Simple Chocolate Cake: An Irresistible Temptation
A slow bite into a wedge of rich, moist, and tender chocolate cake is a mesmerizing experience in itself. How can one ever resist the temptation of a simple chocolate cake?
History: The Chocolate Route
The simple chocolate cake has been delighting chocolate lovers for more than a century now. The chocolate cake’s history can be traced back to 1764 when Dr. James Baker discovered a way to make chocolate. He crushed cocoa beans between two large and circular millstones for this purpose.
In 1828, Conrad Van Houten of the Netherlands introduced a method to extract the fat (cocoa butter) from roasted cocoa beans. The compact mass of solid resulting from this process was ground into cocoa powder. Gradually, cocoa powder became the basis of all kinds of chocolate products. Conrad’s processes converted chocolate from a high-class indulgence to an affordable snack.
In 1879, Rodolphe Lindt introduced a technique called conching to make smoother and silkier chocolate. This development made it easier to bake with chocolate, as it helped in blending efficiently with cake batters. Interestingly, until 1890 to 1900, people savored chocolates only as drinks. In the 1980s, chocolate decadence cakes gained popularity in the United States. Single-serve chocolate cakes with centers having liquid chocolate became a popular choice in the 1990s. Artisanal chocolate makers and chocolate lounges were favored by the people in the 2000s. At present, rich and flourless chocolate cakes are in great demand.
Facts: Enticing Chocolaty Info
- In the initial days, a chocolate cake had no trace of chocolate in it. Rather, it used to be a spiced cake that was served with a cup of hot liquid chocolate.
- 27th January is celebrated as National Chocolate Cake day in America.
- Chocolate cakes are one of the most popular varieties of cakes across the world.
Ingredients and Preparation: Indulge In A Tantalizing Treat
Chocolate and cake lovers around the world have developed plenty of chocolate cakes recipes. Here we produce a classic chocolate cake recipe that is easy to make and awesome to taste.
Preparation Time: 15 min
Baking Time: 35 min
Yield: 12-14 servings
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking cocoa: 2/3 cup
- Butter: 2/3 cup (softened)
- Sugar: 1-2/3 cups
- Eggs: 3
- Milk: 1-1/3 cups
- Baking soda: 1-1/4 teaspoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Confectioners’ sugar for frosting
Directions
- Take a baking pan of about 13-inch by 9-inch size and grease it. Keep it aside.
- Take a bowl and beat sugar and butter until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
- Add eggs to this mixture, one at a time. Beat well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl mix flour, baking soda, cocoa, and salt.
- Add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture, alternately with milk. Beat until smooth after each addition to make a fine batter.
- Pour the batter into the greased pan.
- Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes. To test, insert a toothpick in the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, know that the baking part is done.
- Take out the cake from the oven and allow to cool.
- Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar.
Nutrition Info: Know What You Consume
Each serving (1 slice) contains:
Calories: 257
Cholesterol: 67 mg
Carbohydrate: 38 g
Fat: 10 g (Saturated fat 6 g)
Protein: 4 g
Sodium: 368 mg
Fibre: 1 g
So, put on your baker’s cap and try out this tasty chocolate cake recipe right now.
