Chocolate Cake with Coffee-Cocoa Cream

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• • 3 eggs
  • 150g sugar

• • 8g vanilla sugar
  • A pinch of salt
  • 120ml oil

• • 150ml milk
  • 230g flour
  • 20g cocoa powder

• 15g baking powder

For the Cream:

• • 100ml milk

• • 1 tsp instant coffee
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 60g sugar

• • 25g cornstarch
  • 20g cocoa powder
  • 250ml milk

• • 100g dark chocolate
  • 30g butter
  • Chocolate vermicelli for garnish

Directions:

• • Prepare the Cake:
    • • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
      • In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.
    • • Add the oil, milk, and sifted flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
      • Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
      • Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.

  • Prepare the Cream:
    • • In a medium saucepan, combine 100ml of milk, instant coffee, cocoa powder, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
      • Add the remaining 250ml of milk and continue to stir until the cream reaches your desired thickness.
    • Remove from heat and add the dark chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth and well combined.
    • Let the cream cool to room temperature.

• Assemble the Cake:
  • • Once the cake has cooled, spread the prepared cream evenly over the top.
    • Garnish with chocolate vermicelli for an extra touch of sweetness and texture.
    • Allow the cake to set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

• • Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
  • Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
  • Serve alongside a rich chocolate sauce for those who love extra sweetness.

• Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream for a luxurious dessert.

Cooking Tips:

• • Make sure to sift the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder) to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.

• • If you prefer a stronger coffee flavor, increase the amount of instant coffee in the cream.
  • For an even richer cream, use bittersweet dark chocolate.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream to prevent it from melting.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake fresh.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • This cake is a good source of energy and contains antioxidants from cocoa and dark chocolate.

• The eggs provide protein, and the milk adds calcium.
• Dark chocolate is known for its heart-healthy properties due to its flavonoid content.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian
  • Can be made gluten-free by substituting with gluten-free flour
  • Contains dairy and eggs

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• • Calories: 250-300
  • Protein: 4g

• • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 20g