Simple Chocolate Cake with Nutty Chocolate Glaze

This Simple Chocolate Cake is a chocolate lover’s delight, combining the rich flavors of cocoa with a nutty, chocolate glaze for a double dose of decadence. Easy to prepare with everyday pantry ingredients, this cake is perfect for anyone wanting to whip up a quick dessert that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture. Moist, fluffy, and topped with a luxurious glaze, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll adore this cake for its simplicity and the comforting, rich chocolate flavor that permeates every slice. The addition of a chocolate and hazelnut glaze adds a crunchy texture and enhances the cake with a gourmet touch. It’s the perfect balance of fluffy cake and creamy topping, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dessert at home.

Perfect Occasion

This chocolate cake is versatile enough for nearly any event. Serve it as a birthday treat, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as an after-dinner dessert during the holidays. It’s also perfect for casual coffee breaks—just slice and serve with your favorite brew. The straightforward recipe ensures you can make it anytime, without any fuss.

Decoration Tips

1. Dust with Cocoa Powder: For an extra touch of chocolate, lightly dust the glazed cake with cocoa powder.
2. Add Fresh Berries: Top with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a splash of color and a burst of freshness.
3. Mint Garnish: Decorate with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
4. Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the glaze for an added chocolatey crunch.
5. Edible Gold Dust: For a special occasion, sprinkle some edible gold dust for a luxurious finish.

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
  • 200g sugar
  • 150g soft butter
  • 220ml milk
  • 4 eggs
  • 500g flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 packet vanilla sugar
  • 4 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 4 tbsp milk (additional)
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• For the Glaze:
  • 200g dark chocolate
  • 4 tbsp chopped hazelnuts
  • 2 tbsp sunflower oil

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) using top and bottom heat.
   • Grease and line an 11 x 30 cm loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the soft butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Gradually mix in the 220ml milk and eggs, incorporating each egg one at a time.
   • In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, salt, baking powder, and vanilla sugar. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring to combine.
   • Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
   • Mix the remaining batter with 4 tbsp cocoa powder, 4 tbsp milk, and 2 tbsp oil, then pour over the first layer of batter in the pan. Use a skewer to swirl the two batters together slightly.
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then carefully remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Glaze:
   • Melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring frequently.
   • Stir in 2 tbsp sunflower oil and 4 tbsp chopped hazelnuts into the melted chocolate until smooth.
   • Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Let the glaze set slightly before slicing and serving the cake. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends!

This Simple Chocolate Cake with Nutty Chocolate Glaze offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that make it an irresistible dessert for any chocolate enthusiast.