A fine chocolate cake is very simple to make and the results are most rewarding. Remember, if it goes wrong you can use it to make a wonderful trifle.
Although very similar in nature to the tasty jam sponge, the chocolate cake has its own nuances and strong points. Here is a recipe for a chocolate cake of generous proportions.
Ingredients
- 140g or 5oz Self-raising flour (wholemeal preferably)
- 60g or 2oz Cocoa powder
- 340g or 12oz butter or soft margarine
- 170g or 6oz Caster sugar
- 3 medium or 2 Large eggs
- 140g or 5oz Icing sugar
- Some cooking chocolate - as much as you want to cover the top with!
You Will Also Need
- 2 Baking tins (about 18cm or 7 inches in diameter)
- Sieve
Method
Sieve flour and 30g/1oz of the cocoa powder together. Next, cream the sugar and 170g/6oz of marge together in a separate bowl using a metal spoon. Once the mixture is fluffy and light gradually fold in the chocolatey flour until all is mixed together. Finally, break the eggs in a small bowl and whisk them. Add these to the mixture and beat with a wooden spoon as hard as you can. This takes a lot of arm-work! Alternatively, shove the lot in a food mixer and whizz round.
Grease the two tins and then spoon in the mixture. Level the mixture in the tin using a spatula and place in the oven on Gas Mark 5 (probably 425°F or 200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. This is best on the highest shelf.
Once the time is up you can check the cakes by sticking a knife in and making sure it isn't covered in gooey mixture when you remove it. Cool the tins on a rack for about 5 minutes but don't place them in a draft, otherwise they will sink. Work them loose with a knife and shake them out to finish cooling.
Mix the icing sugar with 170g/6oz of margarine and 30g/1oz of cocoa powder to make a buttercream. When the cakes have cooled spread the buttercream over one loaf. Sandwich together and then decorate the top with a nice thick layer of melted cooking chocolate. Once this sets, the cake is ready to eat but use a good serrated knife to cut it.
Consume on its own or with a nice cup of tea.
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