Almond and chocolate chip cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the crunchy texture of nuts, offering a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying it as an afternoon snack, or impressing guests at a dinner party, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe also includes a delicious homemade chocolate sauce that enhances the flavor of the cake, making it extra indulgent. Read on to discover how to prepare this rich and nutty cake, complete with helpful tips, FAQs, and serving suggestions.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Eggs: 2
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla sugar: 8g
- Sugar: 100g
- Oil: 60ml
- Milk: 70ml
- Flour: 160g
- Baking powder: 7g
- Sliced almonds: To taste
- Dark chocolate chips: To taste
- Hazelnuts: 70g, chopped
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Bitter cocoa: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Milk: 250ml
- Dark chocolate: 60g
- Butter: 1 teaspoon
For Topping:
- Soft sugar (powdered sugar): For dusting
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a cake pan with a diameter of 18-27 cm. This ensures the cake will release easily once baked, preventing it from sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs with a pinch of salt, 8g of vanilla sugar, and 100g of sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a light and airy texture. Next, add 60ml of oil and 70ml of milk to the mixture, stirring well to combine all the ingredients smoothly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 160g of flour and 7g of baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients helps to remove any lumps in the flour and ensures even distribution of the baking powder, which helps the cake rise evenly as it bakes. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Chocolate
Gently fold in the sliced almonds, dark chocolate chips, and chopped hazelnuts. The combination of almonds, chocolate, and hazelnuts will add texture and flavor to the cake. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to slice.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Sauce
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the rich chocolate sauce to pour over the cake.
Mix Sugar, Cocoa, and Cornstarch
In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of bitter cocoa, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. These ingredients form the base of the sauce and will give it a thick, smooth consistency.
Cook with Milk
Add 250ml of milk to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. As the mixture heats up, it will begin to thicken. Continue to stir until the sauce reaches the desired consistency—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add Chocolate and Butter
Once the mixture has thickened, add 60g of dark chocolate and 1 teaspoon of butter to the saucepan. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. The butter adds a silky texture to the sauce, making it extra indulgent.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Top the Cake
Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the prepared chocolate sauce over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The warm, rich sauce will soak into the cake slightly, adding flavor and moisture.
Decorate with Powdered Sugar
For a finishing touch, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. This adds a beautiful decorative element and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This almond and chocolate chip cake is delicious on its own, but there are several ways to enhance its flavor and texture:
- With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With a Hot Beverage: Pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea to complement the rich chocolate flavor.
- As a Dessert: This cake makes an excellent dessert for dinner parties or special occasions, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and rich chocolate flavor.
Cooking Tips
Let the Cake Cool Completely
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before slicing it. If you slice the cake while it’s still warm, it may crumble and not hold its shape. Allowing the cake to cool fully ensures neat slices.
Use High-Quality Dark Chocolate
For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate. The richer the chocolate, the more depth of flavor your cake will have. Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content works particularly well.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
When folding in the dry ingredients and the nuts and chocolate, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. Mix just until everything is combined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this almond and chocolate chip cake gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes a stabilizer to help the cake rise properly. The rest of the ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
2. Can I use other types of nuts in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute the hazelnuts and almonds with other nuts if you prefer. Walnuts, pecans, or pistachios would all make great alternatives. Just be sure to chop the nuts to similar sizes for even distribution throughout the batter.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
While dark chocolate is recommended for a richer flavor, you can substitute it with milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste. Keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter than dark chocolate, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the cake batter slightly to balance the sweetness.
4. How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
5. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the cake in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Once the cake is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container. If you’re preparing the cake ahead of time, make sure to pour the chocolate sauce over it just before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
This almond and chocolate chip cake offers several health benefits:
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals and may support heart health.
- Almonds and hazelnuts provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which contribute to heart health and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 6g
Dietary Information
This cake is suitable for vegetarians and can be made gluten-free with the proper flour substitution. It can also be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and non-dairy milk.
Conclusion
The almond and chocolate chip cake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the crunch of nuts with the smoothness of dark chocolate. Topped with a velvety homemade chocolate sauce and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is easy to make yet impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or enjoy with friends and family. Enjoy!