Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Electric mixer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the vanilla extract and cocoa powder and mix until combined.
6. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, brown sugar, and melted butter.
10. Pour the cream mixture over the batter and spread evenly.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 320
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour: whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour
- Unsalted butter: coconut oil or vegan butter
- Granulated sugar: coconut sugar or maple syrup
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- Walnuts: pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts
- Heavy cream: coconut cream or almond milk
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a tart twist.
- Substitute the walnuts for 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to spread the batter evenly in the pan to ensure even baking.
- To prevent the top from burning, cover the pan with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the plăcintă warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Pairings:
Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the plăcintă is too dry, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the batter before baking.
- If the plăcintă is too moist, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to store the plăcintă in an airtight container to prevent it from spoiling.
Food History:
Plăcintă is a traditional Romanian dessert that dates back to the 19th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This plăcintă has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Romanian
Taste: Rich, Sweet, Chocolatey, Decadent