I remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake. It was one of those moments where every bite seemed to reveal a new level of indulgence. The richness of the chocolate, the perfect balance of moistness, and just the right amount of sweetness-it was unlike any cake I had ever tasted. Since then, I’ve made this cake for countless occasions, and every time, it’s met with nothing short of awe.
It’s easy to see why Jamie Oliver’s cake has become a favorite for so many. His simple, accessible approach to cooking doesn’t just make it easy to follow; it makes the process of creating something this delicious feel like a celebration. If you’re someone who loves chocolate cake that’s rich, moist, and utterly satisfying, this recipe will be your new go-to. Let’s dive into the magic behind it.
Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake Recipe
If you’ve ever stumbled upon one of Jamie Oliver’s recipes, you know that his way of simplifying complex flavors is both genius and comforting. This Decadent Chocolate Cake is no exception-it’s all about quality ingredients and an easy method that guarantees impressive results every time.
Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- 200g unsalted butter
- 200g sugar (granulated)
- 100g light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 100ml whole milk
- 200ml boiling water
For The Icing
- 100g dark chocolate
- 50g unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup
- 1/4 cup double cream
Ingredients Needed
The key to this cake is in its ingredients. I’ve made this cake several times, experimenting with a few tweaks here and there, but I always come back to the original formula. Here’s why each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa): This high-quality chocolate is what gives the cake its rich, intense chocolate flavor. It’s also the backbone of the icing, ensuring that every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Unsalted butter: Butter is what brings that moistness to the cake. It also enhances the flavor, giving the cake a smooth, almost creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The combination of these two creates depth in sweetness and moisture. Granulated sugar makes the cake rise, while brown sugar adds that slightly caramelized flavor.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients and giving the cake structure. They also help keep the cake moist and fluffy.
- Plain flour: The base of the cake. This ingredient, combined with baking powder, ensures the cake is light without compromising on density.
- Baking powder: A must for leavening the cake, helping it rise to its fluffy, soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla balances the deep chocolate flavor and adds a layer of complexity to the cake’s taste.
- Whole milk: Milk is used for moisture and to bring all the ingredients together smoothly.
- Boiling water: This seems unusual, but it helps the chocolate melt more evenly, creating a more uniform texture.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake
Making this cake is surprisingly simple. I’ll never forget the first time I tried it; it was so much easier than I had imagined. Let’s walk through the steps:
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Preheat Your Oven To 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare your cake pans (two 20 cm round pans) by greasing them and lining with parchment paper.
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Melt The Chocolate And Butter.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Place the bowl over simmering water (double boiler style), stirring until completely melted. Set aside to cool.
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Mix The Dry Ingredients.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl.
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Whisk The Wet Ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with both sugars and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate-butter mixture and mix well.
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Combine The Dry And Wet Ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Keep stirring until everything is well combined.
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Add The Boiling Water.
- Stir in the boiling water, which will make the batter runny. Don’t worry, this is what gives the cake its moistness!
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Bake.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
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Make The Icing.
- For the icing, melt the chocolate, butter, and golden syrup in a saucepan over low heat. Once smooth, add the cream and stir until glossy.
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Assemble The Cake.
- Once the cakes have cooled, spread the icing generously between the layers and over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the things I’ve learned over the years of baking is that understanding the science behind the ingredients can elevate your results. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes with Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake:
- Chocolate + Butter: These two create a dense, flavorful batter. The fat from the butter helps emulsify the chocolate, turning it into a velvety mixture that binds the cake together.
- Eggs: They provide structure by helping to trap air as they whip, which in turn makes the cake rise. They also contribute to the cake’s moistness.
- Boiling water: The hot water helps dissolve the cocoa and activates the starches in the flour, creating a batter that’s smooth and airy.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent releases carbon dioxide when heated, causing the cake to expand and rise while keeping it light.
Expert Tips
Over time, I’ve picked up a few tips that will make this cake even better:
- Use high-quality chocolate: Don’t skimp here. A good chocolate will make all the difference in the depth of flavor.
- Room temperature ingredients: If you take the butter, eggs, and milk out ahead of time, it’ll help them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, stir just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Let the cakes cool completely before icing: This helps the icing set properly and prevents it from sliding off.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s recipe is perfect on its own, here are a few variations you can try to add your own twist:
- Add a little espresso: A small amount of brewed coffee or instant espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Frost with cream cheese icing: For a tangy twist, try a cream cheese frosting instead of the chocolate glaze.
- Incorporate fruit: Try adding fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the layers for a burst of freshness.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake is not just about following a recipe-it’s about bringing something simple and beautiful into your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake never disappoints. The richness, the texture, and the ease of preparation make it a recipe worth returning to again and again.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake Different From Others?
Jamie’s cake is rich and moist with a perfect balance of dark chocolate and a hint of coffee. The secret is in using good-quality chocolate and a dash of coffee to enhance the flavors.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with ingredients like flaxseed meal, apple cider vinegar with baking soda, or a store-bought egg replacer to keep the cake moist.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Decadent Chocolate Cake?
It takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, you’re looking at just under an hour to make this indulgent cake.