Ingredients:

For the Biscuit:

• 6 eggs
• 125 g sugar (about 2/3 cup)
• 100 g flour (about 3/4 cup)
• 20 g cocoa powder (about 2 tbsp)
• A pinch of salt

For the Cream:

• 350 g sour cream (20% fat, about 1 1/2 cups)
• 150 g sugar (about 3/4 cup)
• 250 g cream cheese or cottage cheese (about 1 cup)
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder

For the Glaze:

• 40 g dark chocolate (about 1.5 oz)
• 50 ml hot milk (about 1/4 cup)

Steps on How to Do It:

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan (about 9 inches) with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 5-7 minutes of vigorous whisking.
3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt together.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture, taking care not to deflate the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the biscuit to cool completely before removing it from the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the cream cheese (or cottage cheese) and cocoa powder to the mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The cream should be thick and creamy.
3. Refrigerate the cream filling while you prepare the cake for assembly.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

1. Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat the milk until it is hot (but not boiling). Pour the hot milk over the chocolate pieces and let it sit for a minute to melt.
3. Stir the chocolate and milk together until smooth and glossy. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Once the biscuit has cooled completely, slice it horizontally into two layers.
2. Spread the cream mixture evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
3. Place the second layer of the biscuit on top and press gently.
4. Pour the cooled chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
5. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2-3 hours, or until the glaze has set and the flavors have melded together.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice the cake into pieces and serve chilled. The cake can be garnished with additional cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for extra flair, if desired.

Prep Time:

• Active Prep: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 2-3 hours
• Total Prep: 3-3.5 hours

Cooking Time:

• Baking: 20-25 minutes

Total Time:

• Approximately 3.5-4 hours (including chilling time)

Servings:

• Serves 8-10 people

Calories (per serving):

• Approximately 350-400 kcal

Explanation of the Recipe’s Timeless Appeal:

Chocolate Sour Cream Cake is a dessert that never goes out of style due to its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The light and airy biscuit base, combined with the rich and creamy filling, makes it a treat that satisfies both the need for indulgence and the desire for freshness. The subtle tang of sour cream adds depth to the sweetness of the cake, and the dark chocolate glaze elevates the overall experience with its bittersweet contrast. This cake works wonderfully for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

Its timeless appeal also lies in its simplicity. Unlike many complicated, multi-layered cakes, this recipe is easy to follow, uses common ingredients, and results in a show-stopping dessert that will impress guests. The fact that it can be prepared ahead of time allows for stress-free entertaining, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of sour cream, cream cheese, and chocolate is a classic pairing that never fails to please the palate, ensuring that this cake remains a beloved choice for generations to come.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 5-6 g
• Fat: 18-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Sugars: 25-30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a different type of cream cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use any type of cream cheese or cottage cheese that you prefer. The texture may vary slightly depending on the type of cheese used, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q: Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture of the cake may differ slightly.

Q: Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake actually benefits from resting in the fridge for a few hours as it allows the flavors to develop and the cream to set. It can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake is best enjoyed chilled.

Tips on How to Make:

1. Whisk the Eggs Properly: To get a light, airy biscuit, ensure that you whisk the eggs and sugar until they are pale and fluffy. This will give the cake a soft, spongy texture.
2. Let the Biscuit Cool Completely: Cooling the biscuit completely before slicing is essential for easy assembly. If it’s still warm, it may crumble when you cut it.
3. Chill the Cake: Allowing the cake to chill for a few hours after assembling ensures that the layers set properly, and the glaze firms up beautifully.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream filling needs to be kept cool to maintain its consistency.
• Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this cake due to the sour cream and cream cheese filling. Freezing may alter the texture of the cream and the glaze.

Conclusion:

This Chocolate Sour Cream Cake is a luscious and decadent dessert that offers the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and a glossy chocolate glaze. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is sure to deliver both in flavor and presentation. With its timeless appeal and balance of flavors, it’s a dessert that will become a staple in your recipe collection, enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults.