Indulge in a rich chocolate cake masterpiece
Are you a chocolate lover looking for an indulgent and unique dessert? Look no further than this rich dark chocolate cake with red wine chocolate frosting! This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions and will impress even the most discerning of palates.
The combination of cocoa powder and dark chocolate create a deliciously rich and moist cake that is perfectly complemented by the fruity notes of red wine. The addition of instant coffee granules and unsweetened cocoa powder give the cake a deep, intense chocolate flavor that will satisfy even the most dedicated chocoholic.
And the frosting? It’s a showstopper. Cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar are whipped together to create a smooth and tangy base, while red wine adds a unique twist to traditional chocolate frosting. The result is an indulgent, luxurious frosting that perfectly complements the rich chocolate cake.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this rich dark chocolate cake with red wine chocolate frosting is sure to impress. So grab a glass of port wine or your favorite fruity red wine and enjoy this decadent dessert with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect dessert that will impress your guests? Or perhaps, you’re just craving a rich and decadent chocolate cake that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Look no further because this Rich Dark Chocolate Cake with Red Wine Chocolate Frosting Recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion.
First of all, let’s talk about the chocolate cake itself. This recipe yields a moist and rich chocolate cake made with unsweetened cocoa powder and instant coffee granules for an extra boost of flavor. Every bite will leave you wanting more.
But what sets this chocolate cake apart from others is the red wine chocolate frosting. Yes, you read that right – red wine is the secret ingredient that takes this dessert to the next level. The red wine adds depth and richness to the chocolate ganache, making it a perfect pairing for the rich chocolate cake layers.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it’s also perfect for special occasions. Just imagine presenting this beautiful and decadent dessert at your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Your guests will be impressed by your baking skills and will be left asking for the recipe.
And here’s another reason to love this cake – it’s versatile! You can switch things up by using different types of red wine to create variations of this recipe. For example, a fruity red wine would pair well with a chocolate raspberry cake while a port wine would complement a rich chocolate fudge frosting.
So why settle for a basic chocolate cake when you can make this delicious Rich Dark Chocolate Cake with Red Wine Chocolate Frosting Recipe? Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to regular chocolate cake again.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need for this rich dark chocolate cake with red wine chocolate frosting recipe:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup red wine
- ½ cup cold water
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
For the Frosting:
- 6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup red wine (use a fruity red wine)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 4 oz. of dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Raspberry Buttercream:
(makes enough for a two-layer eight-inch cake)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream or milk
– 3 to 4 tablespoons raspberry puree (from about half a pint raspberries)
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or one bundt pan.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 3 eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup vegetable oil, &frac; cup red wine, and 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer on medium speed or a whisk, mix until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter equally between the two prepared cake pans or pour it into one bundt pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes for cake rounds or 45-50 minutes for bundt pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Make the Red Wine Chocolate Frosting
In a large bowl using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy. Gradually beat in 3 cups powdered sugar.
Then beat in &frac; cup red wine, &frac; tablespoon milk, and a pinch of salt until creamy (the icing will be soft).
Add more powdered sugar if necessary to thicken up the frosting – it should be thick enough to spread onto your cake layers.
Step 6: Assemble Your Cake
Once the cakes have cooled down completely, place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Spoon about &frac; of the red wine chocolate frosting on top and spread it out.
Top with the second cake layer, followed by &frac; of the remaining frosting.
Use the remaining frosting to spread a light layer around the sides of the cake to create a “naked” look.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish the top of the cake with chocolate curls made from dark chocolate or fresh raspberries. Serve or store in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this delicious and indulgent rich dark chocolate cake with red wine chocolate frosting recipe, perfect for special occasions such as birthdays or romantic dinners.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cake recipes, the possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless. Here are some ideas to make this chocolate cake even more delicious and tailored to your preferences.
– Flour: Instead of using all-purpose flour, try using a mixture of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour or almond flour. This will add more texture and nuttiness to the cake.
– Sugar: Feel free to experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or coconut sugar, for a richer flavor. You can also reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet cake.
– Red wine: If you don’t have red wine on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with water or milk. If you still want to add a boozy kick to the cake, try using port wine or a fruity red wine instead.
– Chocolate ganache: Instead of using dark chocolate for the ganache, you can use milk chocolate or white chocolate. You can also add in different flavors like espresso powder or raspberry purée.
– Frosting: While the cream cheese frosting is a classic pairing with chocolate cake, try switching things up with a chocolate fudge frosting, raspberry buttercream, or even adding sliced fresh fruits on top.
– Bundt cake: This recipe can easily be adapted to make a beautiful bundt cake instead of layer cakes. Just pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 45-50 minutes at 350°F.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose, remember that baking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Once the rich, moist, decadent Red Wine Chocolate Cake is out of the oven and has been given some time to cool down, it’s time to dig in! This deliciously rich cake is perfect for special occasions or just about any gathering with family and friends.
But what really sets this cake apart is the Red Wine Chocolate Frosting. The fruity red wine flavors combined with the dark chocolate provide a unique twist on a classic dessert. But what should you serve along with this cake?
Since you already have some delicious red wine in your frosting, why not pour yourself a full glass of it to enjoy alongside your slice of cake? A smooth and bold Port wine would pair perfectly, complementing the rich chocolate flavor and balancing out the sweetness of the frosting.
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a fresh pot of coffee or a tall glass of milk can also be great choices. This will help cut through some of the richness while still providing some complementary flavors.
Overall, the Red Wine Chocolate Cake is an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or just an evening at home with loved ones, this cake is sure to impress. So grab a fork and dig in!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This cake is perfect for special occasions as it can be prepared in advance. You can make it a day before and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. The frosting will keep the cake moist while adding an extra layer of flavor.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The frosting may become firm, but it will soften when taken out from the refrigerator.
To reheat the cake, wrap a slice in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave it on low power for around 30 seconds. However, make sure not to overheat or dry out the cake, as its rich and moist texture is key to its decadence.
If you want to prepare the frosting ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature and give it a good whisk before using it.
Overall, this recipe is flexible and easy to store, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule or who wants to plan ahead. And believe us, even though it’s been stored away, this chocolate Red Wine Cake will still taste like heaven once reheated.
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the perfect rich dark chocolate cake with red wine chocolate frosting, a few tips may come in handy. Firstly, make sure to use high-quality ingredients. Choose unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate that you love as it will influence the final result.
Next, when adding flour to the mixture, it is crucial not to overmix it. Overworking the flour creates too much gluten which can cause the cake to become tough.
Another useful tip is to let your ingredients reach room temperature before using them. Take out butter, cream cheese, or eggs from the refrigerator at least an hour before baking. This helps all of the ingredients bind together better and bake more evenly.
When making the red wine chocolate frosting, remember to chill it in between layers to prevent it from becoming too runny. The frosting can be refrigerated for a couple of hours before applying it on your cake.
For best results, use a fruity red wine that you love both for the cake and frosting recipe. It’s also essential not to overdo the amount of red wine used in the recipe as excess liquid can affect the overall texture of the cake.
Lastly, indulge in some fresh raspberries or raspberry buttercream on top of your decadent cake for added sweetness and tanginess. These garnishes will enhance the flavors and balance out the chocolate in your delicious dessert.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine chocolate cake recipe is guaranteed to make any occasion special. The decadent combination of rich dark chocolate and fruity red wine is breathtakingly delicious, and the moist texture is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
With its indulgent dark chocolate cream cheese frosting and luscious red wine ganache, this cake will impress all of your guests with its depth of flavor and perfectly balanced sweetness. Pair it with a glass of port wine or a strong espresso for the ultimate dessert experience.
So go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! Trust me, once you take a bite of this cake, you’ll never want to go back to regular chocolate cake again. Treat yourself to something special and make this red wine chocolate cake today. Your taste buds will thank you!
Rich Dark Chocolate Cake With Red Wine Chocolate Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake
- 240 g flour
- 300 g sugar
- 85 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
- 2 eggs
- 240 ml cold water
- 240 ml milk
- 120 ml sunflower oil
For the frosting
- 150 g unsalted butter, softened
- 100 g icing sugar
- 35 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 200 g cream cheese
- 5 tablespoons red wine
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C Line two cake tins with parchment paper and grease.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder, salt and coffee granules (ie all the dry ingredients).
- Make a well in the middle and add all the liquid ingredients.
- Use a whisk to mix together until completely blended. Don't be alarmed at how runny it is - it's much thinner than a normal cake mix!
- Pour into the two prepared tins and place in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until cooked through - the longer you leave them, the drier they will be. I found 30 minutes to be fine for a light, moist cake, but it will depend on your oven. Use a skewer inserted into the middle to make sure the cake is cooked through. If it comes out clean, you should be fine.
- Turn the cooked cakes out onto a cooling rack and place to one side.
- While they cool, make the frosting: Put the butter, icing sugar and cocoa powder in a bowl and cream together until light and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and mix well. Then, add the red wine a little at a time until it gets a little runnier. Give it a taste; you want to just be able to taste the wine without it being overpowering. Place in the fridge for a few minutes to let it stiffen up slightly.
- When the cake has cooled, spread the frosting on the top of one layer and place the other on top.