Portal Cake
Portal Cake Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Meal with Portabella Mushrooms
Introduction
Portal Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. This cake features layers of rich chocolate cake filled with cherries and cream, and topped with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries. It is a show-stopping dessert that is sure to impress your guests.
History
The Portal Cake recipe is inspired by the popular video game Portal, where the cake is a recurring theme throughout the game. Fans of the game have recreated this iconic dessert in real life, and it has become a favorite among gamers and food enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 175 g / 6 oz / 1.75 cup (US) butter
- 75 g / 3 oz / 0.75 cup (US) dark chocolate
- 200 g / 7 oz / 7 fl oz (207 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 300 g / 11 oz / 2.33 cup (US) plain flour
- 375 g / 13 oz / 1.75 cup (US) Golden caster sugar
- 25 g / 1 oz / 0.25 cup (US) cocoa powder
- 1 tsp Bicarbonate/baking soda
- 100 ml / 3.5 fl oz / 0.5 cup (US) espresso
- salt
- 2 eggs
For the Filling
- 1 can (425 g / 15 oz) cherries (Drained)
- 4 tbsp Black cherry Conserve
- 2 tbsp kirsch (or cherry juice)
- 500 ml / 17.5 fl oz / 2.25 cup (US) Double/heavy cream
- 5 tbsp Icing/Confectioners sugar
For the Decoration:
- 100 g / 3.5 oz dark chocolate Bar
- 8 cherries
- 1 White Birthday Candle
How to prepare
Baking
- Grease the sandwich tins with a little butter and line with greaseproof paper or baking parchment.
- Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F.
- Melt the 75 g of dark chocolate and butter together over a bain-marie.
- Add the lemon juice to the whole milk and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Combine the flour, golden caster sugar, cocoa powder, bicarbonate soda, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl.
- After 10 minutes, whisk the eggs and whole milk together, then add the melted chocolate and butter, mixing until well combined.
- Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well until smooth.
- Divide the cake mixture evenly between the three prepared sandwich tins and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes – an inserted skewer should come out clean to indicate they are ready.
- Once the cakes are baked, set them aside to cool slightly before removing from the sandwich tins to cool completely.
Preparing
- Once the cakes have cooled, take the middle layer of cake and pierce it several times. Brush it over with kirsch or cherry juice.
- Mix the drained canned cherries with the black cherry conserve.
- Whisk the double/heavy cream with the icing/confectioners sugar until it is softly firm and spreadable. Keep 4 tbsp of cream aside for decorating the cake.
- Take the bottom layer of cake and fill it with the cream, adding half of the cherries. Top with the kirsch/cherry soaked middle layer, then top this with cream and the rest of the cherries. Add the final layer on top to complete the cake construction.
- Use the remainder of the cream to completely cover the entire cake, top and sides.
Decorating
- Using a large, sharp knife, create chocolate shavings from the bar of dark chocolate. Alternatively, use a grater to grate the chocolate or use a combination of the two.
- Sprinkle the chocolate shavings onto the top of the cake and gently press the chocolate onto the sides of the cake, covering all the cream.
- Fill a piping bag with the 4 tbsp of cream set aside and, using a nozzle, pipe 8 cream flowers on the top of the cake.
- Place a fresh cherry onto each of the cream flowers, then place the white birthday candle in the center before serving.
Variations
- Add a splash of cherry liqueur to the cherry filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter twist on the cake.
- Top the cake with fresh berries or other fruits for a refreshing touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to properly grease and line your cake tins to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Be sure to cool the cakes completely before assembling the cake to prevent the cream from melting.
- Use a sharp knife to create chocolate shavings for a professional-looking finish.
- Pipe the cream flowers onto the cake using a piping bag for a decorative touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Portal Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cooking Techniques
Use a bain-marie to melt the chocolate and butter together for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Whisk the eggs and milk together before adding them to the dry ingredients to ensure a well-mixed batter.
- Pierce the middle layer of cake and brush it with kirsch or cherry juice for added moisture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in the cake.
- Substitute the cherries with another fruit filling, such as raspberries or strawberries.
- Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Make Ahead Tips
You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble the cake just before serving for the best results.
Presentation Ideas
Decorate the cake with fresh flowers, chocolate curls, or edible gold leaf for a stunning presentation. Serve the cake on a cake stand for an elegant touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Portal Cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience. The rich flavors of the cake complement the bitterness of the coffee or the floral notes of the tea.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Portal Cake is approximately 500 calories, making it a decadent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.
Carbohydrates
The Portal Cake is a carb-heavy dessert, with the main sources of carbohydrates coming from the flour, sugar, and cherries in the recipe.
Fats
The cake is rich in fats, particularly from the butter, dark chocolate, and cream used in the recipe.
Proteins
While the cake does not contain a significant amount of protein, there is some protein present in the eggs and cream used in the recipe.
Vitamins and minerals
The cake contains some vitamins and minerals from the cherries, dark chocolate, and milk used in the recipe.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter, milk, cream), eggs, and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.
Summary
Portal Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its high calorie content.
Summary
Portal Cake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is perfect for special occasions. With layers of rich chocolate cake, cherries, and cream, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy this indulgent treat in moderation for a truly memorable dessert experience.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Portal Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to spend the afternoon going through my collection of old cookbooks. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a tattered piece of paper tucked inside one of the books. It was a recipe for a cake unlike any I had ever seen before.
The recipe called for ingredients that seemed unusual to me at first - things like crushed black sesame seeds, dragonfruit puree, and a dash of magic dust. But as I read through the instructions, I could feel a sense of excitement building inside me. This was no ordinary cake. This was a Portal Cake - a magical dessert that had the power to transport you to different dimensions with just one bite.
I knew I had to make this cake, no matter how strange the ingredients seemed. So, I gathered everything I needed and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed and stirred, the room filled with a sweet and exotic aroma that I had never experienced before. It was as if the very air around me was infused with magic.
When the cake finally came out of the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. It looked like any other cake on the outside, but I knew that the real magic lay within. I carefully cut a slice and took a bite, closing my eyes as the flavors exploded on my tongue.
And then, it happened. A brilliant light filled the room, and before I knew it, I was no longer in my kitchen. I was standing in a lush, tropical forest, surrounded by colorful birds and exotic flowers. I could hear the distant sound of waterfalls and feel the warm breeze on my skin. I had been transported to another world.
I wandered through the forest for what felt like hours, marveling at the beauty and wonder around me. Eventually, I stumbled upon a clearing where a group of friendly creatures were gathered around a table, feasting on slices of Portal Cake. They welcomed me with open arms and invited me to join them, sharing stories and laughter as we enjoyed the magical dessert together.
As the sun began to set, I knew it was time to return home. With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to my new friends and took one last bite of Portal Cake. And just like that, I was back in my kitchen, the remnants of the cake sitting on the table in front of me.
From that day on, I treasured the recipe for Portal Cake like a precious treasure. It became a symbol of adventure and discovery, a reminder that magic can be found in the most unexpected places. And whenever I wanted to escape to another world, all I had to do was bake a slice of that enchanted dessert and let the flavors transport me to new and exciting realms.
So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little magic in your life, just remember the recipe for Portal Cake. Who knows where it might take you?