Decadent Caramel Chocolate Dream Cake: A Luxurious Dessert Experience

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Prepare to embark on a culinary journey of pure indulgence with this Decadent Caramel Chocolate Dream Cake. This show-stopping dessert combines rich chocolate sponge, silky caramel, and a luxurious cream filling that will transport your taste buds to pure bliss. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is a celebration of complex flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For Cocoa Sponge Cake

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder (50g)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (30g)
  • 1/3 tsp salt

For Caramel

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 3 tbsp butter (45g)

For Cream Filling

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream (180 ml)
  • 3.5 oz melted chocolate (100g)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (125g)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)

For Topping

  • 5.5 oz melted chocolate (155g)
  • 3/4 cup roasted peanuts (100g)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cocoa Sponge Cake

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Ensure no lumps remain.
  3. Prepare Batter: Whisk eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
  4. Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.

Creating the Caramel

  1. Make Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat. Do not stir; instead, swirl the pan occasionally. Cook until the sugar turns a deep golden brown.
  2. Finish Caramel: Carefully add heavy cream and butter (mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool.

Preparing the Cream Filling

  1. Whip Cream: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, melted chocolate, and powdered sugar.
  2. Combine Cream: Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate-ricotta mixture until smooth and uniform.

Cake Assembly

  1. Layer Cake: Carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally into two or three layers.
  2. Fill Layers: Spread a generous layer of caramel between each cake layer.
  3. Cream Coating: Cover the entire cake with the chocolate cream mixture, ensuring an even layer.
  4. Chocolate Topping: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
  5. Final Touch: Sprinkle roasted peanuts over the top and around the base of the cake.
  6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set. Just before serving, drizzle with a small amount of olive oil for an unexpected flavor twist.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Servings: 8-10
  • Difficulty: Advanced

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 450-500
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Sugar: 30g

Pro Tips

  • Use room temperature eggs for a more voluminous cake batter.
  • Be patient when making caramel – watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  • For a glossy chocolate drizzle, ensure chocolate is properly tempered.

Indulge in this Decadent Caramel Chocolate Dream Cake – a true masterpiece of flavor and texture!