To celebrate some events you need something special.The event I am talking about in this case is the restructuring of our photographic studio in Milan, which, after almost a month has finally reopened. We wanted to celebrate this moment with something delicious that would have the power to make us forget the efforts and at the same time give us a boost for the future.
Having looked up various things, I decided to prepare my special “Chocolate dream” which always has great success. This is a cake that combines the flavours of the chocolate to the creamy and sweet ganache. 
In fact, as soon as the cake was placed on the table, not only did it make us happy, but when tasting it, it made us think of the joys of life, simple and honest, only like chocolate and its fragrances can give you.
Chocolate dream
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 14-16 1x
Description
A special chocolate treat to celebrate a special event.
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp (250 g) unsalted butter + extra to grease
- 7 oz (200 g) dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- 1/2 cup (100 ml) whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups (250 g) cake flour + extra for the tin
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp (40 g) cocoa powder
- 1 1/4 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (200 ml) sour cream
- For the ganache
- 1 cup (150 g) dark chocolate
- 1 cup (150 g) milk chocolate
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
- 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 320 F.
- Grease and flour a 9 inches spring form pan and set aside.
- Melt the chocolate, butter, espresso powder and milk in a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, until smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, cocoa into a bowl, then add the granulated sugar. Fold into the chocolate mixture, along with the eggs, vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, no more.
- The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with some mpoist crumbs, but not any raw cake batter. Set aside to cool completely into the pan.
- To make the ganache, melt the ingredients together, stirring occasionally, in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
- Set aside to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes and let harden into the fridge for at least 6 hours.
- Remove the ganache from the fridge, stir to soften a bit, remove the cake from the pan and spead evenly all over with the ganache, swirling it into attractive patterns and serve.
Notes
- (I suggested the cake serves 14-16, because it is a rich and satisfying cake and a small slice is enough, but it depends on the greedyness of the guests.
- Anyway, it is right for a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 16 servings).
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 mins
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the espresso powder do in this chocolate cake?
The 1 tbsp of espresso powder is melted directly into the chocolate and butter mixture — it intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee, a common technique in rich chocolate baking.
How do I know when the cake is done without over-baking it?
Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes — no more. The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with some moist crumbs but no raw batter. Set it aside to cool completely in the pan before unmolding.
Why does the ganache need to set in the fridge for at least 6 hours?
The ganache — made from equal parts dark chocolate, milk chocolate, heavy cream, and 5 tbsp butter — first cools at room temperature for 30 minutes and then hardens in the fridge for at least 6 hours. This allows it to firm up to a spreadable but still glossy consistency so it can be swirled into attractive patterns on the cake.
How many people does this cake realistically serve?
The author notes it serves anywhere from 8 to 16 people depending on greediness — she suggests 14–16 because it is a rich, satisfying cake and a small slice is enough.
me too………
Have a nice day, even if without chocolate. Ah, ah, ah.
Aria
I want this, right now!! ;D