Mar 10, 2014

Whole spelt Italian chocolate cake


Solid, buttery, very chocolaty and not very sweet...exactly what I wanted Sunday morning.

Recipe adapted from Gray Apron
time: 20 min preparation + 55 min baking

 ingredients 
100 g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (I used 50 % cocoa), broken in pieces
200 g (1 2/3 stick) butter, room temperature
150 g (3/4 cup) sugar
1 vanilla bean, split open, seeds removed
5 eggs, room temperature
1 1/3 cup flour = 160 g whole spelt flour (the one I used) OR 200 g regular flour
4 g (1 teaspoon) baking powder
1 pinch fine salt
80 g (8 Tablespoons) cocoa powder
120 ml (1/2 cup) milk, I used almond, not cold



 instructions 
Preheat oven to 180C/360F. Butter and dust with flour (extra flour) a 26 cm/10 inch baking form. Melt chocolate over hot water (never allow water to boil). Let it cool to touch.

In a small bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder and cocoa powder.

In a bowl of a standing mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, beat buttersugar and vanilla seeds till fluffy on medium/high speed for 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at the time, allowing each egg to combine well before adding another (OK if not all smooth). Incorporate melted chocolate and milk. Turn the mixer on low and slowly stir in flour mix just till combined.

Pour the batter into the form. Put it in the hot oven for 55 minutes. If the toothpick from the middle comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let cool in the form for 15 minutes. 
NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES NOTES 
  • I made this chocolate cake over a year ago...it came out nice, I still remember it;
  • I just changed a couple of things: I replaced regular flour with whole spelt, I reduced sugar and increased cocoa powder amount;
  • if you want the cake to be more puffy, just add another teaspoon of baking powder, like in the original recipe;
  • the cake is simple and pleasant, good with coffee, milk or a glass of champagne...

30 comments:

  1. I would love a huge slice with my copffee right now!
    Have a lovely week,dear Ela!

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  2. Delicious! Perfect with a cup of coffee.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. It really looks like a lovely yummy chocolate cake!

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  4. Anonymous3/10/2014

    looking great, want the whole batch!!!!

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  5. Speaking of spelt flour! I love all your uses for it, and I'm a fan of anything with chocolate. : ) Looks so lovely with a cup of coffee.

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  6. Never have baked with spelt flour...I really must try it. Your cake looks like the perfect treat with a cup of tea. Love that it's not too sweet.

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  7. Se ve absolutamente exquisito me encanta con poca azùcar,abrazos

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  8. I love morning goods that aren't too sweet...just sweet enough. This looks heavenly, my friend!

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  9. I love simple cakes like this for breakfast or an afternoon snack! Not overly sweet but just enough!

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  10. This cake looks amazing! I would love a large piece with a cup black coffee!

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  11. A lovely dense chocolate cake! I love it with a cup of tea.

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  12. This cake look absolutely delicious love with a cup of tea... or coffe:))

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  13. This looks like culinary heaven for a confessed chocoholic as I am :)
    Would love to have this cake right now with a nice cup of coffee.

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  14. I love that you use spelt flour in so many of your recipes! I'm a big fan of using flours other than wheat in recipes :)

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  15. I have yet to try spelt flour but Angie from AngiesRecipes.com uses it all the time. This cake looks delish and healthy. Thanks for sharing it.

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  16. Ela, how delicious…. I want to bake with spelt this year! It just seems quite expensive here!

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  17. This looks absolutely perfect! I will have to try it!

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  18. Wonderful looking cake Ela, love that it isn't too sweet - sounds perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat!

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  19. I have never used spelt in my baking- does it have much effect on the texture of the cake? Your cake looks delicious by the way!

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    1. Very little, especially in a cake like this one.

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  20. Hi Elzbieta, I'm seeing and reading about spelt flour more and more. I'm really very interested in the flavor it brings to baked goods. Your cake looks absolutely lovely, love the fact that it's not to sweet. Chocolate in the morning is always good.

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  21. Cheri, with spelt flour...the change in flavor is minimal.

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  22. I need to wean myself off the super sweet American desserts! The Italians have it just right...what a perfect cake to have with my evening tea!

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  23. I like the idea of this cake, you can never have too many chocolate cake recipes!

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  24. Yummy!!! This looks light and delicious!

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  25. I have some spelt flour waiting for some love and this recipe sounds perfect!

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  26. this cake is perfect with an espresso!

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  27. I love desserts/sweets with lower amounts of sugar. This cake looks perfectly delicious and rustic!

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  28. Seems like a great alternative for my breakfast; or with afternoon coffee.

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