Belizean Chocolate Cake

Belizean Chocolate Cake Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Belize | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Belizean Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply flavored cake that is a beloved dessert in Belize. This cake is known for its smooth texture and the intense chocolate flavor that comes from the generous use of cocoa. It's a versatile recipe that can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a simple treat with a cup of coffee. The recipe we're exploring today offers a classic take on this delightful dessert, promising a delicious experience for chocolate lovers.

History

The Belizean Chocolate Cake has roots that intertwine with the history of chocolate itself, which is deeply embedded in the culture of Central America. Belize, with its rich history of cacao production, has been enjoying chocolate in various forms for centuries. The modern Belizean Chocolate Cake is a product of this long-standing tradition, influenced by colonial baking techniques and the availability of European-style ingredients. It has evolved into a household favorite, celebrated for its simplicity and the rich, comforting flavors that make it uniquely Belizean.

Ingredients

1.75 cup all purpose flour (196 g)
2 cup sugar (450 g)
0.5 – 0.75 cup cocoa (112 g)
1.5 tsp baking powder (6 ml)
0.75 tsp baking soda (4 ml)
0.5 tsp salt (2 ml)
2 eggs
1 cup milk (50 ml)
0.5 cup vegetable oil (125 ml)
2 tsp vanilla (10 ml)
1 cup boiling water (250 ml)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C.
Grease and flour two 9-inch round layer cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt).
Add the eggs, milk, vanilla, and oil. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the boiling water (the mixture will be thin).
Pour the batter evenly into the two cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Allow the cakes to cool for a few minutes, then remove them from the pans.

Variations

Consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor, or mix in a handful of chocolate chips for added texture. For a nutty twist, stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Belizean Chocolate Cake is as moist and flavorful as possible, consider these tips:

- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.

- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting.

- When mixing your batter, do not overmix as this can lead to a denser cake.

- The boiling water at the end of the mixing process helps to bloom the cocoa, enhancing the chocolate flavor and contributing to the cake's moist texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Belizean Chocolate Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement its rich chocolate flavor. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance its taste and presentation.

Cooking Techniques

For an extra moist cake, try using the "poke and soak" technique: once the cake is baked and still warm, poke holes in it with a fork and drizzle a simple syrup over the top. This technique ensures the cake stays moist and flavorful for days.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk or coconut milk. If you're avoiding eggs, use a commercial egg replacer or a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, left to thicken for a few minutes).

Make Ahead Tips

This cake can be made a day in advance, as the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even more moist overnight. Simply wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and assemble before serving.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color and a touch of sophistication.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Belizean Chocolate Cake with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Zinfandel, to complement its rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or until just warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Belizean Chocolate Cake contains about 330 calories. While it makes for a delicious treat, it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Belizean Chocolate Cake contains approximately 58 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the sugar and flour used in the recipe. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, but it's important to consume them in moderation, especially if you're monitoring your sugar intake.

Fats

This cake contains about 14 grams of fat per serving, with the main sources being vegetable oil and eggs. While fats are an essential part of a balanced diet, contributing to the cake's moist texture, opting for a vegetable oil with a neutral flavor and beneficial fatty acid profile can make this treat a bit healthier.

Proteins

Each serving of Belizean Chocolate Cake provides approximately 5 grams of protein, coming mainly from the eggs and milk in the recipe. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making this cake a satisfying option for a dessert or snack.

Vitamins and minerals

The cake offers a range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the milk, iron from the cocoa and flour, and various B vitamins from the eggs and flour. These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining health, making this cake not just delicious but also a source of nutritional benefits.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from flour), eggs, and dairy (from milk). Individuals with sensitivities to these ingredients should consider suitable substitutions or avoid this recipe.

Summary

Overall, Belizean Chocolate Cake is a rich, flavorful dessert that offers a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. While it is calorie-dense and contains common allergens, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet or modified to suit various dietary needs.

Summary

The Belizean Chocolate Cake is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Belize, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures. With its deep chocolate taste, moist crumb, and versatility in serving and variations, it's a recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a chocolate craving, this cake is sure to satisfy.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Belizean Chocolate Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my aunt in Belize for the summer. My aunt was a wonderful cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious dishes that always left me wanting more.

One day, as I watched her prepare dinner, she mentioned that she had a special recipe for chocolate cake that she had learned from a friend many years ago. She said it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations, and that it was a true taste of Belizean cuisine.

I was immediately intrigued and asked if she would teach me how to make it. My aunt smiled and agreed, saying that she was happy to pass on the recipe to the next generation. And so, we spent the afternoon in the kitchen, mixing and measuring, stirring and baking, until finally, the cake was done.

As soon as I took my first bite, I was in love. The cake was rich and moist, with a deep chocolate flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was truly a masterpiece, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Over the years, I practiced and perfected the recipe, adding my own personal touches and tweaks to make it my own. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about it and begged for the recipe. And now, it has become a staple in my own kitchen, a beloved treat that never fails to bring a smile to my loved ones' faces.

The secret to the perfect Belizean Chocolate Cake, I have found, lies in the quality of the ingredients. The key is to use the best, most flavorful chocolate you can find, as well as fresh eggs, rich butter, and a touch of rum for that extra kick. And of course, the most important ingredient of all is love – love for the process of creating something delicious, and love for the people you are making it for.

I often think back to that day in Belize, when my aunt first showed me how to make this incredible cake. It was a moment that changed my life, sparking a love for cooking and baking that has stayed with me ever since. And every time I take a bite of that rich, decadent cake, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen in Belize, surrounded by the people I love, sharing in the simple joy of good food and good company.

So now, as I share this recipe with you, I hope that you will feel the same sense of anticipation and excitement that I did all those years ago. I hope that you will take the time to savor each bite, and to share it with those who mean the most to you. And most of all, I hope that it brings you as much happiness and satisfaction as it has brought me over the years.

Enjoy, my dear ones, and may this Belizean Chocolate Cake bring a little taste of joy into your lives.