For many of us, chocolate signifies celebrations and time with loved ones. Did you know that chocolate has been around for around 2000 years? In its original form, it used to be bitter. We know it in its modern form since 1847 when Joseph Fry created the first bar. Cadbury sold boxes of chocolate by 1868 while Nestle introduced milk chocolate a few years later. And we have enjoyed them since. If you’re craving a taste of this timeless delight, why not explore the exquisite offerings at Compartes? Shop now for a delectable array of chocolates and indulge your senses.
Chocolate can fix anything. Sadness, heartache, or even frustration. Even better than munching on your favourite bar of chocolate is putting all that misspent sadness into baking a chocolate concoction. It will keep you busy and provide you with a much-needed sense of satisfaction after it is standing all sinfully glorious in front of your eyes. So put your heartache away and smile…we come bearing the best chocolate cake recipe to cheer you up. Not sad? Who said you need any excuses to tuck into a slice of heaven?
Yummy Chocolate cake
Ingredients
200g self-raising flour
200g unsalted butter
200g golden caster sugar
4 eggs
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of milk
1 teaspoon of baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Buttercream:
400g icing sugar
200g butter
100g Cadbury’s milk chocolate
5 tablespoons of cocoa powder
2 tablespoons of milk
Method:
Preheat your oven to 190C.
Beat together the sugar, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, vanilla extract, milk, butter (softened), and a pinch of salt in a large dish.
Split the batter into two tins that have been lined with baking paper at the base and buttered on the sides. Bake at 190C for about 20 minutes until fully done.
Remove your tins from the oven and leave to cool for 10 minutes before removing them to cool on a rack.
To prepare your buttercream, add 100g of chopped up chocolate to a glass bowl and heat over a pan of water. Stir until your chocolate has melted and leave to cool for 5 minutes.
Add softened butter to the icing sugar and whisk until you have a smooth texture. Slowly add the cocoa powder and add the melted chocolate and milk. Keep stirring until you have a luxurious creamy texture.
Use half the buttercream to put the two cakes together on a cake stand. Spread the rest on top using a spoon in a smoothing motion. You can decorate your cake by showering it with sprinkles for a dash of colour. Alternatively, you can make your own chocolate shards by melting 50 g of dark chocolate and leaving it to cool on a lined tray. Next, melt 25g of milk chocolate and 25g of white chocolate and drizzle them over the dark chocolate while it is still warm and has not set. Leave to cool and cut into strips before placing them onto your cake.
Chocolate finds its way into everyday life such as books, movies, and favourite games. Who could forget the cult classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Or Baking Bonanza game at Aspers Casino? The latter is a Slingo game themed on baking, where the most delicious treats are at your fingertips! Your cake is ready to be devoured!
