Mary Berry is a renowned British baker and television presenter known for her delicious cake recipes. One of her most beloved creations is the Ultimate Chocolate Cake.
This decadent dessert is a chocolate-lover’s dream, with rich layers of moist chocolate sponge and a smooth, creamy chocolate ganache. Whether you’re a fan of Mary Berry or just on the hunt for the perfect chocolate cake recipe, this is a must-try. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this heavenly treat.
Ingredients
Before starting your culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:.
- 200g (7oz) plain chocolate, chopped
- 200g (7oz) butter, softened
- 200g (7oz) self-raising flour
- 200g (7oz) caster sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 eggs
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder, for dusting
- 200ml (7fl oz) double cream
- 200g (7oz) plain chocolate
Method
Now that you have all the ingredients at hand, let’s proceed with the step-by-step process:.
Step 1: Preparing the Cake
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm (8in) sandwich tins with baking parchment.
Step 2: Melting the Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the 200g (7oz) of chopped plain chocolate. Stir occasionally until smooth and then set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, self-raising flour, caster sugar, baking powder, and eggs with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the melted chocolate and mix again until smooth.
Step 4: Baking the Cake
Divide the batter equally between the prepared sandwich tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Preparing the Ganache
In a saucepan, heat the double cream over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from the heat and add the remaining 200g (7oz) of plain chocolate, stirring until smooth and velvety.
Step 6: Assembling the Cake
Allow the cake layers to cool in the tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Peel off the parchment paper.
Next, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of the chocolate ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache, making sure it is evenly coated.
Serving
This Ultimate Chocolate Cake can be served as is, or you can elevate it with additional decorations such as chocolate shavings or fresh berries.
It pairs perfectly with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the chocolate.
Summary
Mary Berry’s Ultimate Chocolate Cake is a delightfully indulgent treat for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor and creamy ganache, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
Follow the simple steps outlined above and enjoy the heavenly goodness of a homemade chocolate cake. Get ready to savor each bite of this irresistible dessert.