Chocolate Cake

Ukrainian Chocolate Cake Recipe with Peanuts and Rum

Region / culture: Ukraine | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a classic Chocolate Cake with this delicious recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.

History

Chocolate cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. The combination of chocolate and cake has been a winning combination ever since, and this recipe is a modern twist on a timeless classic.

Ingredients

175 g of chocolate
90 g of butter
4 tbsp of sugar
3 egg whites
45 g of chopped peanuts (optional)
45 g of breadcrumbs

Glazing

175 g of heavy cream
4 tbsp of rum

How to prepare

Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.
Add the sugar, beaten egg whites, half of the nuts, and bread crumbs. Mix thoroughly.
Grease the baking mold with butter, sprinkle with bread crumbs and nuts. Pour in the chocolate batter and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (or 375°F) for 25 minutes.
Allow it to cool down and pour over the cream whipped with rum.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Top the cake with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glazing to prevent it from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chocolate Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Use a double boiler to melt the chocolate and butter for a smooth and creamy texture.

- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

- Swap the rum in the glazing for vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead Tips

This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cake with chocolate curls, edible flowers, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Chocolate Cake with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of iron and magnesium.

Alergens

Contains dairy and nuts.

Summary

This Chocolate Cake is a delicious treat that is rich in carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying dessert option.

Summary

This Chocolate Cake recipe is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and creamy glazing, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Chocolate Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl helping my mother in the kitchen. I remember the smell of chocolate wafting through the air, the sound of my mother's voice as she guided me through each step, and the feeling of excitement as we pulled the cake out of the oven, its rich, chocolatey scent filling the room.

My mother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family tradition, passed down through the generations. And now, it was my turn to learn the secret to making the perfect Chocolate Cake.

The recipe itself was simple, but the technique was what made it special. My mother showed me how to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, how to add the eggs one at a time, and how to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a light and airy cake. But the real secret, she told me, was in the chocolate.

We always used the best quality chocolate we could find, melting it down with a bit of butter to create a smooth, velvety mixture that would be folded into the batter. It was this step that gave the cake its rich, decadent flavor, and made it a favorite among our family and friends.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding different flavorings and fillings to create new variations of the classic Chocolate Cake. I tried adding coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, or a hint of orange zest for a citrusy twist. I even once tried adding a layer of caramel between the cake layers, creating a gooey, sticky surprise that everyone loved.

But no matter how many variations I tried, none could quite compare to the original recipe that had been passed down to me. There was something about that simple, classic Chocolate Cake that always brought a smile to people's faces, and a warmth to their hearts.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe with many people, passing on the tradition of making Chocolate Cake to a new generation. I have taught my own children how to make it, and now they are teaching their children. It is a recipe that has become a part of our family history, a symbol of love and togetherness that we all cherish.

And so, as I sit here now, looking back on all the memories I have of making Chocolate Cake with my mother, I am grateful for the tradition that has been handed down to me. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple slice of cake. And I know that as long as I have this recipe, I will always have a piece of my family with me, guiding me through each step and filling my home with the sweet aroma of chocolate.