pistachio filling. The ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence, making every bite rich and creamy. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a dessert that’s both luxurious and full of texture, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and complex flavors.

Perfect Occasion:

This cake is ideal for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings. It’s also a fantastic choice for when you want to treat yourself to something unique and delicious. With its layers of rich cake, crunchy filling, and smooth ganache, it’s a showstopper that’s sure to be a hit at any event.

Decoration Tips:

For a professional finish, use a cake ring or baking parchment to keep the layers neat. Once assembled, you can top the cake with extra crushed pistachios or drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the ganache. To elevate the presentation, serve it with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries for a pop of color and contrast.

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 270 g all-purpose flour (2.5 cups)
• 300 g sugar (1.5 cups)
• 220 ml milk (1 cup + 2 tablespoons)
• 185 ml vegetable oil (1 cup)
• 30 g cocoa powder (2 tablespoons)
• 10 g baking powder (1 small packet)
• 5 g vanilla sugar (1 packet)
• 3 eggs

Note: All ingredients should be at room temperature.

Instructions for the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (fan function) and line a 30×40 cm baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, milk, and oil for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanilla sugar, then gently fold into the wet mixture until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared tray and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let the cake cool before assembling.

Ingredients for the Filling:

• 250 g raw kadayif
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 200 g pistachio butter (or hazelnut butter)
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• Optional: 50 g extra crushed pistachios

Instructions for the Filling:

1. In a pan, lightly toast the raw kadayif with butter over low heat until golden and crispy.
2. Stir in the pistachio butter and tahini. Mix well. If you like, you can add 50 g of extra crushed pistachios for more texture.

Ingredients for the Ganache:

• 100 ml heavy cream
• 200 g milk chocolate

Instructions for the Ganache:

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan until just before boiling. Remove from heat and add the chopped milk chocolate.
2. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cake has cooled, cut it into circles using a round cake ring (20 cm diameter). If you want, flip the cake to make it easier to remove from the parchment paper.
2. Place the first layer of cake in the ring and lightly soak it with milk. Spread the kadayif mixture evenly over the top.
3. Add a small amount of ganache over the kadayif layer, then place the second cake layer on top and soak it with milk as well.
4. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, smoothing it out evenly.
5. Refrigerate the cake until the ganache has fully set, about a few hours or overnight.

Enjoy:

Once set, remove the cake from the ring, slice, and serve. Enjoy this rich and textured cake with a cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate dessert experience!