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happy birthday chocolate cake.


when i was given this recipe by the mum of one of my best friends (thanks jane, thanks grace!), i instantly knew this would make a brilliant chocolatey birthday cake. a friend of her's came across it in a children's cookery book and swears by it for any special occasion. plus it was a great chance to use my new baking tin. i have to say... it didn't disappoint :)


shopping list 
for the cake
♥ 175g plain chocolate 
♥ 175g soft unsalted butter
♥ 175 caster sugar
♥ four eggs, with egg yolks and egg whites separated 
♥ 100g ground almonds (the recipe says 90g but i wanted it extra nutty)
♥ 90g sifted plain flour

for the chocolate fudge icing
♥ 90g caster sugar
♥ 45g butter 
♥ 125g plain chocolate
♥ 200ml evaporated milk 

preheat the oven to 180 degrees, gas mark 4.


begin by melting the chocolate in a bain marie, or if the packet says you can melt using a microwave i can't see why not. if you haven't already done so, separate the yolks and egg whites ready for when you need them. i personally do this by carefully cracking the egg and holding it in my palm, whilst letting the egg white run through my fingers - does anyone have any other techniques?

next, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy. beat in the egg yolks bit by bit. then, stir in the ground almonds and melted chocolate.

whisk the egg whites until they begin to form soft peaks. (note to self: i seriously need to invest in an electric whisk asap.) then, slowly add the foamy egg whites to the mixture, then a little flour, until combined. i have to say, i found this part a little tricky for a children's book don't you think?

add to your greased cake tin(s) and bake for 20 minutes, or until springy in the middle. i only have one tin that size so it took quite a whileee. also it took my cakes 30 minutes so don't worry if yours take a little longer.


for the icing, firstly warm up the evaporated milk on a medium heat and slowly add the sugar. stir and bring to the boil, then let simmer for five minutes. take the pan off the heat to add the chocolate, then put back on the hob. do the same with the butter. put the frosting in the fridge for about ten minutes just to thicken up so it is easier to spread.

when the cakes are done, allow to cool on a wire rack. then, let your creativity flow and try not to eat too much chocolate icing along the way. luckily i used to work in thorntons as my first job and all that icing easter eggs and mother's day plaques has taught me a little about writing icing (ish).

if you're a chocolate fan, you might like nigella's flourless brownies which i made for my own birthday last year.

what are your favourite chocolate cake recipes? what do you think to the unusual icing recipe? xx

2 comments:

  1. I made this cake for my husband birthday. It was fantastic! Recipe very easy to follow & the icing was yummy. Will be making this cake for all my family birthday's from now on.

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  2. Glad to hear it! I'd definitely make it again too xx

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