Description
A decadent layered dessert featuring a moist chocolate cake base, a silky chocolate custard center, and an optional glossy glaze. Rich, creamy, and indulgent, this cake is a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
-
- For the chocolate cake layer:
- 160g all-purpose flour (1 1/3 cups)
- 60g unsweetened cocoa powder (2/3 cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 200g granulated sugar (1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 120ml vegetable oil or melted butter (1/2 cup)
- 120ml milk or buttermilk (1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 120ml hot water or coffee (1/2 cup)
-
- For the custard layer:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 100g granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 480ml whole milk (2 cups)
- 170g dark chocolate, chopped (6 oz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the chocolate glaze (optional):
- 115g dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped (4 oz)
- 120ml heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
Make the cake layer: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a springform or deep round cake pan. In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in hot water or coffee (batter will be thin). Pour into the pan and bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Make the custard layer: In a saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Let cool slightly, then pour over the cooled cake. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Make the glaze (optional): Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter for shine if desired. Pour glaze over the chilled custard layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate until set.
- Slice with a hot knife for neat portions. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add coffee liqueur to custard for depth.
- Use white or milk chocolate in custard for variation.
- Try individual servings in ramekins.
- Layer whipped cream or ganache between custard and glaze for richness.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or chocolate shavings before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking & Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
