As a mother, I have to be alert when November comes.
All my daughters were born on the same day, unplanned and unplugged. Now I am responsible for three birthday celebrations, all in the same 24 hours.
When they were young, we celebrated for everyone together.
60 children, 50 parents, 40 friends, open house, food, music, cake, balloons, chaos and madness.
My friend Ouvi always volunteered to be the one who brings the birthday cake, a 3-layer chocolate cake. One layer for each girl.
As they grew older, there were no more shared parties, but the cake remained the birthday tradition.
WHAT YOU NEED
-5 egg whites
-¾ cup sugar
-200gr melted butter
-300gr dark chocolate
-¼ cup milk or 3 tbsp heavy cream
-3 tbsp brandy or sake
-½ tsp vanilla extract
-5 egg yolks
-2 tbsp sugar
-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
-Pinch of salt
-1 cup white flour
-1 tbsp baking powder
For chocolate glaze:
-100gr. of dark chocolate
-½ cup heavy cream
HOW TO MAKE
- Preheat the oven to 350F/180C
- Separate all 5 eggs into yolks and whites.
- Put the egg whites in the mixing bowl, and the yolks in a separate bowl.
- Whip the egg whites together with ¾ cup of sugar until firmly whipped.
- In a bain-marie, melt 200gr butter with 300gr dark chocolate.
- Add the vanilla extract, brandy, and milk or cream to the melted chocolate, and mix.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the whipped egg whites and fold it well.
- Beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt, sugar and milk.
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder) and add it to the batter.
- Pour everything into a 9” round pan with a baking sheet on the bottom and grease in butter all around. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 20 minutes.
- Seperate the cake from the edges of the pan using a knife.
Glazing:
In a small pot on low heat, melt 100gr chocolate and ½ cup heavy cream together.
Spread on top of the cake.
Serving can be with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
(Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp of sugar and ½ tsp of vanilla extract)
I add raspberries around the edge and one birthday candle In the middle.
In my honest opinion, this cake is a winner. Happy birthday!
P.S
This chocolate cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion - not just birthdays.
