These Decadent Double Chocolate Snack Cakes are crafted to provide a guilt-free indulgence for those who crave a sweet treat but prefer healthier options. This recipe ingeniously combines reduced fats and sugars with the rich, deep flavors of dark chocolate, all enveloped in a soft, fluffy cake. Featuring a creamy milk-based filling and a drizzle of dark chocolate, these snack cakes are both nutritious and delicious, making them the perfect alternative to traditional sugary snacks.
Why You'll Love This:
If you're seeking a dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings without the added guilt, these snack cakes are for you. Each cake is finely balanced with nutrients and flavors, keeping the calorie count low at only 166 calories per serving. The unique combination of high-quality ingredients like dark chocolate, which is known for its antioxidants, and the homemade creamy filling makes these cakes exceptionally delicious yet surprisingly healthy.
Perfect Occasion:
These snack cakes are versatile for any event—be it a casual family gathering, a formal tea party, or even as a delightful treat in school lunches. Their elegant appearance and refined taste make them suitable for special occasions, holidays, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. They are also perfect for health-conscious individuals at any gathering.
Decoration Tips:
To elevate the visual appeal, consider drizzling the top with melted dark chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Once the chocolate sets, you can add a light sprinkle of crushed nuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance. These decorative elements not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake.
Ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 100 g cake flour
- 40 g cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 145 g warm milk
- 15 g cocoa powder
- 8 g fresh yeast
- 40 g brown sugar (or 55 g erythritol for a sugar-free version)
- 45 g plain yogurt
- 15 g vegetable oil
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- For the filling:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or 2.5 tablespoons erythritol)
- 200 g milk
- A few drops of vanilla extract
- 200 g Greek yogurt
- 35 g dark chocolate, shaved
- For decoration:
- 10 g melted dark chocolate
Start by activating the yeast in the warm milk with honey. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cake flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and the sugar substitute if using. Add the egg yolk, plain yogurt, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Gradually blend in the vegetable oil and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 2.5 hours.
Once risen, roll the dough into a rectangle about 30 cm long and 15-18 cm wide. Let it rise again for about 45 minutes, covered. Bake the shaped dough in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool, then slice horizontally into three layers. Prepare the filling by cooking milk, flour, sugar, and vanilla like a custard, then cool it down and mix with Greek yogurt. Layer each cake with this filling and chocolate shavings, trim the edges for neatness, and finally, decorate with melted dark chocolate.
Enjoy these exquisite Double Chocolate Snack Cakes, perfect for a refined yet health-conscious treat!