HONEST DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

An honest, moist, dark chocolate cake - best topped with a dark chocolate ganache.

This is a dark chocolate cake, in every sense of the word. It is definitely not on the sweeter side and is for those of you who reach out for a piece of cake, have a few bites but can't finish the rest as its too sweet, icing et al.

Buttercream is delightful on a birthday cake, but I much prefer a dark chocolate ganache for this dark chocolate cake. Chocolate shards are always a welcome addition. Make sure to use a good quality chocolate for all the toppings.

The use of coffee and finely shaved chocolate, for me, is what really brings out the flavour. I follow my thumb rule for cakes, mix the dry ingredients first in one bowl, wet ingredients together in another, and fold them together and whisk till smooth. It has not failed me this far!

I like to use spring form pans. They are easier to work with as the sides pop open.

So, lets jump straight in...

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Recipe:

Ingredients:

Dry ingredients:

1 1/2 cup sugar (granulated)

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

3 tablespoon coffee powder

1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

2 cups buttermilk (made with 1/2 cup thick yogurt and 1 1/2 cup water)

1/2 cup oil

To add later:

4 tbsp dark chocolate - finely cut

Method:

Preheat oven to 175 degrees C

Prepare one pan (12") or 2 pans (8") - grease with oil and dust with a mixture made of cocoa and flour in equal parts.

In one large bowl, mix all the wet ingredients. Beat well until smooth.

In another bowl, sift all the dry ingredients and mix well.

Mix the dry and wet ingredients together - fold in gently. Once it is all incorporated, beat on high speed for 2 mins.

Gently fold in the dark chocolate bits

Pour into pan and bake for 40 mins, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary, so please keep and eye on the cake after 30 mins.

Cool the cake thoroughly before pouring ganache. Once the ganache has set, decorate with chocolate sprinkles or shards.