HeartSong Retreat Recipes: Classic French Chocolate Cake (Moelleux au Chocolat)
HeartSong Retreat Recipes: Classic French Chocolate Cake (Moelleux au Chocolat)
HeartSong Normandie Retreat Recipes
There’s nothing quite like a classic French chocolate cake - a delicious staple of French home baking and a real favourite in our HeartSong Normandie kitchen too. This simple, rich and delicately soft chocolate cake (moelleux au chocolat in French) is loved by everyone here and often enjoyed on our tea breaks with our wonderful singing and well-being workshop and retreat guests.
This easy French chocolate cake recipe comes together quickly with just a few good-quality ingredients. You can serve it slightly warm with creme fraiche and a few fresh berries for an unforgettable dessert or serve it at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. Bon Appetit!
Ingredients
Perfect for a large gathering or group celebration
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8.8 oz (250 g) high-quality semi-sweet baking chocolate (55–60% cocoa)
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6 tablespoons milk
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1 cup (250 g) butter, diced (salted or unsalted)
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1⅓ cups (250 g) sugar
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cornflour/custard (or flan pâtissier powder)
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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4 large eggs, separated
1 tsp vanilla extract or rum
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1 pinch sea salt
Method
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line either one large rectangular baking dish (about 9×13 inches) or two 9-inch round springform pans.
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Melt the chocolate, vanilla extract/rum and milk together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Add the diced butter and stir gently until fully melted and glossy.
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Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar. Add the egg yolks one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Sift in the flour, cornflour/flan pâtissier/custard powder and cocoa powder and mix gently until combined.
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In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture in 2 to 3 additions, using a spatula to keep as much air in the batter as possible.
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Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s). Bake for 30–35 minutes for two smaller cakes or 35-40 minutes for one large cake. The top should have a delicate crust and a skewer/ toothpick inserted in the centre should come out mostly clean.
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Let the cake cool slightly before removing from the pan. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. This cake is delicious served on its own or with a dollop of creme fraiche and fresh berries. Bon Appetit!
HeartSong Normandie Kitchen Tips
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Use the best quality chocolate you can find for the richest flavour.
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Do not overbake - this cake should stay soft and slightly gooey in the middle.
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Whip the egg whites just until soft peaks form for the perfect airy texture.
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About HeartSong Normandie
"...a fabulous week. I had a wonderful time, as fun as it was relaxing (and they don't always go together) and have come back invigorated by the company, singing, sea air and outrageously good food. You're a great team with the gift of bringing people together and conjuring up something very special."
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