Indulge in the rich, velvety delight of "Le Gâteau au Chocolat de Cyril Lignac," a French chocolate cake that promises to elevate your dessert game to new heights! This decadent treat, with its luscious dark chocolate and buttery goodness, is perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day. With just a handful of ingredients and under an hour of your time, you'll be savoring a slice of chocolate heaven that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate
- 100g unsalted butter
- 150g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a round cake pan (about 8 inches in diameter) by greasing it with butter and lightly dusting it with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the 200g of dark chocolate and 100g of unsalted butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir gently until both the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the 150g of granulated sugar and the 4 large eggs until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This should take about 5 minutes of vigorous whisking or using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Once the chocolate and butter mixture has cooled down a bit, gradually pour it into the egg and sugar mixture while continuously whisking to combine. Be careful not to cook the eggs.
- Next, sift the 100g of all-purpose flour and the pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the flour into the batter using a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if a few flour streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake has risen and the top is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can serve it as is, or dust it with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) for a richer flavor. The better the chocolate, the more luxurious your cake will taste!
- Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before whisking them with sugar. This helps create a lighter and fluffier batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until you see no more flour streaks.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s perfectly baked.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Serve with Style: For an elegant presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder, and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Your guests will be in awe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg
