Chocolate Cake

Adopted from Joy of baking

Chocolate Cake

Ingrediants

1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all purpose flour

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed), sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup (75 grams) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup (240 ml) warm water

1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting:
6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup (180 ml) heavy cream (35% butterfat)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature

Method
Chocolate Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven.


In an ungreased 8 inch (20 cm) square cake pan, stir together the flour, sugar, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the melted butter, water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. With a fork, mix all the ingredients together until well blended.

Bake in preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Frosting:
Place the chopped chocolate in a medium sized stainless steel bowl. Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil. Immediately pour the boiling cream over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth. Let the ganache sit at room temperature until slightly firm (about one hour) and then beat the ganache until creamy smooth and light. With an offset spatula or knife spread the ganache over the cooled cake.

Serves 8 - 10 people.

My Touch:
Coconut Cream:
1. Take about 1/2 cup heavy cream, add 1 tbsp Icing Sugar, 2 tbspn Coconut powder OR coconut shavings....beat until creamy ...place in fridge and pour over cooled cake (first layer) place second layer on top and cover with ganache.

Lessons Learnt:
1. Let the cake cool down before removing it from pan..else itl break!
2. Dunt cut the cake into layers like i tried to do....it destoys the base.... if u want to make 2 layers bake 2 separate cakes!


Happy Baking!!