There’s chocolate cake. And then there’s decadent chocolate cake. What’s the difference, you ask? (tip: never ask a cranky woman)
When a darling friend called a wee bit grumpy and moody, I felt a cake was in order. Most friends I know perhaps go running for a bottle of wine (or tequila), and while I am not against such options, I believe a chocolate cake can do far better wonders than any other medium. So, yes, this is why this is called decadent chocolate cake – because for most people, a small slice is more than enough chocolate.
This cake has two lovely layers and a very, very thick chocolate frosting. And to take it up another notch, I generously add chocolate chips all across.
Now, if you aren’t particularly fond of chocolate (who are you), I would recommend you politely decline a slice. This is a cake that normal eaters can have just a bit of; while chocolate lovers can slowly devour half the tray. Perhaps a glass of milk or black coffee is good on the side. Or even a glass of white. But then again, when times are dire, do as you please; we’re not judging.
Beautiful dried flowers by: Hello Sunshine Florist
The Recipe
Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 cup castor sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla essence
- 1 cup yoghurt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 100gm dark chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup soft butter
- 1/2 cup icing sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 tbsp coffee
- chocolatechips or sprinkles to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C and grease and flour a 9” cake tin.
- Sift the flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee powder, baking soda and salt together and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and yoghurt together.
- Then alternate between adding the dry mixture and buttermilk three times, careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the cake tin and bake for 25-28 mins, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before carefully slicing from the center into two layers for frosting.
- Whisk all the ingredients together to make a smooth frosting of dripping consistency.
- Add 1-2 tsp milk if required.
- Place the lower layer on the serving dish.
- Generously frost the first layer of the cake, and carefully place the second layer.
- Place the frosting on top and side, smoothing with an offset spatula.
- Garnish with chocolate chips or sprinkles.
