Chocolate Heart Cake
Today is a momentous occasion for my dear friend Eric, marking his 90th birthday milestone. Originally from Austria, Eric relocated to Canada six decades ago, cherishing the Sacher torte as a symbol of his cultural heritage. To honor his special day, I crafted a modified version of this traditional Austrian treat, which is now freshly baked and poised to delight guests at Eric's celebratory gathering later today. Here's to 90 wonderful years, Eric - happy birthday! 💗
Sacher Torte is a classic Austrian chocolate cake known for its rich taste and elegant appearance. This decadent dessert consists of two layers of dense chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle, all coated in a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache. The history of Sacher Torte dates back to 1832 when Franz Sacher, a 16-year-old apprentice chef, was asked to create a special dessert for Prince Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna. Despite his young age and limited experience, Franz rose to the occasion and crafted the first Sacher Torte, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most famous and beloved desserts in the world.
Chocolate Heart Cake
By Zosia Culinary Adventures | Date: July 21, 2024
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour or pastry flour
1/2 cup cold water
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, room temperature
250 g unsalted butter
4 tablespoons dark high quality cocoa powder
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tsp pure vanilla essence
1/2 cup apricot jam
35% fresh whipped cream as garnish for the cake
Instructions:
Melt the butter, sugar, water and cocoa powder together in a small non-stick pan over low heat. Allow the mixture to come to a complete boil, ensuring you stir continuously to avoid any burning or sticking. Set aside. Save 1/2 cup of chocolate mixture for the glaze and the rest will be added to the cake batter. Let the mixture to cool off for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350ºF or 180ºC. Grease with butter a heart-shaped non-stick cake pan that is approximately 20 cm x 18 cm x 5 cm or a pan of a similar size before proceeding with the recipe.
Sift the flour together with the baking powder into a bowl. Carefully separate the egg whites from the egg yolks and ensuring no yolk gets mixed in. Stir the egg yolks and vanilla essence into the chocolate mixture until a smooth consistency is achieved. Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture and gently blend until thoroughly combined.
Whisk the egg whites vigorously until they form stiff peaks, being careful not to overmix. Gradually add this fluffy mixture to the cake batter, folding gently with a spatula until fully combined.
Place the smooth cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring a consistent layer for even baking results. Bake in the preheated oven for around 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating that the cake is perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.
Heat up the apricot jam in a saucepan over low heat, allowing it to warm gently until it reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. Once heated, strain or puree the jam to liquify any bits or lumps, ensuring a silky texture perfect for spreading on the cake.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for just 2 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a spacious tray or plate face down.
Now, spread the apricot glaze evenly across the surface and sides of the cake and allow it to rest undisturbed for a brief period of 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the glaze set and infuse the cake with its delightful flavor.
Heat up the remaining chocolate glaze very gently until it is warmed through. Then, carefully brush the glaze over the cake, taking your time to ensure it is evenly coated. This process should be done gradually over a period of approximately 5 minutes until all the glaze is used up.
Leave the cake to rest at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld harmoniously. When ready to serve, garnish it with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts per One Serving no whipped cream💗
Calories 395 | Fat 23.3 g \ Saturated Fat 11.2 g\ Cholesterol 169 mg\ Sodium 450 mg\ Total Carbohydrate 54.7g\ Dietary Fiber 13.5g\ Total Sugars 20.7g\ Protein 4.6 g \ Vitamin D 12 mcg\ Calcium 89 mg\ Iron 14 mg\ Potassium 235 mg