Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this All-Chocolate Cake, featuring a moist chocolate sponge and a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced with the richness of cocoa and the creaminess of ganache, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. The addition of hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch, making each bite an irresistible treat.
Why You’ll Love This: This cake is loved for its rich, deep chocolate flavor and moist, tender crumb. The chocolate ganache is silky smooth, adding a luxurious texture to every slice. The use of both cream and crème fraîche in the ganache provides a perfect balance of richness and tang, enhancing the overall flavor. This cake is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for any celebration or special occasion.
Perfect Occasion: This All-Chocolate Cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering where you want to impress your guests with a decadent dessert. It’s also a wonderful choice for holiday celebrations or a sophisticated afternoon tea. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it a showstopper on any dessert table.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, consider decorating the cake with whole hazelnuts or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts on top. You can also dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a simple yet sophisticated look. Fresh berries or edible flowers can add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- 120g granulated sugar
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 20g cocoa powder
- For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200ml heavy cream (30% fat)
- 200ml cold crème fraîche liquid
- For the Soaking Syrup:
- Milk or simple syrup (optional)
- For Decoration:
- Hazelnuts, whole or chopped
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sponge Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and has doubled in volume.
- Sift the flour and cocoa powder together, then gently fold into the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, then whisk in the cold crème fraîche until the ganache is thick and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- If desired, soak the sponge cake with milk or simple syrup to add moisture.
- Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top of the first cake layer. Sprinkle with hazelnuts if desired.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with whole or chopped hazelnuts.
- Serve:
- Let the cake set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the ganache to firm up.
Enjoy this Ultimate All-Chocolate Cake, a decadent treat that’s perfect for any special occasion and sure to delight all chocolate lovers!
