Chocolate Vinegar Cake

Chocolate Vinegar Cake Recipe from Oman | Ingredients & Steps

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Chocolate Vinegar Cake is a unique and delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with a hint of tanginess from vinegar. This cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

History

The origins of Chocolate Vinegar Cake can be traced back to the Great Depression era when ingredients like vinegar were used to enhance the flavor and texture of baked goods. This recipe has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite among home bakers.

Ingredients

1.5 cup flour, unbleached, sifted
1 cup sugar
3 tbsp cocoa, baking
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp vinegar
5 tbsp butter or regular margarine
1 cup water

-- MOCHA chocolate FROSTING

1.75 cup confectioners' sugar
3 tbsp cocoa, baking
3 tbsp butter or regular margarine
3 tbsp coffee, brewed, hot
0.5 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt together into a mixing bowl.
Make 3 wells in the dry ingredients.
Pour vanilla into 1 well, vinegar into 1 well, and melted butter into the third well.
Pour water over all. Beat with a wooden spoon until well blended.
Pour batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (177°C) oven for 25 minutes or until cake tests done.
Cool in pan on rack. Frost with Mocha Chocolate Frosting. Cut into squares.
Mocha Chocolate Frosting: Combine confectioners' sugar, cocoa, softened butter, coffee, and vanilla in a mixing bowl.
Beat with an electric mixer set at medium speed until smooth.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Use different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth and evenly textured cake.

- Be sure to make the wells in the dry ingredients for the vanilla, vinegar, and melted butter to ensure even distribution of the wet ingredients.

- Use a wooden spoon to mix the batter until well blended to avoid overmixing.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chocolate Vinegar Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a successful Chocolate Vinegar Cake is to mix the batter until well blended and to bake it until it tests done. Be sure to follow the instructions closely for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine in this recipe.

- If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can substitute it with lemon juice.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Vinegar Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Frost the cake just before serving for best results.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chocolate Vinegar Cake on a decorative platter and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Vinegar Cake with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Chocolate Vinegar Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Vinegar Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Vinegar Cake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Vinegar Cake contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Vinegar Cake contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Vinegar Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Chocolate Vinegar Cake contains wheat and may contain traces of dairy.

Summary

Chocolate Vinegar Cake is a moderately high-calorie dessert with a moderate amount of carbohydrates and fats. It is not a significant source of proteins, vitamins, or minerals.

Summary

Chocolate Vinegar Cake is a classic dessert that is easy to make and full of rich chocolate flavor. With a moist and tender crumb, this cake is sure to be a hit with chocolate lovers of all ages.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Chocolate Vinegar Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, that I first heard about this unique and delicious dessert. I was visiting my aunt in the countryside, and she invited me to help her bake a cake for a special family gathering.

As we gathered the ingredients and started mixing them together, my aunt told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that the cake had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from an old cookbook that had been handed down from my great-grandmother. The secret ingredient, she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, was a splash of vinegar that added a subtle tanginess to the rich chocolate flavor.

I was intrigued by the idea of using vinegar in a cake, but as we pulled the finished dessert out of the oven and I took my first bite, I was hooked. The cake was moist and decadent, with a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before. From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Chocolate Vinegar Cake countless times, perfecting the recipe and sharing it with friends and family. Each time I bake it, the familiar smells of chocolate and vinegar fill my kitchen, bringing back memories of that first taste so many years ago.

I have also learned that this recipe has a fascinating history beyond my own family. As I have traveled and met new people, I have discovered that Chocolate Vinegar Cake is a beloved dessert in many cultures around the world. In some places, it is known as Depression Cake, a nod to the resourcefulness of using simple ingredients during hard times. In others, it is a cherished family recipe, passed down through generations just like in my own family.

One of the most memorable experiences I had with this recipe was when I met an elderly woman in a small village in Italy. She had been baking Chocolate Vinegar Cake for her family for over fifty years, and she generously shared her own tips and tricks with me. I watched as she expertly measured out the ingredients, her hands moving with a practiced ease that only comes from years of experience.

As we sat down to enjoy a slice of cake together, I listened to her stories of baking for her children and grandchildren, of special occasions and everyday moments made sweeter with a slice of Chocolate Vinegar Cake. It was a magical experience, connecting with a stranger over a shared love of baking and family traditions.

And so, as I sit here now, with the scent of chocolate and vinegar wafting through my kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for all of the people and places that have contributed to my love of this recipe. From my aunt's farmhouse kitchen to the cobblestone streets of Italy, each encounter has added a layer of richness to this simple yet extraordinary dessert.

I know that one day, I will pass this recipe on to my own grandchildren, sharing with them the story of how I learned to make Chocolate Vinegar Cake and the joy it has brought to my life. And perhaps, they too will find their own version of this recipe, learning from others and creating memories of their own along the way.

But for now, I will savor each bite of this delicious cake, knowing that it is not just a dessert, but a piece of history and a connection to all of the people and places that have shaped me into the baker I am today. And as I take another bite, I can't help but smile, grateful for the simple pleasures that bring us together and the magic of a recipe that has stood the test of time.