Indulge in the luxurious taste of this Cocoa Cake with a Soft Custard Heart, a dessert that combines the rich, deep flavors of cocoa with the creamy sweetness of custard. This cake features a unique layering technique that creates a delightful surprise of smooth custard in the middle, making each slice a visually appealing and tasty experience.
Why You'll Love This: This cake offers an exquisite blend of textures and flavors. The cocoa provides a robust backdrop that complements the sweet, silky custard filling, creating a harmonious balance that's both satisfying and decadent. The use of both cocoa and starches in the batter ensures a moist, tender crumb that beautifully encases the creamy heart of custard within.
Perfect Occasion: This Cocoa Cake with a Soft Custard Heart is perfect for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering that calls for a standout dessert. It's also ideal for a Sunday family dinner or as a comforting treat to enjoy on a quiet evening.
Decoration Tips: To enhance the cake's presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving. Garnishing with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can add color and additional layers of flavor. For a more elegant touch, decorate the plate with a custard or chocolate swirl.
Ingredients:
- For the cake:
- 4 eggs
- 180 g sugar
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 220 ml milk
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 40 g cocoa powder
- 60 g cornstarch or potato starch
- 16 g baking powder
- For the filling:
- 200 g custard cream
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F). Prepare a 24 cm cake pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the oil and milk into the egg mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Bake the First Layer: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, just until set but not fully cooked.
- Add the Custard: Remove the pan from the oven, carefully spread the custard cream over the partially baked layer, then cover with the remaining batter.
- Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cake is fully set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this Cocoa Cake with a Soft Custard Heart, a rich and delightful dessert that is sure to please any crowd with its appealing look and decadent flavors!