Chocolate Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Glaze

Chocolate Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Glaze

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• • 150g butter (at room temperature)
  • 1/4 tsp salt

• • 300g sugar
  • 3 chicken eggs
  • 150ml vegetable oil

• • 330g flour
  • 270ml kefir
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

• • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 350g soft cream cheese

• • 2 tbsp boiled condensed milk
  • 100g dark chocolate (melted)
  • 100g almonds (roughly chopped)

• 100g hazelnuts (roughly chopped)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• • 600g dark chocolate (melted)
  • 70ml vegetable oil

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. 1. Preheat the Oven:
      • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
   2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
      • • In a large bowl, beat the 150g of softened butter and 300g of sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

   3. Add the Eggs and Oil:
      • Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, slowly pour in 150ml of vegetable oil while continuing to mix until well combined.

1. 1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
      • In a separate bowl, sift together the 330g of flour, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.
   2. Add Dry Ingredients and Kefir:
      • • Alternately add the flour mixture and 270ml of kefir to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, making sure not to overmix.

   3. Add the Nuts:
      • Fold in the roughly chopped almonds and hazelnuts, distributing them evenly through the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide and Bake:
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Cool the Cakes:
   • • Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. 1. Mix the Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk:
      • In a medium bowl, beat the 350g of soft cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of boiled condensed milk until smooth and creamy.

1. Add Melted Chocolate:
   • Fold in 100g of melted dark chocolate, mixing until fully combined. Set the filling aside to firm up slightly while the cakes continue to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. 1. Layer the Cakes:
      • • Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread half of the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.

   2. Add the Second Layer:
      • Place the second cake layer on top of the filling and gently press down. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top layer, smoothing it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 600g of dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to avoid burning.
2. Add Vegetable Oil:
   • • Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in 70ml of vegetable oil to create a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

1. 1. Pour the Glaze:
      • Once the cake is assembled and the filling is set, pour the melted chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.

1. Let the Glaze Set:
   • Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place the cake in the refrigerator for a quicker setting time.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. 1. Garnish:
      • • Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or grated chocolate on top of the cake for added texture and decoration.

   2. Serve:
      • Slice the cake and serve it on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce.

Cooking Tips:

• • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend together more easily and results in a smoother batter and filling.
  • Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy texture.
  • Nut Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different nuts if you prefer—pecans or walnuts are great alternatives to almonds and hazelnuts.

• Melt the Chocolate Carefully: When melting chocolate in the microwave, be sure to stir it every 30 seconds to prevent it from burning.
• Storing the Cake: This cake stores well in the refrigerator and can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Storage:

• • Refrigeration: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese filling and chocolate glaze will remain fresh when kept chilled.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before glazing and serving.
• Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so if refrigerated, allow it to sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving.