This rich and fluffy chocolate cake is a timeless classic that combines the best of both worlds: a light, airy texture with an intense chocolate flavor. With its delicate crumb and melt-in-your-mouth softness, this cake will captivate both kids and adults alike. Made with dark chocolate, a touch of cocoa, and just the right amount of butter, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. It’s ideal for any occasion when you need a quick yet impressive dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream or ice cream, this chocolate cake is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this cake for its simple ingredients and straightforward process that yields bakery-quality results at home. The use of dark chocolate gives the cake a deep, rich flavor, while whipped egg whites help maintain its light, airy texture. It’s versatile enough to serve warm for a gooey center or let cool for a firmer, more structured cake. This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers who appreciate a cake that’s indulgent without being too heavy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and guaranteed to impress.
Perfect Occasion: This chocolate cake is perfect for any celebration—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together. It’s also a fantastic choice for weeknight desserts when you want something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Serve it as the grand finale to a dinner party, or make it for family movie night—it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake’s simplicity makes it a great choice for bake sales, potlucks, or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Its universal appeal ensures that it will be a hit with guests of all ages.
Decoration Tips: While this chocolate cake is delicious on its own, a few extra touches can take it to the next level. A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives it a classic, elegant look, while a drizzle of chocolate ganache adds even more decadence. If you’re serving this for a special occasion, top the cake with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a pop of color and flavor. Whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream on the side is always a crowd-pleaser. You can also sprinkle some shaved chocolate or cocoa powder on top for a more polished finish. No matter how you choose to decorate, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients (for a 22-24 cm cake pan):
- 200 grams of dark chocolate
- 130 grams of unsalted butter
- 80 grams of granulated sugar
- 40 grams of all-purpose flour
- 40 grams of cornstarch
- 1 packet of baking powder (11 grams)
- A pinch of salt
- 4 large eggs (separated)
- 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the egg yolk mixture: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy. Once the chocolate and butter have cooled, gently fold them into the egg yolk mixture.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until everything is well combined.
- Whip the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter using a spatula or a "maryse," being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Prepare the pan and bake: Grease a 22-24 cm cake pan and pour the batter into it. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before removing it to a wire rack. Serve warm for a gooey center or allow it to cool completely for a more set texture. You can enjoy it plain or decorate with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.
Enjoy your rich and fluffy chocolate cake!