Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake with Luscious Red Wine Frosting
Indulge in the perfect balance of rich and sophisticated flavors with this decadent dark chocolate cake. The cake is crafted to be delightfully light and fluffy while maintaining a deep chocolate richness that doesn't overwhelm the palate with sweetness. The star of the show, however, is the velvety red wine chocolate frosting that adds a luxurious touch, making it an exquisite dessert for adult gatherings. Ideal for celebration or a special treat, this cake is not only visually stunning but also easy to prepare. Whether you choose to keep it simple with two layers or elevate it to four with additional frosting, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
240 g (sifted)
granulated sugar
300 g (none)
unsweetened cocoa powder
85 g (sifted)
bicarbonate of soda
2 teaspoons (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
cold water
240 ml (none)
milk
240 ml (none)
sunflower oil
120 ml (none)
unsalted butter
150 g (softened)
icing sugar
100 g (sifted)
unsweetened cocoa powder
35 g (sifted)
cream cheese
200 g (softened)
red wine
5 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line two 9-inch cake tins with parchment paper, and lightly grease them with cooking spray or butter.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt, and coffee granules until well combined.
3
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then add the eggs, cold water, milk, and sunflower oil. Mix with a whisk until smooth and fully combined; the batter will be quite runny, which is normal.
4
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Check for doneness at 30 minutes for a moist texture.
5
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
6
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, icing sugar, and cocoa powder until light and fluffy.
7
Add the cream cheese and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate the red wine until you reach your desired consistency and flavor. The wine should enhance the frosting without overpowering it—adjust to taste.
8
Chill the frosting in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly.
9
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then gently place the second layer on top. Finish by spreading frosting on the top of the cake. For an extra indulgent touch, feel free to frost the sides as well. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16 g
Fat
57 g
Carbs
4.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake with Luscious Red Wine Frosting.
What is the main flavor profile of the cake?
It features a deep chocolate richness that is light and fluffy without being overly sweet, paired with a velvety red wine chocolate frosting.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F).
What size and type of cake tins are needed?
You will need two 9-inch cake tins lined with parchment paper and lightly greased.
Which dry ingredients should be sifted together?
Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt, and coffee granules.
How should the wet ingredients be added?
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the eggs, cold water, milk, and sunflower oil, then whisk until smooth.
Is it normal for the cake batter to be thin?
Yes, the batter will be quite runny, which is normal for this recipe.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake should bake for 30-40 minutes.
How do I know if the cake is done?
The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the tins?
Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 10 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.
What are the ingredients for the red wine frosting?
The frosting consists of softened butter, icing sugar, cocoa powder, cream cheese, and red wine.
How is the frosting prepared?
Cream the butter, icing sugar, and cocoa until fluffy, then mix in the cream cheese and gradually add red wine.
How much red wine is used in the frosting?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of red wine.
Should the frosting be chilled before use?
Yes, chill the frosting in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm it up slightly.
How many layers does the standard recipe make?
The standard recipe makes a two-layer cake.
Can I make this a taller cake?
Yes, you can elevate it to four layers by making additional frosting.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this cake?
One serving contains 57 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does the cake provide?
The cake provides 4.5 grams of protein per serving.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 240 grams of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is coffee a necessary ingredient?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor.
What kind of oil is best for this cake?
The recipe specifies 120 ml of sunflower oil.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 large beaten eggs.
What type of cocoa powder is used?
The recipe uses unsweetened cocoa powder in both the cake and the frosting.
Can I frost the sides of the cake?
Yes, for an extra indulgent touch, you can frost the sides of the cake as well as the top.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Because the frosting contains red wine, it is described as an exquisite dessert for adult gatherings.
How much cream cheese is in the frosting?
The frosting uses 200 grams of softened cream cheese.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the preparation time for the butter and cream cheese?
Both the butter and cream cheese should be softened before starting the frosting.